OK, anglers. It’s that time! Time to introduce your travel partner, child, or grandchildren to the joys of fishing, and if you act fast you can fish for free. Many U.S. states allow both fishing pros and novices a chance to fish without a license, and for many places, these special free fishing days happen during the first weekend in June.
Free U.S. fishing days
Alabama
June 1-9, 2024
Alaska
Residents under 18 and over 60 as well as disabled veterans fish for free year-round; other residents are required to have a fishing license.
Arizona
June 1, 2024
Arkansas
June 7-9, 2024
California
July 6 and August 31, 2024
Colorado
June 1-2, 2024
Connecticut
June 16, 2024, August 10, 2024
D.C.
June 1-9, 2024
Delaware
June 1 and 2, 2024
Florida
June 8-9 (freshwater); June 1-2, Sept. 7 and Nov. 30, 2024 (saltwater)
Georgia
June 1, June 8, and September 28, 2024
Hawaii
365 days a year (marine)
Idaho
Second Saturday every June. June 8, 2024
Illinois
June 14 – 17, 2024
Indiana
June 1-2, and September 28, 2024
Iowa
June 7-9, 2024
Kansas
June 1-2, 2024
Kentucky
June 1-2, 2024
Louisiana
June 8-9, 2024
Maine
June 1-2, 2024
Maryland
June 1, June 8 and July 4, 2024
Massachusetts
June 1-2, 2024
Michigan
June 8-9, 2024
Minnesota
Residents can fish without a fishing license in most state parks year-round.
Mississippi
June 1-2, 2024
Missouri
June 8-9, 2024
Montana
June 15-16 (Father’s Day weekend every year)
Nevada
June 8, 2024
New Hampshire
June 1, 2024
New Jersey
June 1 and October 19, 2024
New Mexico
June 1 and 2, 2024, and September 28 and 29, 2024
New York
June 29-30, 2024, September 28, 2024 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), November 11, 2024 (Veterans Day)
North Carolina
July 4, 2024 Independence Day
North Dakota
June 1-2, 2024 and December 28-29, 2024
Ohio
June 15-16, 2024
Oklahoma
June 1-2, 2024 (a free paddlefish permit is still required)
Oregon
June 1 and 2, 2024, and November 29 and 30, 2024
Pennsylvania
July 4, 2024
South Carolina
July 4, 2024 (freshwater only)
Tennessee
June 8-16, 2024
Texas
June 1, 2024
Utah
June 8, 2024
Vermont
June 8, 2024
Virginia
June 7–9, 2024
Washington
“Free Fishing Weekend” is June 8-9, 2024
West Virginia
June 8-9, 2024
Wisconsin
June 1-2, 2024
Wyoming
First Saturday in June. June 1, 2024
Check out this website for more information.
WooHoo..Hookup !!
Thanks for the info Gail !
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 I wonder why this happens in any state and even moreso why every state does this? Interesting to see such consistency nationwide. Thanks again, enjoy the fishing, and safe travels! 🙂
As usual, Florida is a wee bit more complicated. IF you’re a Florida resident-In freshwater, the ‘cane pole law’ allows a FL resident to fish in the county of his/her residency without a license. The angler can use live or natural bait and poles or hand lines that are not equipped with a reel, for non commercial purposes only. There’s another angle I’m heading for Professor G to check out and will list separately.
Here’s the other complication in Florida fishing law. IF you’re a resident- Florida residents age 65 or older only need a Florida Driver License or Identification Card to prove residency and age for fishing without a license. If you’re a snowbird tho you are limited as it says above.