Free fishing days by state

Alabama

2026

• Jun 13 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

No license needed on public waters, saltwater included (no reef fish endorsement). State Public Fishing Lakes still need a permit; park entry fees apply.

Source: Free Fishing Day | Outdoor Alabama (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Alaska

We found no statewide free fishing day on the agency's site as of Oct 15, 2026. Licenses are required for residents 18+ and nonresidents 16+; residents 60+ get a free permanent ID.

Source: Sport Fishing Licenses and King Salmon Stamps, Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Alaska Department of Fish and Game), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Arizona

2026

• Jun 6 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

No license on state and community waters; not private, tribal waters or CAP canals. Bag limits apply. Kids under 10 always free.

Source: Saturday, June 6 is Free Fishing Day! (Arizona Game and Fish Department), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Arkansas

2026

• Jun 12–14 Free Fishing Weekend (noon Fri to midnight Sun) · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and nonresidents; no license or trout permit. Creel and length limits apply; youth/mobility-impaired-only areas stay restricted.

Source: Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend June 12-14, family fishing derbies June 13 (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission), checked Oct 15, 2026.

California

2026

• Jul 4 Free Fishing Day · passed
• Sep 5 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

• Jul 3 Free Fishing Day
• Sep 4 Free Fishing Day

No sport fishing license. Bag/size limits, gear rules, closures apply; report cards still needed for steelhead, sturgeon, Smith/Klamath-Trinity salmon.

Source: Celebrate America's 250th with One of Our Oldest Pastimes — California Free Fishing Day is July 4 (California Department of Fish and Wildlife), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Colorado

2026

• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Weekend · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and nonresidents, all ages; fishing license and Habitat Stamp waived. Bag and size limits still apply.

Source: Experience world-class fishing in Colorado for free, June 6-7 | Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Colorado Parks and Wildlife), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Connecticut

2026

• May 9 Free Fishing Day (no license) · passed
• Jun 21 Free Fishing License Day 1 · passed
• Aug 8 Free Fishing License Day 2 · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

May 9 needs no license. June 21 and Aug 8 require a free 1-day license from the online system, available 3 weeks ahead.

Source: Fisheries Licenses, Permits, and Related Products (Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Delaware

2026

• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Days · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Fish, crab and clam without a license, but anglers 16+ still need a free FIN number. Fishing guide misprinted dates as June 7-8.

Source: DNREC Announces June 6 and 7 Will be Free Fishing Days in Delaware Waters (Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)), checked Oct 15, 2026.

District of Columbia

We found no statewide free fishing day on the agency's site as of Oct 15, 2026. Under 16 and 65+ never need a license.

Source: Get a Fishing License | doee (DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Fisheries and Wildlife Division), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Florida

2026

• Apr 4–5 License-free freshwater fishing weekend · passed
• Jun 13–14 License-free freshwater fishing weekend · passed
• Jun 6–7 License-free saltwater fishing weekend (from the state's fixed schedule) · passed
• Sep 5 License-free saltwater fishing day (from the state's fixed schedule) · passed
• Nov 28 License-free saltwater fishing day (from the state's fixed schedule)

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and nonresidents; license waived, snook/lobster permits too on salt days. Seasons, bag and size limits apply.

Source: License-Free Fishing Days | FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Georgia

2026

• Jun 6 Free Fishing Day (National Fishing and Boating Week) · passed
• Jun 13 Free Fishing Day (National Fishing and Boating Week) · passed
• Sep 26 Free Fishing Day (National Hunting and Fishing Day) (source) · passed

2027

• Jun 5 Free Fishing Day (National Fishing and Boating Week) (source)
• Jun 12 Free Fishing Day (National Fishing and Boating Week) (source)
• Sep 25 Free Fishing Day (National Hunting and Fishing Day) (source)

Georgia residents only; no fishing license, trout license (or Lands Pass in June) on public waters including Public Fishing Areas.

Source: National Fishing and Boating Week Returns June 6-14 (Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Hawaii

We found no statewide free fishing day on the agency's site as of Oct 15, 2026. A freshwater game fishing license is required (under 9 exempt; 65+ free license).

Source: Freshwater Game Fishing License (Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Idaho

2026

• Jun 13 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

• Jun 12 Free Fishing Day

No license needed. Creel limits, opening dates and tackle restrictions still apply.

Source: Free Fishing Day | Idaho Fish and Game (Idaho Department of Fish and Game), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Illinois

2026

• Jun 19–22 Free Fishing Days · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Anyone may fish without a license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp, including Illinois waters of Lake Michigan.

Source: Illinois Free Fishing Days (Illinois Department of Natural Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Indiana

2026

• May 10 Free Fishing Day · passed
• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Days · passed
• Sep 26 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Indiana residents only; no license or trout/salmon stamp on public waters. Seasons, bag and size limits apply.

Source: Fish and Wildlife: Free Fishing Days (Indiana Department of Natural Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Iowa

2026

• Jun 5–7 Free Fishing Weekend · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Iowa residents may fish without a license; all other regulations remain in place.

Source: Take the Tackle Along on all your summer outdoor adventures (Iowa Department of Natural Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Kansas

2026

• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Days · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

No Kansas fishing license needed; length limits, creel limits and other fishing rules still apply.

Source: KDWP Announces Free Fishing and State Park Entrance Days for 2026 (Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Kentucky

2026

• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Weekend · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and visitors, all ages; no license or trout permit. Size and catch limits apply; private waters need owner permission.

Source: Kentucky free fishing weekend is June 6-7 - Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Louisiana

2026

• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Weekend · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and visitors need no license; size, season, catch and gear rules apply; free offshore landing permit (ROLP) still needed for offshore species.

Source: Louisiana’s Annual Free Fishing Weekend to be Held June 6-7 (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Maine

2026

• Feb 14–15 Free Fishing Weekend (winter) · passed
• May 30–31 Free Fishing Weekend · passed

2027

• Feb 13–14 Free Fishing Weekend (winter)
• Jun 5–6 Free Fishing Weekend

Anyone may fish without a license except people whose license is suspended or revoked; all other laws and rules apply.

Source: License Requirements and Fees: Laws & Rules: Fishing: Fishing & Boating: Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Maryland

2026

• Jun 6 License-Free Fishing Day · passed
• Jun 13 License-Free Fishing Day · passed
• Jul 4 License-Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and visitors need no license, trout stamp or registration, tidal and nontidal waters; size and catch limits still apply.

Source: Anglers Can Explore Maryland's Diverse Waters During License-Free Fishing Days (Maryland Department of Natural Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Massachusetts

2026

• May 10 Free Saltwater Fishing Day · passed
• Jun 6–7 Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend · passed
• Jun 21 Free Saltwater Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Freshwater weekend: no license for any public lake, pond, reservoir, stream or river; catch limits and other rules apply. Saltwater days listed separately.

Source: June 6–7, 2026 is Free Fishing Weekend! (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife)), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Michigan

2026

• Feb 14–15 Winter Free Fishing Weekend · passed
• Jun 13–14 Summer Free Fishing Weekend (Three Free Weekend) · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and nonresidents, inland and Great Lakes, all species; license fees waived; all fishing rules apply; Recreation Passport not needed.

Source: Free Fishing Weekend (Michigan Department of Natural Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Minnesota

2026

• Jan 17–19 Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend (Minnesotans fishing with a kid 15 or younger) · passed
• May 9–10 Take a Mom Fishing Weekend (Minnesota moms fish free) · passed
• Jun 2–8 No license needed during license-sales pause (one-time, 2026) (source) · passed
• Jun 5–7 Take a Kid Fishing Weekend (Minnesotans fishing with a kid 15 or younger) · passed

2027

• Jan 16–18 Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend
• May 8–9 Take a Mom Fishing Weekend
• Jun 4–6 Take a Kid Fishing Weekend

Mom and Kid weekends are for Minnesota residents only; the June 2-8, 2026 pause covered all anglers; seasons and bag limits apply.

Source: Fishing seasons | Minnesota DNR (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Mississippi

2026

• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Days · passed
• Jul 4 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Mississippi residents only. June: state lake and state park lake permits waived too. July 4: those lake permits still required.

Source: Free Fishing Days | Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Missouri

2026

• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Days · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Anyone may fish state waters without fishing permit, trout permit or daily tag; size and daily limits apply; local areas may charge fees.

Source: Get hooked on fishing with MDC Free Fishing Days June 6 and 7 (Missouri Department of Conservation), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Montana

2026

• May 9–10 Free Fishing Mother's Day Weekend · passed
• Jun 20–21 Free Fishing Father's Day Weekend · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and nonresidents, no license; all rules apply. Paddlefish and bull trout still need licenses plus tag or catch card.

Source: 2026 Montana Fishing Regulations (page 13, 'Free Fishing Mother's Day and Father's Day Weekends') (Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Nebraska

2026

• May 16 Free Fishing and Park Entry Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

No fishing permit or park entry permit needed that day; fishing rules apply; camping, lodging and other fees still charged.

Source: Free Fishing and Park Entry Day is May 16 (Nebraska Game and Parks Commission), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Nevada

2026

• Jun 13 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

No license needed for adults or children on any public water; all limits and other rules apply.

Source: Free Fishing Day 2026 - Boulder City - Nevada Department of Wildlife (Nevada Department of Wildlife), checked Oct 15, 2026.

New Hampshire

2026

• Jan 17 Winter Free Fishing Day · passed
• Jun 6 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and nonresidents may fish anywhere without a license; all other rules apply; tournament anglers still need a license.

Source: Free Fishing Day in New Hampshire Is Saturday, June 6 (New Hampshire Fish and Game Department), checked Oct 15, 2026.

New Jersey

2026

• Jun 6 Free Fishing Day · passed
• Sep 26 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Fish public fresh waters without a license or trout stamp; size and daily limits apply. Sunday June 7 needs license.

Source: Fish & Wildlife (Free Fishing Days) (New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDEP)), checked Oct 15, 2026.

New Mexico

2026

• Sep 26–27 Free Fishing Weekend · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Anyone may fish public waters without a license; bag limits and all other rules apply.

Source: Free Fishing Weekend set for Sept. 26-27 across New Mexico (New Mexico Department of Wildlife), checked Oct 15, 2026.

New York

2026

• Feb 14–15 Free Fishing Days · passed
• Jun 27–28 Free Fishing Weekend · passed
• Sep 26 Free Fishing Day (National Hunting and Fishing Day) · passed
• Nov 11 Free Fishing Day (Veterans Day)

2027

Not posted yet.

Freshwater license requirement waived; all other fishing rules remain in effect.

Source: Governor Hochul and DEC Announce 2026 Free Freshwater Fishing Days in New York (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation), checked Oct 15, 2026.

North Carolina

2026

• Jul 4 Free Fishing Day (July 4, every year) (set in state law) · passed

2027

• Jul 4 Free Fishing Day (July 4, every year) (set in state law)

State law makes July 4 a free fishing day every year: no hook-and-line license on public waters; all other rules apply.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. 113-276(m) (North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission), checked Oct 15, 2026.

North Dakota

2026

• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Weekend · passed
• Dec 26–27 Ice Fishing Free Fishing Days

2027

• Jun 5–6 Free Fishing Days
• Dec 26–27 Free Fishing Days

Residents only: no resident fishing license needed. Residents under 16 never need one. Nonresidents are not covered.

Source: 2026-28 Fishing Regulations | North Dakota Game and Fish (North Dakota Game and Fish Department), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Ohio

2026

• Jun 20–21 Free Fishing Days · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Ohio residents may fish public waters, including Lake Erie, without a license. Size and daily limits still apply.

Source: Fish for Free Across Ohio on June 20 and 21 (Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Oklahoma

2027

• Jun 5–6 Free Fishing Days

Anyone may fish without a state license. The free paddlefish permit is still required. Some city permits may still be required.

Source: Regulation Changes | Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Oregon

2026

• Feb 14–15 Free Fishing Weekend (Presidents Day weekend) · passed
• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Weekend · passed
• Nov 27–28 Free Fishing Days (Thanksgiving weekend)

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and nonresidents; no licenses, tags, endorsements or validations needed. Closures, bag and size limits still apply.

Source: Family fishing events & Free Fishing Weekends (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Pennsylvania

2026

• May 24 Fish-for-Free Day · passed
• Jul 4 Fish-for-Free Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and nonresidents; no license, Trout/Salmon permit or Lake Erie permit needed. All other fishing regulations apply.

Source: Fishing Regulations | Fish and Boat Commission | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Rhode Island

2026

• May 2–3 Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend · passed
• Jul 24–26 Governor's Bay Day license-free saltwater fishing · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Freshwater weekend: residents and visitors, no license or trout stamp. Bay Day: no saltwater license. Size and possession limits apply.

Source: 60,000 Fish Stocked in Over 100 Waterbodies (Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife), checked Oct 15, 2026.

South Carolina

2026

• May 25 Free Fishing Day (Memorial Day) (set in state law) · passed
• Jul 4 Free Fishing Day (July 4) (set in state law) · passed

2027

• May 31 Free Fishing Day (Memorial Day)
• Jul 4 Free Fishing Day (July 4)

Residents only, freshwater only (S.C. Code 50-9-730). Nonresidents and saltwater are not covered.

Source: 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing Laws and Regulations (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

South Dakota

2026

• May 15–17 Free Fishing Weekend · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

No fishing license required; regulations and limits still apply (per GFP's earlier event page). Same weekend as State Parks Open House.

Source: 2026 South Dakota Fishing Handbook (South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Tennessee

2026

• Jun 6 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day · passed
• Jun 6–12 Free Fishing Week (ages 15 and under) · passed

2027

• Jun 12 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day
• Jun 12–18 Free Fishing Week (ages 15 and under)

Everyone, any age, without a license, in public waters, TWRA lakes and state parks. Private pay lakes may charge; Tellico River section closed mornings.

Source: Tennessee's Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day June 6 (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Texas

2026

• Jun 6 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Texans and out-of-state visitors, no license, on public waterways. Fishing is also free year-round in Texas state parks.

Source: News Release: June 3, 2026: Free Fishing Day in Texas is Set for June 6 (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Utah

2026

• Jun 6 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Anyone may fish any public waterbody in Utah without a license.

Source: Great places to go fishing on Memorial Day weekend and Free Fishing Day on June 6 (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Vermont

2026

• Jan 31 Free Ice Fishing Day · passed
• Jun 13 Summer Free Fishing Day · passed
• Sep 5–7 Free Mentored Fishing Weekend (unlicensed 15+ must fish with a licensed mentor) · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and nonresidents may fish without a license. Mentored weekend: one licensed angler may take up to four unlicensed anglers aged 15+.

Source: Vermont's Summer Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 13 (Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Virginia

2026

• Jun 5–7 Free Fishing Days · passed
• Sep 25–27 Fall Free Fishing Days (first year) · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

No license for rod-and-reel fishing in fresh or salt water; no facilities use permit. All other rules apply; fee fishing areas still charge.

Source: Inaugural Fall Free Fishing Days in Virginia: September 25–27, 2026 (Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Washington

2026

• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Weekend · passed

2027

• Jun 12–13 Free Fishing Weekend

No license for many species. Licenses are still required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish. All other rules apply.

Source: Free Fishing Weekend | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife), checked Oct 15, 2026.

West Virginia

2026

• Jun 13–14 Free Fishing Days · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Residents and nonresidents may fish public waters without buying a fishing license.

Source: West Virginia Free Fishing Days (West Virginia Division of Natural Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Wisconsin

2026

• Jan 17–18 Winter Free Fishing Weekend · passed
• Jun 6–7 Free Fishing Weekend · passed

2027

• Jan 16–17 Winter Free Fishing Weekend

Residents and nonresidents, no license. Bag, size and species rules remain; check trout regulations for exceptions.

Source: Fishing seasons | Wisconsin DNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources), checked Oct 15, 2026.

Wyoming

2026

• Jun 6 Free Fishing Day · passed

2027

Not posted yet.

Anyone, no license, except Wind River Reservation and Yellowstone. Creel and size limits, gear rules and stream closures remain in effect.

Source: Wyoming Free Fishing Day is June 6, events planned throughout state (Wyoming Game and Fish Department), checked Oct 15, 2026.