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Free Fishing Days
Plan your fishing adventures with confidence using this revised guide to license-free fishing opportunities across the U.S. in 2025. Dates have been verified against state agency announcements and adjusted for weekend alignment. Always confirm local regulations before heading out.
Key Updates for 2025
- National Fishing and Boating Week (June 1–8, 2025) aligns with free fishing days in many states, including Alabama, Arkansas, and Virginia.
- Exceptions apply: Some states (e.g., Alabama, Texas) still require permits for specific locations or species.
- Regulations remain in effect: Bag/size limits and gear restrictions apply even on free days.
State-by-State Free Fishing Days
| State | 2025 Free Fishing Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | June 7 | Part of National Fishing & Boating Week; excludes State Public Fishing Lakes |
| Alaska | Year-round for youth under 16 and seniors over 60 | No license required for qualifying groups |
| Arizona | June 7 | First Saturday in June |
| Arkansas | June 6–8 | Typically aligns with National Fishing Week |
| California | July 5 & August 30 | First Saturday in July and last Saturday in August |
| Colorado | May 31–June 1 | First weekend in June |
| Connecticut | May 10, June 15, August 9 | Free 1-day licenses required for June/August dates |
| Delaware | TBA (Likely June 7–8) | Follows National Fishing Week pattern |
| Florida | Freshwater: Apr 5–6, Jun 14–15 Saltwater: Jun 7–8, Sept 6, Nov 29 |
Separate dates for freshwater/saltwater |
| Georgia | June 7, June 14, Sept 27 | Aligned with 2024 pattern and National Hunting/Fishing Day |
| Hawaii | Year-round (marine) | No license required for saltwater |
| Idaho | June 14 | Second Saturday in June |
| Illinois | June 13–16 | Third weekend in June (inferred from 2024) |
| Indiana | May 10–11, May 31–Jun 1, Sept 27 | Adjusted for weekends |
| Iowa | June 6–8 | First full weekend in June |
| Kansas | May 31–Jun 1 | First weekend in June |
| Kentucky | TBA (Likely Jun 7–8) | Follows 2024 Father’s Day weekend pattern |
| Louisiana | June 7–8 | Second weekend in June |
| Maine | Feb 15–16, May 31–Jun 1 | Presidents’ Day & first June weekend |
| Maryland | Jun 7, Jun 14, Jul 4 | First two Saturdays in June + Independence Day |
| Michigan | Feb 15–16, Jun 7–8 | Third February weekend + first June weekend |
| Minnesota | Year-round in state parks | No license needed in designated areas |
| Missouri | Jun 7–8 | Second weekend in June |
| Montana | Jun 14–15 | Father’s Day weekend |
| Nevada | Jun 7 | First Saturday in June |
| New York | Feb 15–16, Jun 28–29, Sept 27, Nov 11 | Confirmed 2025 dates |
| Ohio | Jun 14–15 | Third weekend in June |
| Oregon | Feb 15–16, Jun 7–8, Nov 29–30 | President’s Day, National Fishing Week, Thanksgiving |
| Texas | May 31 | First Saturday in June |
| Utah | Jun 7 | Confirmed for 2025 |
| Virginia | Jun 6–8 | National Fishing & Boating Week |
| Washington | Jun 7–8 | First weekend in June |
| Wisconsin | Jan 18–19, May 31–Jun 1 | Third January weekend + first June weekend |
Tips for 2025 Free Fishing Days
- Verify dates locally: Some states finalize dates closer to the event (e.g., Delaware, Kentucky).
- Check exceptions: Alabama and Texas require permits for specific locations/species even on free days.
- Attend clinics: Many states host learn-to-fish events during these dates.
- Explore state parks: Minnesota and others offer year-round free fishing in parks.
Pro Tip: Use free days to introduce newcomers to fishing – 84% of anglers started before age 12.
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