Discover the free fishing days in 2024 for every state in the USA. Plan your fishing adventures with our comprehensive guide to the dates when you can fish without a license in each state, from Alabama to Wyoming. Find out the specific free fishing weekends and holidays in your state and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. Check the regulations and get helpful tips to make the most of the annual free fishing opportunities across the country.
| State | 2024 Free Fishing Days |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 2nd Saturday in June (June 8) |
| Alaska | Youth under 16 and seniors over 60 fish free year-round |
| Arizona | June 1 |
| Arkansas | June 7-9 |
| California | July 6 and August 31 |
| Colorado | June 1-2 |
| Connecticut | May 11, June 16, August 10 |
| Delaware | Dates TBA |
| Florida | April 6-7, June 8-9 (freshwater); June 1-2, Sept 7, Nov 30 (saltwater) |
| Georgia | June 1, June 8, September 28 |
| Hawaii | Year-round (marine) |
| Idaho | June 8 |
| Illinois | June 14-17 |
| Indiana | May 12, June 1-2, September 28 |
| Iowa | June 7-9 |
| Kansas | June 1-2 |
| Kentucky | Dates TBA |
| Louisiana | June 8-9 |
| Maine | February 17-18, June 1-2 |
| Maryland | June 1, June 8, July 4 |
| Massachusetts | June 1-2 |
| Michigan | February 17-18, June 8-9 |
| Minnesota | Fish free in most state parks year-round |
| Mississippi | June 1-2 |
| Missouri | June 8-9 |
| Montana | June 15-16 (Father’s Day weekend) |
| Nebraska | Dates TBA |
| Nevada | June 8 |
| New Hampshire | January 20, June 1 |
| New Jersey | June 1, October 19 |
| New Mexico | Dates TBA |
| New York | Feb 17-18, Jun 29-30, Sep 28, Nov 11 |
| North Carolina | July 4 |
| North Dakota | Dates TBA |
| Ohio | June 15-16 |
| Oklahoma | June 1-2 (paddlefish permit required) |
| Oregon | February 17-18, June 1-2, November 29-30 |
| Pennsylvania | May 26, July 4 |
| Rhode Island | Dates TBA |
| South Carolina | May 27, July 4 (freshwater only) |
| South Dakota | May 17-19 |
| Tennessee | June 8 |
| Texas | June 1, 2024 |
| Utah | June 8 |
| Vermont | June 8 |
| Virginia | June 7-9 |
| Washington | June 8-9 |
| West Virginia | June 8-9 |
| Wisconsin | January 20, June 1-2 |
| Wyoming | June 1 |
Discover when and where you can fish for free in Arkansas during 2024. Get the dates, locations, and expert tips to make the most of your free fishing experience. Ensure you have the proper licenses for the rest of the year with our comprehensive guide.
Fishing is a beloved pastime in Alabama, offering a chance to enjoy the state’s stunning natural beauty while reeling in a variety of exciting fish species. If you’re eager to cast a line but don’t want to commit to purchasing
Discover everything you need to know about California’s Free Fishing Days in 2024, including dates, top locations, tips, and licensing requirements. Get ready for an unforgettable angling adventure!
Discover the 6 Free Fishing Days in New York for 2024, top fishing spots, expert tips, and everything you need to know about fishing licenses and regulations. Get hooked on the ultimate angling adventure!
Discover when and where to fish for free in Alaska during 2024 without a license. Get dates, top fishing locations, tips for a successful trip, and licensing info.
Fishing is a beloved pastime in Arizona, offering a chance to enjoy the state’s stunning natural beauty while reeling in a variety of exciting fish species. If you’re eager to cast a line but don’t want to commit to purchasing
As the warm summer breeze carries the scent of saltwater and adventure, Delaware’s annual Free Fishing Days beckon anglers of all ages and skill levels to experience the thrill of the catch. Organized by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources
A free fishing day is a designated day when anyone can fish without needing to purchase a fishing license. These days are designed to encourage people to try fishing and enjoy the outdoors. However, all other fishing regulations, such as size and bag limits, still apply.
The number of free fishing days varies by state. Most states offer 1-2 free fishing weekends, often around National Fishing and Boating Week in June. Some states like New York and California have up to 6 free fishing days spread throughout the year in 2024.
No, you do not need a fishing license to fish on a state’s designated free fishing day. This applies to both residents and non-residents. It’s a great opportunity to try fishing without the commitment of purchasing a license. Remember to check the specific dates for your state.
California has set their free fishing days for Saturday, July 6 and Saturday, August 31 in 2024. On these two Saturdays, anyone can fish without a sport fishing license. All other regulations like bag limits, gear restrictions, and stream closures still apply.
Free fishing days waive the license requirement for freshwater fishing in that state, so you can fish in any public body of water that is open to fishing. This includes lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. However, some states exclude certain premium fishing areas or activities like salmon fishing.
Many states offer free fishing clinics and derbies on their free fishing days or weekends. These are great opportunities to learn fishing skills, get familiar with equipment and regulations, and enjoy the community aspect of fishing. Check with your state’s fish and wildlife department for free fishing events near you.
