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.
| 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 |
Pro Tip: Use free days to introduce newcomers to fishing – 84% of anglers started before age 12.
Discover when and where to fish for free in Alaska during 2025 without a license. Get dates, top fishing locations, tips for a successful trip, and licensing info.
Discover when and where you can fish for free in Arkansas during 2025. 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.
Discover the 6 Free Fishing Days in New York for 2025, top fishing spots, expert tips, and everything you need to know about fishing licenses and regulations. Get hooked on the ultimate angling adventure!
Delaware’s annual Free Fishing Days offer a unique opportunity for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to experience the state’s rich aquatic resources without the need for a fishing license. Organized by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), these designated days allow residents and non-residents alike to cast their lines in Delaware’s
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 […]
Arizona’s Free Fishing Days in 2025 are just around the corner, offering anglers a rare opportunity to enjoy the state’s vast and diverse fishing spots without the usual license requirement. This special event invites both experienced anglers and first-timers to cast their lines and experience some of the best fishing in the country. If you’ve
Discover everything you need to know about California’s Free Fishing Days in 2025, including dates, top locations, tips, and licensing requirements. Get ready for an unforgettable angling adventure!
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 2025.
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 2025. 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.