Most people know a fishing license is required to fish in the US. Each state has its own licensing system, and most have options for annual licenses, day licenses, and multi-day licenses. But, did you know that almost every state has at least one Fish for Free Day each year?
This is a day, or sometimes multiple days, when no license is required to fish.
These days are perfect for those who want to try fishing without the burden of buying a license. Especially if you’re not sure if fishing is your thing, these days are a great way to find out without spending the money.
Keep in mind that typically, all other regulations like bag and possession limits still apply. Additionally, it’s always best to double check your state’s written regulations before hitting the water without a license on these days, in case of any changes.
2019 Fish for Free Days
| Alabama | June 8 |
| Arkansas | June 7-9 |
| Arizona | June 1 |
| California | July 6 August 31 |
| Colorado | June 1-2 |
| Connecticut | May 11 |
| DC | June 1-9 |
| Delaware | June 1-2 |
| Florida | April 6-7 (freshwater) June 1-2 (saltwater) June 8-9 (freshwater) September 7 (saltwater) November 30 (saltwater) |
| Georgia | June 1 (8am-noon) June 8 (8am-noon) September 28 (8am-noon) |
| Hawaii | 365 days a year (marine) |
| Iowa | June 7-9 |
| Idaho | June 8 |
| Illinois | June 15-16 |
| Indiana | April 20 May 18 June 1-2 |
| Kansas | June 1-2 |
| Kentucky | June 1-2 |
| Louisiana | June 8-9 |
| Maine | June 1-2 |
| Maryland | June 1 June 8 July 4 |
| Massachusetts | June 1-2 (freshwater) June 15-16 (saltwater) |
| Michigan | June 8-9 |
| Minnesota | May 11-12 Mothers who are residents of MN June 7-9 Residents 16 or older who take a child 15 or under |
| Missouri | June 8-9 |
| Mississippi | June 1-2 July 4 (saltwater) |
| Montana | June 15-16 |
| North Carolina | July 4 |
| North Dakota | June 1-2 December 28-29 (ice fishing) |
| Nebraska | May 18 |
| New Hampshire | June 1 |
| New Jersey | June 8 October 19 |
| New Mexico | June 1 |
| New York | June 29-30 September 28 November 11 |
| Nevada | June 8 |
| Ohio | May 4-5 |
| Oklahoma | June 1-2 |
| Oregon | June 1-2 August 17-18 November 29-30 |
| Pennsylvania | May 26 July 4 |
| Rhode Island | May 4-5 (freshwater) |
| South Carolina | May 27 July 4 |
| South Dakota | May 17-19 |
| Tennessee | June 8 |
| Texas | June 1 |
| Utah | June 8 |
| Virginia | June 7-9 |
| Vermont | June 8 |
| Washington | June 8-9 |
| Wisconsin | June 1-2 |
| West Virginia | June 8-9 |
| Wyoming | June 1 |