🧭 Why Free Fishing Days Matter
Whether you’re a curious beginner, a traveler without a license, or planning a family-friendly outdoor activity—Free Fishing Days are the golden opportunities to cast a line legally without a license. Each U.S. state designates specific days when fishing licenses and permits are waived, encouraging more people to try the sport.
⚠️ Legal Note: All other fishing regulations still apply, including size limits, gear restrictions, and species rules. Always check your state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the latest updates.
📆 Free Fishing Day 2025 U.S. Calendar (State-by-State)
| State | Free Fishing Day(s) 2025 | Kid-Friendly Events? |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | June 7 (National Fishing & Boating Week) | ✅ |
| Alaska | June 1–2 (Residents Only) | ✅ Ice fishing demos |
| Arizona | June 7 | ✅ Beginners’ fishing clinics |
| Arkansas | June 7–9 | ✅ |
| California | July 6 & August 31 | ✅ Family fishing fairs |
| Colorado | June 7–8 | ✅ Trout ponds open |
| Connecticut | May 11 & June 16 | ✅ Urban angler events |
| Florida | June 1–2 (Saltwater), June 8–9 (Freshwater) | ✅ Fishing tournaments |
| Georgia | June 1, June 8–9 | ✅ |
| Hawaii | Year-Round for Recreational Shoreline | ✅ |
| Idaho | June 8 | ✅ Equipment provided |
| Illinois | June 14–17 | ✅ Kids’ derby days |
| Indiana | May 11, June 1, June 15–16 | ✅ Family river camps |
| Iowa | June 7–9 | ✅ Pond fishing fun |
| Kansas | June 7–8 | ✅ |
| Kentucky | June 7–8 | ✅ |
| Louisiana | June 8–9 | ✅ Bayou fishing clinics |
| Maine | June 1–2 | ✅ |
| Maryland | June 1, June 8, July 4 | ✅ |
| Massachusetts | June 1–2 | ✅ |
| Michigan | February 15–16, June 8–9 | ✅ Ice & summer fishing |
| Minnesota | May 10 (Mother’s Day Weekend), June 8–9 | ✅ Family bass events |
| Mississippi | June 1–2 | ✅ |
| Missouri | June 7–8 | ✅ |
| Montana | June 15–16 | ✅ |
| Nebraska | May 17 | ✅ Archery + fishing fest |
| Nevada | June 8 | ✅ Urban pond programs |
| New Hampshire | January 20 (Ice), June 1 | ✅ |
| New Jersey | June 8 & October 19 | ✅ Trout days |
| New Mexico | June 1, September 28 | ✅ |
| New York | February 17–18, June 29–30, September 28 | ✅ Family-friendly weekends |
| North Carolina | July 4 | ✅ |
| North Dakota | June 1–2, December 28–29 | ✅ Ice & open water events |
| Ohio | June 15–16 | ✅ |
| Oklahoma | June 7–8 | ✅ Youth-only lakes open |
| Oregon | February 17–18, June 1–2, 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, June 8–9 | ✅ |
| Tennessee | June 7–13 | ✅ Extended free week |
| Texas | June 7 (State Parks Only) | ✅ Rod & reel loaner program |
| Utah | June 8 | ✅ |
| Vermont | June 8 | ✅ |
| Virginia | June 7–9 | ✅ |
| Washington | June 8–9 | ✅ |
| West Virginia | June 7–8 | ✅ |
| Wisconsin | January 20–21 (Ice), June 1–2 | ✅ |
| Wyoming | June 1 | ✅ |
👨👩👧 Family- and Beginner-Friendly Events
Many states make Free Fishing Days more than just a date. They turn them into community events, featuring:
- 🎯 Casting clinics
- 🐟 Catch-and-release ponds for kids
- 🎣 Rod and reel lending stations
- 🏞️ State park family festivals
- 🧃 Food trucks & giveaways
- 📸 Photo booths for first-time anglers
Top States with Kid-Friendly Free Fishing Events in 2025:
- Florida: Youth fishing tournaments + gear giveaways
- Indiana: “Family River Camp” weekend with DNR rangers
- Colorado: Trout pond & fly-tying demos
- Texas: Free fishing in all state parks with tackle loan programs
🎯 State-Sponsored Programs Supporting Free Fishing Days
Free Fishing Days aren’t just symbolic—they’re strategically backed by wildlife and conservation agencies to encourage outdoor recreation and responsible fishing.
Examples of Support Programs:
| Program Name | State | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Tackle Loaner Program | Texas | Free rod and reel borrowing |
| Urban Fishing Program | Arizona | City-park stocking events |
| Fishing in the City | California | Clinics + stocked lakes for urban youth |
| Go Fish Georgia! | Georgia | Online guides + beginner video tutorials |
| Discover Nature–Fishing | Missouri | Free multi-week beginner angler courses |
🔄 How to Prepare for Free Fishing Day 2025
Even though a license isn’t required, you still need to prepare to ensure a successful outing:
✅ Checklist:
- 🎟️ Check your state’s rules (bag limits, hours, species restrictions)
- 🧭 Find your nearest legal fishing spot (lakes, rivers, state parks)
- 🎣 Bring or borrow gear (consider state loaner programs!)
- 🐛 Pack bait & terminal tackle (hooks, bobbers, sinkers)
- 📱 Download a fishing ID app (e.g., FishAngler or Fishbrain)
- 🧒 Supervise kids under 16 and provide safety gear (life jackets, gloves)
📍 Bonus: Free Fishing Days During Vacations & Holidays
Want to fish during a holiday weekend or vacation?
| Holiday | States Offering Free Fishing |
|---|---|
| Memorial Day | Pennsylvania, South Carolina |
| Independence Day (July 4) | North Carolina, Maryland, South Carolina, Pennsylvania |
| Labor Day Weekend | California (August 31) |
| Winter Holidays | Wisconsin, North Dakota (Ice fishing days) |
🔗 Resources & Links
- TakeMeFishing.org Free Fishing Days
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Licensing Info
- Interactive Fishing Map (by state)
📝 Conclusion: Try Fishing Without the Paperwork!
Free Fishing Days in 2025 are the perfect chance to try angling for the first time—or introduce kids to the sport without worrying about license costs.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the peace of a lake, bond with your kids over trout, or try that new rod sitting in your garage, there’s no better time than a Free Fishing Day.
📆 Don’t forget to download our printable calendar and plan your trip in advance.
🎁 Tip: Bring sunscreen, snacks, and a camera—you just might capture someone’s first fish.