Pennsylvania offers two opportunities each year for anglers to fish for free without a license. These “Fish-for-Free” days allow anyone, residents and non-residents alike, to legally fish in Pennsylvania’s waterways on designated days with no fishing license required.
Fish-for-Free Days in Pennsylvania for 2024
In 2024, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has designated the following days as Fish-for-Free:
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Thursday, July 4, 2024
On these dates, no fishing license is needed to fish Pennsylvania’s waterways. However, a trout/salmon permit is still required to fish for trout, and a Lake Erie permit is still required for anglers fishing in Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie and its tributaries.
All other fishing regulations, such as seasons, sizes, and creel limits, still apply on Fish-for-Free Days. Anglers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the regulations before heading out.
Why Pennsylvania Offers Fish-for-Free Days
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers Fish-for-Free Days as a way to encourage people to experience fishing and to promote the sport of fishing in the state. By allowing anyone to fish without a license on these designated days, the Commission hopes to introduce new anglers to the sport and encourage lapsed anglers to get back on the water.
Fish-for-Free Days are also a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce friends and family to fishing without the need to purchase a license for them. It’s a perfect chance to take someone fishing who may be hesitant to invest in a license before trying the sport.
What You Need to Fish on Fish-for-Free Days
While no fishing license is required on Fish-for-Free Days, there are still a few things anglers need to keep in mind:
A trout/salmon permit is still required to fish for trout.
A Lake Erie permit is still required for anglers fishing in Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie and its tributaries.
All other fishing regulations, such as seasons, sizes, and creel limits, still apply.
Youth anglers under the age of 16 can fish for free every day in Pennsylvania, but they must have a Mentored Youth Fishing Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License to participate in special youth fishing opportunities.
Anglers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the regulations before heading out on Fish-for-Free Days. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission provides a handy summary of the regulations on their website.
How to Get a Fishing License in Pennsylvania
If you enjoy fishing on Fish-for-Free Days and want to continue fishing in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to purchase a fishing license. Licenses can be purchased online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s website, by phone, or from a licensed issuing agent.
The cost of a fishing license varies depending on the type of license and the angler’s age and residency status. Some common license options include:
Annual Resident Fishing License: $22.97
Annual Non-Resident Fishing License: $52.97
3-Day Tourist License: $26.97
1-Day Fishing License: $9.97
In addition to the basic fishing license, anglers may also need to purchase permits for certain types of fishing, such as trout/salmon fishing or fishing in the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie.
Licenses and permits can be purchased online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s website, by phone, or from a licensed issuing agent. Online purchases are convenient and allow anglers to print their license immediately or save it to a mobile device.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission also offers multi-year license options, which can save anglers money in the long run. Multi-year licenses are available in 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year increments.
Fishing licenses and permits are an important source of funding for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which uses the revenue to maintain and improve the state’s waterways, stock fish, and provide recreational opportunities for anglers.
In addition to the Fish-for-Free Days, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission also offers other opportunities for anglers to fish without a license, such as the Mentored Youth Fishing Days, which allow youth anglers to fish with a mentor who has a valid fishing license.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Pennsylvania’s Fish-for-Free Days are a great opportunity to enjoy the state’s abundant fishing resources. So grab your gear and head out to one of Pennsylvania’s many waterways on May 26 or July 4, 2024, and experience the thrill of fishing without the need for a license.