What are the Free Fishing Days in 2024? A Guide to Celebrating National Fishing and Boating Week

Get ready, anglers! Free Fishing Days are just around the corner in 2024. Nearly every state offers some kind of free fishing day, where licenses are not required to fish. These days give folks who otherwise might not be able to afford licenses or are just dipping their toes into fishing to give it a try. Many of these dates coincide with the summer months, making them a great way for traveling anglers to explore a state’s waters without having to invest in a non-resident license.

When are the Free Fishing Days in 2024?

The dates for Free Fishing Days vary by state, but most fall within the summer months. Here’s a quick overview of when you can fish for free in 2024:

Alabama: Second Saturday in June – June 8th
Alaska: Youth anglers (under age 15) and seniors (61 ) fish for free year-round
Arizona: First Saturday in June – June 1st
Arkansas: Second Full weekend in June – June 14-16th
California: First Saturday in July – July 6th
Colorado: First weekend of June – June 1-2nd
Connecticut: Free Fishing Day – May 11th, Free 1-day licenses – June 16th, August 10th
District of Columbia: May 27 – June 2
Delaware: First weekend of June – June 1-2nd
Florida: First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April (freshwater) – April 6-7. Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June (freshwater) – June 8-9. First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June (saltwater) – June 1-2. First Saturday in September (saltwater) – Sept 7th. Saturday following Thanksgiving (saltwater) – Nov 30th.
Georgia: June 1st
Hawaii: Year-round (Saltwater)
Idaho: Second Saturday every June – June 8th
Illinois: Father’s Day weekend in June – June 15-18th
Indiana: First Sunday in May – May 5th, First weekend in June – June 1-2, National Hunting and Fishing Day – Sept 28th
Iowa: First Friday, Saturday, and Sunday that land in June – June 7-9th
Kansas: First weekend in June – June 1-2nd
Kentucky: First full weekend in June – June 1-2nd
Louisiana: Second Saturday and Sunday in June – June 8-9th
Maine: Presidents Day Weekend – Feb 17-18th, First Weekend in June – June 1-2nd
Maryland: First two Saturdays in June – June 1st and 8th, 4th of July
Massachusetts: First Saturday & Sunday in June (Freshwater) – June 1-2nd, Fathers Day weekend June (Saltwater) – June 15-16th
Michigan: Feb 17-18th, June 8-9th
Minnesota: Take a Mom Fishing Weekend (MN resident moms fish free) – May 11-12th, Take a Kid Fishing Weekend (MN residents 16 fish free with kids under 16) – June 7-9th, Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend (MN residents 16 fish free with kids under 16) – Jan. 18-20th, 2024
Missouri: Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June – June 8-9th
Montana: Father’s Day weekend – June 15-16th
Nebraska: Free Fishing Day – May 25th
Nevada: Second Saturday in June – Jun 8th
New Hampshire: Third Saturday in January – Jan 20th, First Saturday in June – June 1st
New Jersey: June 1st, October 19th
New Mexico: First Saturday in June – June 1st, Last Saturday in September – Sept 28th
New York: February 17-18th, June 22-23rd, September 28th, November 11th
North Carolina: July 4th
North Dakota: First weekend in June – June 1-2nd, Last weekend in December – Dec 28-29th
Ohio: Father’s Day Weekend – June 15-16th
Oklahoma: First Weekend in June – June 1-2nd
Oregon: President’s Day Weekend – Feb 17-18th, First Weekend in June – June 1-2nd, Thanksgiving Weekend – Nov 29-30th
Pennsylvania: Sunday before Memorial Day – May 26th, Independence Day – July 4th
Rhode Island: First Weekend in May (Freshwater Fishing only) – May 4-5th
South Carolina: Memorial Day – May 27th, Independence Day – July 4th
South Dakota: May 11th, May 17-19th, June 16th
Tennessee: Saturday of the first full week in June – June 8th
Texas: First Saturday in June – June 1st
Utah: June 8th
Vermont: Fourth Saturday in January – Jan 27th, Second Saturday in June – June 8th
Virginia: First full weekend in June – June 1-3rd
Washington State: First weekend after the first Monday in June – June 1-2nd, June 9th
West Virginia: Second Saturday and Sunday in June – June 8-9th
Wisconsin: Winter Free Fishing weekend – Third weekend in January – Jan 20-21st, Summer Free Fishing weekend – First Saturday and Sunday in June – June 1-2nd
Wyoming: First Saturday in June – June 1st

What is National Fishing and Boating Week?

National Fishing and Boating Week is an annual celebration that takes place in early June. In 2024, the event will be held from June 1-9. The purpose of this week is to encourage people to get outdoors, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the many benefits of fishing and boating.

During National Fishing and Boating Week, many states offer free fishing days, which allow anglers to fish without a license. This is a great opportunity for beginners to try fishing for the first time or for experienced anglers to introduce someone new to the sport.

There are many ways to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week:

Find places to fish and boat near you using interactive maps
Learn new fishing techniques and tips from pros
Share your favorite fishing and boating memories on social media using the hashtag #NFBW2024
Watch instructional videos on how to cast, tie knots, and make fishing rigs
Explore the benefits of fishing and boating, such as stress relief and quality time with loved ones

Participating in National Fishing and Boating Week events also helps fund efforts to conserve our natural waterways. When you buy a fishing license or register a boat, a portion of those sales goes towards state conservation programs, including fisheries management, habitat protection, and fishing education.

So whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, take advantage of the free fishing days and celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week in 2024. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, make memories with family and friends, and support the conservation of our precious natural resources.