What is National Free Fishing Day and When Can You Fish for Free in 2024?

National Fishing and Boating Week is an annual celebration that highlights the importance of recreational fishing and boating in enhancing our quality of life and preserving our country’s natural beauty. In 2024, this special week will take place from June 3-11. As part of this celebration, many states offer “free fishing days” where residents and visitors can fish without a license, making it an excellent opportunity for people to try out fishing for the first time or for experienced anglers to introduce a friend or family member to the sport.

While the specific dates vary by state, most free fishing days coincide with National Fishing and Boating Week. However, some states offer multiple free fishing weekends throughout the year, and a few even offer free fishing days in the winter for those who enjoy ice fishing.

Free Fishing Days by State in 2024

Here is a list of free fishing days for each state in 2024, along with the specific dates when available:

Alabama: Second Saturday in June. June 8, 2024.
Alaska: Residents under 18 and over 60 as well as disabled veterans fish for free year-round; other residents are required to have a fishing license.
Arizona: June 1, 2024.
Arkansas: June 7-9, 2024.
California: July 6 and August 31, 2024.
Colorado: June 1-2, 2024.
Connecticut: May 11 and June 8, 2024.
Delaware: June 1-2, 2024.
Florida: April 6-7 and June 8-9, 2024 (freshwater); June 1-2, September 7 and November 30, 2024 (saltwater).
Georgia: June 1, June 8, and September 28, 2024.
Hawaii: Free year-round (marine).
Idaho: June 8, 2024.
Illinois: June 14-17, 2024.
Indiana: May 12, June 1-2, and September 28, 2024.
Iowa: June 7-9, 2024.
Kansas: June 1-2, 2024.
Kentucky: TBA.
Louisiana: June 8-9, 2024.
Maine: February 17-18 and June 1-2, 2024.
Maryland: June 1, June 8, and July 4, 2024.
Massachusetts: June 1-2, 2024.
Michigan: February 17-18 and June 8-9, 2024.
Minnesota: Residents can fish without a fishing license in most state parks year-round.
Mississippi: June 1-2, 2024.
Missouri: June 8-9, 2024.
Montana: June 15-16, 2024 (Father’s Day weekend every year).
Nebraska: TBA.
Nevada: June 8, 2024.
New Hampshire: January 20 and June 1, 2024.
New Jersey: June 1 and October 19, 2024.
New Mexico: TBA.
New York: February 17-18, June 29-30, September 28, and November 11, 2024.
North Carolina: July 4, 2024 (same day every year).
North Dakota: TBA.
Ohio: June 15-16, 2024.
Oklahoma: June 1-2, 2024 (a free paddlefish permit is still required).
Oregon: February 17-18, June 1-2, and November 29-30, 2024.
Pennsylvania: May 26 and July 4, 2024.
Rhode Island: TBA.
South Carolina: May 27 and July 4, 2024 (freshwater only).
South Dakota: May 17-19, 2024.
Tennessee: June 8-16, 2024.
Texas: June 1, 2024.
Utah: June 8, 2024.
Vermont: TBA.
Virginia: June 7-9, 2024.
Washington: June 8-9, 2024 (applicable for catching certain species).
West Virginia: TBA.
Wisconsin: June 1-2, 2024.
Wyoming: June 1, 2024.

It’s important to note that while these free fishing days allow anglers to fish without a license, other rules and regulations still apply, such as area closures, bag limits, and the use of certain types of bait. Additionally, some states may require anglers to apply for a free one-day license prior to the free fishing weekend.

If you miss your state’s free fishing day, don’t worry – some states offer additional free fishing opportunities throughout the year. For example, National Fishing Day is celebrated on June 18, Independence Day is on July 4, and National Hunting and Fishing Day falls on September 24.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, free fishing days provide a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. So grab your fishing gear, find a nearby body of water, and take advantage of these special days in 2024!