Enjoy the Great Outdoors with FREE Fishing Days

Updated for 2022!

Fishing is a way of life where I live in Sussex County, NJ. Families love taking advantage of gorgeous Lake Hopatcong during every season to spend the day fishing. Whether it’s from a dock, a boat or a bridge, families love casting their line and waiting for the perfect catch. In my post listing the benefits of fishing I shared how this sport is not only fun but it also enhances important skills like patience, motor planning and coordination. It also helps develop an appreciation of nature as well as promote family bonding.

For those that don’t know, a fishing license is needed to enjoy a day full of fishing adventures.  Adults (often ages 16 and up) need to apply for a fishing license in order to enjoy this classic past time. Each state has different requirements so it is important to research your state as well as the state you wish to visit.

Not sure if fishing is for you? Then try it out first on a FREE fishing day! That’s right! Several days throughout the year individuals of all ages can fish without needing a license. This allows those who are new to the sport to see what the hype is all about. It’s also a great time to travel to other states to checkout their fishing adventures. You can plan a fishing weekend around a free fishing day without having to worry about registering in another state.

At first, I was just going to share the PA and NJ dates but since I am such a big believer in traveling and exploring the country, I decided to research ALL the free fishing days in the United States. No need to google anything because all the dates are right here! For more information you can also visit Takemefishing.org.

FREE Fishing Days in the United States

Alabama: June 11

Arizona: June 4

Arkansas: June 11 – 13

California: July 2 and September 3

Colorado: June 4-5

Connecticut: May 7; Free one day license – June 19 and August 6

Delaware: June 4-5

Florida: Freshwater – April 2-3 and June 11-12; Saltwater – June 4-5, September 3 and November 26

Georgia: June 4 and 11; National Hunting and Fishing Day – September 24

Hawaii: EVERY DAY

Idaho: June 11

Illinois: June 18-19

Indiana: May 1 and June 4-5; National Hunting and Fishing Day – September 24

Iowa: June 3-5

Kansas: June 4-5

Kentucky: June 4-5

Louisiana: June 11-12

Maine: June 4-5

Maryland: June 4 and 11 and July 4

Massachusetts: June 4-5 (freshwater); June 18-19 (saltwater)

Michigan: June 11-12

Minnesota: May 14-15 (moms fish for FREE); June 10-12 (take a kid fishing weekend)

Mississippi: June 4-5 and July 4

Missouri: June 11-12

Montana: June 18-19

Nebraska: May 21

Nevada: June 11

New Hampshire: June 4

New Jersey: June 4 and October 22

New Mexico: June 4 and September 25

New York: June 25-26, September 24 and November 11

North Carolina: July 4

North Dakota: June 4-5

Ohio: June 18-19

Oklahoma: June 4-5

Oregon: June 4-5 and November 25-26

Pennsylvania: May 29 and July 4

Rhode Island: May 7-8

South Carolina: May 30 and July 4

South Dakota: May 20-22

Tennessee: June 11

Texas: June 4

Utah: June 12

Vermont: June 11

Virginia: June 3-5

Washington: June 12

Washington D.C.: June 4-12

West Virginia: June 11-12

Wisconsin: June 4-5

Wyoming: May 31-June 1

It is also important to note that National Fishing and Boating Week is June 4-12 so check with your local fishing organizations for events and programs!

Happy fishing!

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