Updated for 2019!
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 8
Arkansas: June 7 – 9
Arizona: June 1
California: July 6 and August 31
Colorado: June 1 – 2
Connecticut: May 11
Delaware: June 1 – 2
Florida: Freshwater – April 6 – 7, June 8 – 9; Saltwater – June 1 – 2, September 7 and November 30
The Fishing Hole at Port Orleans is a fun way to spend the day at Disney World.
Georgia: June 1 and 8; September 28
Hawaii: EVERY DAY
Iowa: June 7 – 9
Idaho: June 8
Illinois: June 15 – 16
Indiana: April 20, May 18 and June 1 – 2
Kansas: June 1 – 2
Kentucky: June 1 – 2
Louisiana: June 8 – 9
Maine: June 1 – 2
Maryland: June 1, June 8 and July 4
Massachusetts: June 1 – 2 (freshwater); June 15 – 16 (saltwater)
Michigan: June 8 – 9
Minnesota: May 11 – 12 (moms fish for FREE); June 7 – 9 (take a kid fishing weekend)
Missouri: June 8 – 9
Mississippi: June 2 – 3 and July 4
Montana: June 15 – 16
North Carolina: July 4
North Dakota: June 1 – 2 and December 28 – 29 (ice fishing)
Nebraska: May 18
New Hampshire: June 1
New Jersey: June 8 and October 19
New Mexico: June 1 and September 28
New York: June 29 – 30, September 28 and November 11
Nevada: June 8
Ohio: May 4 – 5
Oklahoma: June 1 – 2
Oregon: June 1 – 2, August 17 – 18 and November 29 – 30
Pennsylvania: May 26 and July 4
Rhode Island: May 4 – 5
South Carolina: May 27 and July 4
South Dakota: May 18 – 19
Tennessee: June 8
Texas: June 1
Utah: June 8
Fishing is wonderful way for parents to bond with their kids!
Virginia: June 7 – 9
Vermont: June 8
Washington: June 8 – 9
Washington D.C.: June 1 – 9
West Virginia: June 8 – 9
Wyoming: June 1
It is also important to note that National Fishing and Boating Week is June 1 -9 so check with your local fishing organizations for events and programs!
Happy fishing!
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Thank you! My husband and son love to fish so this is awesome especially when visiting other states.