Updated for 2018!
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. I found a great list on Kidcasters.com that may be helpful when planning your adventure.
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 9
Arkansas: June 8 – 10
Arizona: June 2
California: July 7 and September 1
Colorado: June 2 – 3
Connecticut: May 12
Delaware: June 2 -3
Florida: Freshwater – April 7 – 8, June 9 – 10; Saltwater – June 2 – 3, September 1 and November 24
The Fishing Hole at Port Orleans is a fun way to spend the day at Disney World.
Georgia: June 2 and 9; September 22
Hawaii: EVERY DAY
Iowa: June 1 – 3
Idaho: June 9
Illinois: June 16 – 17
Indiana: April 21, May 19 and June 2 – 3
Kansas: June 2 – 3
Kentucky: June 2 – 3
Louisiana: June 9 – 10
Maine: June 2 – 3
Maryland: June 2, June 9 and July 4
Massachusetts: June 2 – 3 (freshwater); June 16-17 (saltwater)
Michigan: June 9 – 10
Minnesota: May 12 – 13, June 8 – 10 and January 19 – 21, 2019
Missouri: June 9 – 10
Mississippi: June 2 – 3 and July 4
Montana: June 16 – 17
North Carolina: July 4
North Dakota: June 2 – 3 and December 29 – 30 (ice fishing)
Nebraska: May 19 and July 4
New Hampshire: June 2
New Jersey: June 9
New Mexico: June 2 and September TBD
New York: June 23 – 24, September 22 and November 11
Nevada: June 9
Ohio: May 5 – 6
Oklahoma: June 2 – 3
Oregon: June 2 – 3, September 1 – 2 and November 23 – 24
Pennsylvania: May 27 and July 4
Rhode Island: May 5 – 6
South Carolina: May 28 and July 4
South Dakota: May 18 – 20
Tennessee: June 9
Texas: June 2
Utah: June 9
Fishing is wonderful way for parents to bond with their kids!
Virginia: June 1 – 3
Vermont: June 9
Washington: June 9 – 10
Washington D.C.: June 2 – 10
West Virginia: June 9 – 10
Wyoming: June 2
It is also important to note that National Fishing and Boating Week is June 2 -10 so check with your local fishing organizations for events and programs!
Happy fishing!
You may also enjoy:
Thank you! My husband and son love to fish so this is awesome especially when visiting other states.