Looking for an easy outdoor adventure the whole family will love? Say hello to fishing — a great way to soak up some sunshine, make memories, and maybe even land a whopper of a story to tell.
Even better? Every U.S. state offers at least one Free Fishing Day each year, where you can fish without buying a license. That’s right — totally free, no strings (or worms?) attached.
It's the perfect chance to introduce kids to fishing, unplug for a day, and see if reeling in a big one is your family’s new favorite thing.
Before you grab your rods and race to the water, here are two quick things to know about Free Fishing Days:
- Even on free fishing days, size limits, catch limits, and gear rules still matter — no wild-west fishing, sorry!
- Check Local Rules: A few states ask for a free permit or registration and there may be some different rules if you're a non-resident vs a resident. Always double-check each state’s wildlife agency or DNR website before heading out.
Be sure to check out our 10 Tips to Catch All the Fun on Your Family Fishing Trip.
Ready to plan your epic fishing day? Here’s your complete guide to Free Fishing Days by state for 2025.
Want to jump straight to a specific state? Click here:
A-E States| F-L States | M-N States | O-S States | T-W States
🎣 Free 2025 Fishing Days by State
States are listed alphabetically.
🎣 A-E States
Alabama
- June 7, 2025
Alaska
- No free fishing days. However, residents under 18, over 60, and disabled veterans fish free year-round.
Arizona
- June 7, 2025
Arkansas
- June 6–8, 2025
California
- July 5, 2025
- August 30, 2025
Colorado
- June 7–8, 2025
Connecticut
- May 10, 2025
- June 15, 2025
- August 9, 2025
Delaware
- June 7–8, 2025
🎣 F-L States
Florida
- Freshwater:
- April 5–6, 2025
- June 14–15, 2025
- Saltwater:
- June 7–8, 2025
- Sept. 6, 2025
- Nov. 29, 2025
Georgia
- May 31, 2025
- June 7, 2025
- Sept. 27, 2025
Hawaii
- No paid license needed for marine fishing year-round (as long as you’re not selling the catch). Freshwater requires a license and has no free days.
Idaho
- June 14, 2025
Illinois
- June 13–15, 2025
Indiana
- May 4, 2025
- June 7–8, 2025
- Sept. 27, 2025
Iowa
- June 6–8, 2025
Kansas
- June 7-8, 2025
Kentucky
- September 27-28, 2025
Louisiana
- June 7-8, 2025
🎣 M-N States
Maine
- February 15-16, 2025
- May 31 - June 1, 2025
Maryland
- June 7, 2025
- June 14, 2025
- July 4, 2025
Massachusetts
- June 7-8, 2025
Michigan
- February 15-16, 2025
- June 7-8, 2025
Minnesota
- Residents can fish without a fishing license in most state parks year-round
Mississippi
- June 7-8, 2025
Missouri
- June 7-8, 2025
Montana
- May 10-11, 2025
- June 7-8, 2025
Nebraska
- May 24, 2025
Nevada
- June 14, 2025
New Hampshire
- January 19, 2025
- June 7, 2025
New Jersey
- June 7, 2025
- October 18, 2025
New Mexico
- September 27-28
New York
- February 15-16, 2025
- June 28-29, 2025
- September 27, 2025
- November 11, 2025
North Carolina
- July 4, 2025
North Dakota
- June 7-8, 2025
- December 27-28, 2025
🎣 O-S States
Ohio
- June 14-15, 2025
Oklahoma
- June 7-8, 2025
Oregon
- June 7-8, 2025
Pennsylvania
- May 25, 2025
- June 4, 2025
Rhode Island
- May 3-4, 2025
South Carolina
- Memorial Day
- May 27, 2025
- July 4, 2025
South Dakota
- May 16-18, 2025
🎣 T-W States
Tennessee
- June 7, 2025
Texas
- June 7, 2025
Utah
- June 7, 2025
Vermont
- January 25, 2025
- June 14, 2025
Virginia
- June 6-8, 2025
Washington
- June 7-8, 2025
West Virginia
- June 7-8, 2025
Wisconsin
- January 18-19, 2025
- June 7-8, 2025
Wyoming
- June 7, 2025
Fishing is the ultimate low-stress, high-fun family activity — and Free Fishing Days make it even easier to get started. Whether you’re after your first bite or just want a peaceful afternoon outdoors, there's a perfect fishing spot waiting for you.
Tired of fishing for local fun?
Sign up for Macaroni KID Gig Harbor & Mason County and get the best family events delivered right to you!
