There’s nothing we love more than fishing – and fishing on license-free days is just the best! Every year, the states across the country allow us all to wet our lines without having to think about purchasing a fishing license. But just for a couple of days! Now, this article is here to guide you through the free fishing days in each state.
Before we go through the list, keep in mind that the dates vary from place to place. The number of free fishing days also differs, so don’t be surprised if some states bless us with just one license-free day, whereas others reward us with more. It all depends on the state’s seasonality, conservation goals, wildlife management plans, and factors such as fishing and boating events.
Either way, we’re grateful for these rare opportunities to cast recreationally in public waters without having to worry about licensing requirements. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the free fishing days for 2025 together.
2025 Free Fishing Days per State
| State | # of Days | Date |
| AL | 1 | Jun 7 |
| AK | TBD | TBD |
| AZ | 1 | Jun 7 |
| AR | 3 | Jun 6–8 |
| CA | 2 | Jul 5 & Aug 30 |
| CO | 2 | Jun 7–8 |
| CT | 3 | May 10, Jun 15, & Aug 9 |
| DE | 2 | Jun 7–8 |
| FL | 8 | Apr 5–6, Jun 7–8 & 14–15, Sep 6, & Nov 29 |
| GA | 3 | May 31, Jun 7, & Sep 27 |
| HI | 365* | *Free year-round for residents |
| ID | 1 | Jun 14 |
| IL | 4 | Jun 13–16 |
| IN | 4 | May 4, Jun 7–8, & Sep 27 |
| IA | 3 | Jun 6–8 |
| KS | 2 | Jun 7–8 |
| KY | 2 | Jun 7–8 |
| AL | 2 | Jun 7–8 |
| ME | 4 | Feb 15–16, May 31, & Jun 1 |
| MD | 3 | Jun 7,14, & Jul 4 |
| MA | 2 | Jun 7–8 |
| MI | 4 | Feb 15–16 & Jun 7–8 |
| MN | 8+ | Jan 18– 20, May 10–11, & June 6–8 |
| MS | 3 | Jun 7–8, July 4 |
| MO | 2 | Jun 7–8 |
| MT | 4 | May 10–11 & Jun 14–15 |
| NE | 1 | May 24 |
| NV | 1 | Jun 14 |
| NH | 2 | Jan 18 & Jun 7 |
| NJ | 2 | Jun 7 & Oct 18 |
| NM | 2 | Sep 28–29 |
| NY | 6 | Feb 15–16, Jun 28–29, Sep 27, & Nov 11 |
| NC | 1 | Jul 4 |
| ND | 4 | Jun 7–8 & Dec 27–28 |
| OH | 2 | Jun 14–15 |
| OK | 2 | Jun 7–8 |
| OR | 6 | Feb 15–16, Jun 7–8, & Nov 28–29 |
| PA | 2 | May 24 & Jul 4 |
| RI | 2 | May 3–4 |
| SC | 2 | May 27 & Jul 4 |
| SD | 3 | May 16–18 |
| TN | 7 | Jun 7–13 |
| TX | 1 | Jun 7 |
| UT | 1 | Jun 7 |
| VT | 2 | Jan 25 & Jun 14 |
| VA | 3 | Jun 6–8 |
| WA | 2 | Jun 7–8 |
| WV | 2 | Jun 7–8 |
| WI | 4 | Jan 18–19 & Jun 7–8 |
| WY | 1 | Jun 7 |
Alabama
Alabama’s Free Fishing Day for 2025 falls on June 7 during National Fishing and Boating Week. While this Southern beauty treats us to only one license-free day annually, it makes sure it’s worthwhile. Besides being a part of Boating Week, it’s in the midst of the Red Snapper season, too!
Arizona
Arizona’s Free Fishing Day takes place in late spring – on June 7, to be more precise. The Grand Canyon State follows the same approach as many other states. The free fishing day is always held during National Fishing and Boating Week and usually takes place on the first Saturday.
Arkansas
If you’re interested in spending an entire weekend fishing for free, head to the aptly nicknamed Land of Opportunity. Come June, Arkansas gives you not one but two license-free days. Their free fishing weekend starts on Friday, June 6, 2025, and ends on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
California
Speaking of more days, California also offers two entire days for enjoying angling free of charge. The first California Free Fishing Day is on July 5, and the second is August 30. Keep in mind that while you don’t have to possess a fishing permit to cast on these days, you still must have the appropriate report card if you plan to go after Steelhead, Sturgeon, or Salmon.
Colorado
The state of Colorado holds its free fishing days on the first full weekend of June each year. This year, those dates are June 7 and 8. Both residents and non-residents can wet their lines without needing to purchase a fishing license or Habitat Stamps in advance across this weekend.
Connecticut
Connecticut is the first state on this list to offer three angler-friendly days – one Free Fishing Day (May 10, 2025) and two Free Fishing License Days (June 15 and August 9, 2025). The main difference? Well, on the first, you won’t need to obtain any permits whatsoever. For the Free Fishing License Days, you must get a free one-day license online up to three weeks in advance.
Delaware
Delaware is one of many states that celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week with a license-free angling weekend. It comes as no surprise, then, that the 2025 Delaware Free Fishing Days take place on June 7 and 8. While you don’t need any licenses, please don’t forget to obtain a free FIN number in order to be eligible to participate in free fishing days in the first place.
Florida
The Sunshine State offers multiple free fishing days for both its freshwater and saltwater fisheries each year! Florida wears the crown of having the most free fishing days of any US state – eight in total. In 2025, you’ll have precisely four free fishing days for freshwater (April 5 and 6, and June 14 and 15) and four free fishing days for saltwater angling (June 7 and 8, September 6, and November 29). It doesn’t get much better, eh?
Georgia
Visit Georgia around National Fishing and Boating Week, and you’ll also be blessed with free fishing days – on both May 31 and June 7, 2025. However, the fun doesn’t end there, as Georgia offers one more free fishing day on September 27, during National Hunting and Fishing Day! How about that?
Hawaii
Unlike other states, Hawaii doesn’t have a special day dedicated to angling without a license. Instead, the state offers free year-round angling to its residents. Non-residents are required to purchase a fishing license to fish in these fisheries. So, unfortunately, there aren’t any free fishing days in Hawaii for visitors.
Idaho
The state of Idaho is big on tradition, holding its annual free fishing day on the second Saturday in June. Therefore, 2025’s Idaho Free Fishing Day is June 14. The Fish and Game Department staff go the extra mile to welcome all anglers on this day, especially beginners. If you’ve never fished before, Idaho Free Fishing Day is the perfect time to try it, as you’ll have professionals showing you the ropes.
Illinois
The state of Illinois treats its anglers with four consecutive free fishing days in 2025 – June 13, 14, 15, and 16! During this time, you can fish in any of the state’s waters, including the state’s portion of Lake Michigan, without having to worry about licenses or Salmon and Trout Stamps. Enjoy this extended weekend in the Midwest!
Indiana
While not consecutive, Indiana blesses us with four free fishing days in 2025. The days when you can cast without having a license or Salmon and Trout Stamps are May 4, June 7 and 8, and September 27. You’ll have all the public waters at your disposal, so come to the Hoosier State and get your fish on!
Iowa
Come June, many states across the country reward their residents and visitors with free fishing days. Iowa is no exception. You’ll enjoy not one, not two, but three days of license-free angling. The save-the-dates weekend starts on June 6 and lasts until June 8.
Kansas
As with most states, Kansas traditionally organizes its free fishing days in June. You don’t even have to check the dates each year because the first full weekend in June it the free fishing weekend. Anyway, if it’s easier for you to remember the dates for 2025, they’re June 7 and 8.
Kentucky
Like Kansas, Indiana, Colorado, Florida, and many other states, Kentucky also welcomes all anglers to fish without license on June 7 and 8. During this weekend, you can fish for Trout without having to purchase a Trout Permit.
Louisiana
Sticking with the theme, the Louisiana Free Fishing Weekend falls on June 7 and 8, 2025, too. The first full weekend in June is almost always reserved for angling without needing to purchase a license. A Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP), however, is still required if you’re targeting Tuna, Billfish, Snappers, Groupers, and other deep sea species. To register for a free ROLP, go to the state’s official website.
Maine
The state of Maine blesses you with four free fishing days starting as early as February. The first free fishing weekend falls on February 15 and 16, while the second one is in late spring – on May 31 and June 1. Anglers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked aren’t able to participate in the free fishing weekends, but everyone else can fish for free!
Maryland
It should come as no surprise that the Free State won’t disappoint with its free fishing days. Each year, Maryland offers the first two Saturdays in June for license-free angling. This year, those days are June 7 and 14. Maryland also celebrates Independence Day in style, with free casting for everyone on July 4.
Massachusetts
The 2025 Massachusetts Free Fishing Days start on June 7 and end on June 8. During this weekend, you don’t need a fishing license to wet your line in freshwater fisheries throughout the state’s fresh and saltwaters.
Michigan
When a place is as rich in fishing opportunities as Michigan, it can be nothing but generous with its license-free fishing days. To ensure friends and families have enough time to cast their lines and see what fishing in Michigan is all about, the Great Lakes State offers two free fishing weekends – one in winter (February 15 and 16) and another in summer (June 7 and 8).
Minnesota
While you normally need a license to fish across Minnesota, there are also many license-free opportunities. First and foremost, you can fish for free in most Minnesota state parks year-round. Then, you can take your children to ice fish for free on January 18, 19, and 20 or on a free summer fishing trip between June 6 and 8. Last but not least, Minnesota also offers “Take a Mom Fishing Weekend” which takes place on May 10 and 11 this year. It’s a novel concept but a great way to get the whole family on the water!
Mississippi
Mississippi’s free fishing weekend falls on June 7 and 8 during National Fishing and Boating Week. Residents and visitors don’t need to purchase licenses for the state’s public waters, including State Fishing Lakes and State Park Lakes. License-free fishing is also available on July 4 for all waters except for State Fishing Lakes and State Park Lakes.
Montana
Montana values quality family time above everything else. It comes as no surprise, then, that its free fishing days fall on Mother’s and Father’s Days. So, the first 2025 license-free weekend takes place on May 10 and 11, whereas the second one is on June 14 and 15. You can fish for any species without obtaining a license, except for Paddlefish and Bull Trout. For them, you still have to purchase Conservation, Fishing, and AIS Prevention Licenses, as well as a Paddlefish Tag and Bull Trout Catch Card.
Nebraska
License-free fishing day is held annually in Nebraska on the Saturday that precedes Memorial Day – officially called Free Fishing and Park Entry Day. This year’s free fishing day is on May 24. If you want stay at a campsite while fishing, make sure you check the rules, as fees still apply at state park areas for camping.
Nevada
June 14, 2025, is Nevada Free Fishing Day. On this day, all residents and visitors can cast without having to purchase a license. Plus, free fishing events are organized throughout the entire state on the free fishing day! So, check out the local events calendar and hit the water on June 14.
New Hampshire
The state of New Hampshire organizes two free fishing days that always fall on the third Saturday in January and the first Saturday in June. In other words, your 2025 free fishing days are January 18 and June 7 in the Granite State.
New Jersey
2025’s New Jersey Free Fishing Days are June 7 and October 18. The first date takes place during National Fishing and Boating Week, while the second one happens around Trout stocking in fall. Neither a fishing license nor a Trout Stamp is required during free fishing days, so everything is straightforward.
New Mexico
New Mexico offers its free fishing days on September 28 and 29, right after National Hunting and Fishing Day. And since these dates fall on a Saturday and Sunday, you have no excuse not to spend a weekend casting in New Mexico’s fisheries this year!
New York
The Empire State is all about national holidays when it comes to its free fishing days. How? Well, New York marks President’s Day Weekend (February 15 and 16), National Hunting and Fishing Day (September 27), and Veterans Day (November 11) for you to fish license-free. But that’s not all. There’s another weekend in summer when everyone can enjoy free fishing – June 28 and 29.
North Carolina
Speaking of federal holidays, North Carolina always honors Independence Day by offering July 4 as a free fishing day. The Fourth of July and angling go hand in hand, so if you don’t know how to spend this day, take your loved ones and spend it out on the water in the Tar Heel State.
North Dakota
Traditionally, North Dakota rewards all anglers with four free fishing days – or two free fishing weekends. The first permit-free weekend in 2025 falls on June 7 and 8, during National Fishing and Boating Week. Meanwhile, the second weekend occurs near the end of the year, on December 27 and 28.
Ohio
The state of Ohio invites all its residents to fish free of charge in early summer. This year’s free fishing days are June 14 and 15, and anglers don’t need to purchase licenses to wet their lines in the Buckeye State’s rich fisheries.
Oklahoma
Like many states across the country, Oklahoma offers two free fishing days during National Fishing and Boating Week. And, yes, you’ve probably guessed that these are June 7 and 8. Keep in mind that, while you don’t need to purchase any licenses, you still have to obtain a free Paddlefish Permit if targeting these brutes.
Oregon
Oregon blesses all anglers with six days a year when they don’t need any licenses, permits, combined angling tags, endorsements, or validations. This year’s free fishing days are February 15 and 16 (President’s Day Weekend), June 7 and 8, and November 28 and 29 (Thanksgiving Weekend). With so many days to fish for free, what’s your excuse for not visiting?!
Pennsylvania
Late spring and early summer are great times for angling in Pennsylvania, and even more so because the state’s Fish-for-Free Days take place then. This year, Pennsylvania’s free fishing days fall on May 25 and July 4. No licenses, nor Trout, Salmon, or Lake Erie Permits, are required on these dates.
Rhode Island
The first full weekend in May marks the beginning of Rhode Island’s Free Fishing Days. For those who prefer the exact dates to general overviews, May 3 and 4 are designated free fishing days in 2025. No freshwater fishing license or Trout Stamp is necessary across this weekend, either.
South Carolina
South Carolina offers two free fishing days each year. One license-free day is always Independence Day, which, as you know, falls on July 4. The other day is always in May, but the exact date varies by year. This year, it’s May 27, slap-bang in the middle of peak fishing season, whether you’re hitting mountain streams, inshore waterways, or the deep blue.
South Dakota
This year’s South Dakota Free Fishing Weekend starts on Friday, May 16, and ends on Sunday, May 18, 2025. During these three days, you don’t need to buy any licenses or state park fees, but you’ll have to purchase camping fees in case you plan to go camping and fishing.
Tennessee
The state of Tennessee not only offers a free fishing day for everyone – Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day on June 7 – but it also rewards children and teens with an entire free fishing week! Youths aged 15 and younger are eligible to participate in license-free fishing from June 7 to 13.
Texas
The Lone Star State hosts one official free fishing day each year. Traditionally, that’s the first Saturday in June (June 7, 2025). No licenses or endorsements are required on this date for all public waters. If you crave more free fishing days, more than 70 state parks allow angling at no cost apart from the entrance fee!
Utah
As with many other states, the annual Utah Free Fishing Day coincides with National Boating and Fishing Week, this year taking place on June 7. On this day, both residents and non-residents are welcome to wet their lines in Utah’s fisheries without having to think about a fishing license. All other state rules, however, still apply.
Vermont
On the last Saturday in January, Vermont encourages everyone who hasn’t been ice fishing to go out and try their luck. This year, Vermont’s Free Ice Fishing Day is on January 25. If you prefer warmer weather, save June 14 in your calendar because the second Saturday in June is also a designated day for license-free fishing.
Virginia
The state of Virginia blesses us with three free fishing days, starting on June 6 and ending on June 8. But that’s not all. The authorities have also removed angling restrictions on stocked Trout waters during this time. In other words, you’ll have almost 3,000 miles of Trout streams at your disposal during Virginia’s Free Fishing Weekend. Tight lines!
Washington
Washington Free Fishing Weekend always falls on the first weekend in June after the first Monday of the same month. This year, those dates are June 7 and 8. During this weekend, you don’t need any licenses, endorsements, or parking passes. However, species that need a Catch Record Card, such as Sturgeon, Salmon, Steelhead, and Halibut, require a license to target, too.
West Virginia
National Fishing and Boating Week is the prime time to be out on the water, and West Virginia agrees. The state offers not one but two free fishing days during this time. So, if you plan to fish in West Virginia, get ready for the license-free weekend on June 7 and 8.
Wisconsin
The Badger State traditionally offers two free fishing weekends each year, totaling four free days. These are always held on the third full weekend in January (January 18–19, 2025) and the first full weekend in June (June 7–8, 2025). The best part is that, in addition to not needing a fishing license, you also don’t need Trout and Salmon Stamps.
Wyoming
The first Saturday of National Fishing and Boating Week is always crowned as a free fishing day in Wyoming, meaning that June 7, 2025, is your go-to date this year. Both residents and visitors are welcome to cast their lines without a license and celebrate recreational boating and fishing in style.
Other Free Fishing Regulations
This overview of all free fishing dates per state should help you plan your fishing adventure. But before we let you book a trip aboard a fishing charter, it’s crucial to remember that, while you don’t need a fishing license to cast on free fishing days, all other regulations still apply. This includes rules about fish species, their creel and size limits, gear restrictions, and seasonal closures. In some states, you even have to purchase additional permits, stamps, and endorsements.
Visit the official website of each state’s Fish and Wildlife department for the latest information on specific rules, seasons, sizes, and bag limits. Tight lines!
Did you find our rundown of free fishing days helpful? Where will you be going this year? Get in touch in the comments below!
