Love fishing, but don’t have a license? Mark your calendar for FREE Fishing Days 2025! These special days allow anyone to fish without purchasing a license—perfect for beginners or those who want to try out fishing without commitment.

During Free Fishing Days, states across the country waive the usual licensing requirements, offering you a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, bond with family and friends, and maybe even discover a new hobby.

Here are the Free Fishing Days dates for 2025 by state:

  • Alabama: June 7
  • Alaska: Residents under 18 and over 60, disabled veterans year-round
  • Arizona: June 7
  • Arkansas: June 6-8
  • California: July 5, August 30
  • Colorado: June 7-8
  • Connecticut: May 10, June 15, August 9
  • DC: June 1-8
  • Delaware: June 7-8
  • Florida: First weekend of June, first Saturday in September, Saturday after Thanksgiving
  • Georgia: June 1, June 8
  • Hawaii: Year-round (marine)
  • Idaho: June 14
  • Illinois: June 13-16
  • Indiana: May 4, June 7-8, Sept. 27
  • Iowa: June 6-8
  • Kansas: June 7-8
  • Kentucky: September 27-28
  • Louisiana: June 7-8
  • Maine: February 15-16, May 31 – June 1
  • Maryland: June 7, June 14, July 4
  • Massachusetts: June 7-8
  • Michigan: February 15-16, June 7-8
  • Minnesota: Residents in most state parks year-round
  • Mississippi: June 7-8
  • Missouri: June 7-8
  • Montana: June 7-8, May 10-11
  • Nebraska: May 17
  • Nevada: June 14
  • New Hampshire: January 19, June 7
  • New Jersey: June 7, October 18
  • New Mexico: September 27-28
  • New York: February 15-16, June 28-29, September 27, November 11
  • North Carolina: July 4
  • North Dakota: June 7-8, December 27-28
  • Ohio: June 14-15
  • Oklahoma: June 7-8
  • Oregon: June 7-8
  • Pennsylvania: May 25, June 4
  • Rhode Island: May 3-4
  • South Carolina: May 27, July 4 (freshwater only)
  • South Dakota: May 16-18
  • Tennessee: June 7
  • Texas: June 7
  • Utah: June 7
  • Vermont: January 25, TBA June
  • Virginia: June 6-8
  • Washington: June 7-8
  • West Virginia: June 7-8
  • Wisconsin: January 18-19
  • Wyoming: June 7

Here’s why you shouldn’t miss Free Fishing Days:

  1. It’s Free: No license, no problem! Grab your fishing gear and head out.
  2. Great for Beginners: Ideal for newcomers to the sport who want to give it a try without investment.
  3. Family Fun: A wonderful opportunity to introduce kids and family members to fishing.
  4. Relax and Enjoy: Spend time in nature and relieve stress by the water.

To participate, simply check your state’s specific Free Fishing Days dates. Regulations vary by location, so ensure you’re informed about local fishing rules and guidelines.

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Happy fishing!