Free Fishing Days 2026 by State
Free Fishing Days are back for 2026! 🎣 If you’ve ever wanted to try fishing without buying a fishing license, this is your chance.
Many states across the U.S. offer special Free Fishing Days each year, allowing residents and visitors to fish legally without a license for a limited time.
Free fishing dates vary by state, so check the full list below to see when your state offers free fishing in 2026.
Jump to Your State
Free Fishing Days by State for 2026
States A – H
Alabama
June 13, 2026
Alaska
Residents under 18 and over 60, plus disabled veterans, fish free year-round. They host family events on special days during the summer too; some events even supply fishing equipment!
Arizona
June 5–7, 2026
Arkansas
June 5–7, 2026
California
July 4 and September 5, 2026
Colorado
June 6–7, 2026
Connecticut
May 9, June 21, and August 8, 2026
Delaware
June 6–7, 2026
Florida
Freshwater: April 4–5 and June 13–14, 2026
Saltwater: June 6–7, September 5, and November 28, 2026
Georgia
June 6–13, 2026
Hawaii
Marine fishing is free year-round
States I – P
Illinois
June 19–22, 2026
Indiana
May 10, June 6–7, and September 26, 2026
Iowa
June 5–7, 2026
Kansas
June 6–7, 2026
Kentucky
September 6–7, 2026
Louisiana
June 6–7, 2026
Maine
February 14–15 and May 30–31, 2026
Maryland
June 6, June 13, and July 4, 2026
Massachusetts
June 6–7, 2026
Michigan
February 14–15 and June 13–14, 2026
Minnesota
Residents can fish free in most state parks year-round
Mississippi
June 6–7 and July 4, 2026
Missouri
June 6–7, 2026
Montana
May 9–10 and June 20–21, 2026
Nebraska
May 16, 2026
Nevada
June 13, 2026
New Hampshire
June 20, 2026
New Jersey
June 6 and September 26, 2026
New Mexico
June 6–7 and September 26–27, 2026
New York
June 27–28, September 26, and November 11, 2026
North Carolina
July 4, 2026
North Dakota
June 6–7 and December 26–27, 2026
Ohio
June 20–21, 2026
Oklahoma
June 6–7, 2026
Oregon
June 6–7 and November 27–28, 2026
Pennsylvania
May 24 and July 4, 2026
States R – Z
Rhode Island
May 2–3, 2026
South Carolina
May 25 and July 4, 2026
South Dakota
May 15–17, 2026
Tennessee
June 6, 2026
Texas
June 6, 2026
Utah
June 6, 2026
Vermont
June 13, 2026
Virginia
June 5–7, 2026
Washington
June 6–7, 2026
West Virginia
June 13–14, 2026
Wisconsin
June 6–7, 2026
Wyoming
June 6, 2026
Be sure to check your state wildlife agency for additional rules, participating waters, and local regulations before heading out.
Happy fishing! 🎣
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