How to find free fishing days in your state

Fishing comes at a cost. We all know it, and most of us embrace our fishing license as a tool to ensure fishing exists for years to come. But almost every state sets aside time to fish for free, no license needed. These days are a great opportunity to rekindle relationships through fishing, spark a passion in the next generation, or simply fall in love with the sport again when life gets too hectic.

Below is your 2026 state-by-state guide. No excuses, just cast.

4th of July

• Maryland

  • One of several free fishing days. Allows for tidal and non tidal fishing without a license.

• North Carolina

  • A fishing license is not required in any public waters, including coastal and fresh waters.

• South Carolina

  • South Carolina offers a license-free fishing day on July 4, but this applies to freshwater fishing only.

• Mississippi

  • In Mississippi, July 4 is designated as Free Saltwater Sport Fishing Day. Freshwater fishing still requires needed licenses.

• California

  • July 4 is one of two free fishing days California offers annually. Both freshwater and saltwater fishing are license-free, though report cards are still required for steelhead, sturgeon, and salmon.

Free Fishing Days by State – 2026

• Alabama

  • June 13

• Alaska

  • Residents under 18, over 60, and disabled veterans fish for free year-round. Other residents require a license.

• Arizona

  • June 6

• Arkansas

  • June 12-14

• California

  • July 4 and September 5

• Colorado

  • June 6-7

• Connecticut

  • May 9, June 21, August 8

• Delaware

  • June 6-7

• Florida

  • Saltwater: June 6-7, September 5 and November 28

  • Freshwater: April 4-5, June 13-14

• Georgia

  • June 6 and June 13

• Hawaii

  • 365 days a year (marine only)

• Idaho

  • June 13

• Illinois

  • June 19-22

• Indiana

  • May 10, June 6-7, September 26

• Iowa

  • June 5-7

• Kansas

  • June 6-7

• Kentucky

  • June 6-7

• Louisiana

  • June 6-7

• Maine

  • February 14-15, May 30-31

• Maryland

  • June 6, June 13 and July 4

• Massachusetts

  • June 6-7

• Michigan

  • February 14-15 and June 13-14

• Minnesota

  • Residents can fish license-free in most state parks year-round

• Mississippi

  • June 6-7, July 4

• Missouri

  • June 6-7

• Montana

  • May 9-10 and June 20-21

• Nebraska

  • May 16

• Nevada

  • June 13

• New Hampshire

  • January 17 and June 6

• New Jersey

  • June 6 and September 26

• New Mexico

  • September 26-27

• New York

  • February 14-15, June 17-28, September 26, November 11

• North Carolina

  • July 4

• North Dakota

  • June 6-7 and December 26-27

• Ohio

  • June 20-21

• Oklahoma

  • June 6-7 (Free paddlefish permit still required)

• Oregon

  • June 6-7 and November 27-28

• Pennsylvania

  • May 24 and June 4

• Rhode Island

  • May 2-3

• South Carolina

  • May 25 and July 4

• South Dakota

  • May 15-17

• Tennessee

  • June 6-12

• Texas

  • June 6

• Utah

  • June 6

• Vermont

  • January 31 and June 13

• Virginia

  • June 5-7

• Washington

  • June 6-7

• West Virginia

  • June 13-14

• Wisconsin

  • January 17-18, June 6-7

• Wyoming

  • June 6

Free fishing days are the perfect excuse to get out on the water, whether it's your first cast or your hundredth.

Open Fishbrain to find the best fishing spots near you, check the forecast before you head out, and log your catch when you're done. Now get out there, the water's free.