Looking for an easy outdoor adventure the whole family will love? Say hello to fishing — a simple way to soak up sunshine, get kids off screens, and maybe even land a story worth telling all summer long.
Even better? Every U.S. state offers at least one Free Fishing Day each year, meaning you can fish without buying a license. That’s right — totally free, no strings (or worms?) attached.
If you’ve been thinking about trying fishing with your kids, this is your moment.
Updated April 2026
What Are Free Fishing Days?
Free fishing days are special dates when states allow residents and visitors to fish without purchasing a license. They’re designed to introduce families and kids to fishing and make it easy to give it a try without the upfront cost.
It’s one of the easiest “why not?” family activities of the year.
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Before You Go: 3 Quick Things to Know
Before you grab your rods and race to the water, keep this in mind:
- Size limits, catch limits, and gear rules still apply — this isn’t a free-for-all
- Some states may require a free permit or have different rules for residents vs. non-residents
- We’ve done our best to make sure these dates are accurate, but always double-check your state’s rules before heading out
🎣 Free Fishing Days 2026 by State
Ready to plan your fishing day? Here’s your complete guide to free fishing days across the U.S.
Jump to your state:
🎣 A–D States
States are listed alphabetically.
Alabama: June 13, 2026
Alaska:
No free fishing days. Residents under 18, over 60, and disabled veterans fish free year-round.
Arizona: June 6, 2026
Arkansas: June 5-7, 2026
California: July 4 & Sept. 5, 2026
Colorado: June 6 & 7, 2026
Connecticut: May 9, June 21 and Aug. 8, 2026
Delaware: June 6 & 7, 2026
🎣 F–L States
Florida
- Freshwater: April 4 & 5 and June 13 & 14, 2026
- Saltwater: June 6 & 7, Sept. 5 and Nov. 28, 2026
Georgia: June 6 & 13, 2026
Hawaii:
No paid license needed for marine fishing year-round. Freshwater requires a license.
Idaho: June 13, 2026
Illinois: June 19-22, 2026
Indiana: May 10, June 6-7, and Sept. 26, 2026
Iowa: June 5-7, 2026
Kansas: June 6 & 7, 2026
Kentucky: June 6 & 7, 2026
Louisiana: June 6 & 7, 2026
 Melissa Liner from Pixabay |
🎣 M–N States
Maine: Feb. 14-15 and May 30-31, 2026
Maryland: June 6, June 13 and July 4, 2026
Massachusetts: June 6 & 7, 2026 (Freshwater)
Michigan: Feb. 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 Sept. 26, 2026
New Mexico: June 6 & 7 and Sept. 26 & 27, 2026
New York: June 27–28, Sept. 26, and Nov. 11, 2026
North Carolina: July 4, 2026
North Dakota: June 6 & 7 and Dec. 26 & 27, 2026
🎣 O–S States
Ohio: June 20 & 21, 2026
Oklahoma: June 6 & 7, 2026
Oregon: June 6 & 7 and Nov. 27-28, 2026
Pennsylvania: May 24 and July 4, 2026
Rhode Island: May 2 & 3, 2026
South Carolina: May 25 & July 4, 2026
South Dakota: May 15-17, 2026
🎣 T–W States
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
 Anna Momot via Canva |
Why Families Love Free Fishing Days
Fishing is one of those rare activities that works for everyone:
- Little kids can stay busy, even without catching anything
- Teens actually unplug (for a bit, at least)
- Parents get a slower, quieter kind of family time
And when it’s free? Even better.
