Looking for the 2026 Free Fishing Days by state?
These are the official days when families can fish without a fishing license. It’s one of the best free summer activities for kids, families, and beginners.
Whether you’re introducing your children to fishing for the first time or planning a fun family outing, Free Fishing Days are a great way to enjoy nature together.
What Are Free Fishing Days?
Free Fishing Days are special dates designated by state wildlife agencies that allow people to fish without purchasing a fishing license. These events are designed to encourage beginners, children, and families to enjoy fishing and spend time outdoors together.
Free Fishing Days
This year Michigan has chosen February 15-16 and June 7-8, 2026 to be our FREE Fishing weekends.
Below you’ll find all participating states and their official Free Fishing Day dates so you can plan your fishing trip this year.
This is a wonderful way to introduce your children to the love of fishing and a great frugal summer fun activity.
My husband and kids have spent many hours together fishing and creating memories that will last long into adulthood.
Why Fishing Creates Lasting Family Memories
One of the things I love most about fishing is how simple it is. You don’t need expensive entertainment or elaborate plans to create meaningful memories together.
Some of my favorite moments with my family have happened near the water, talking, laughing, and waiting for that first fish to bite.
Free Fishing Days are such a wonderful opportunity to unplug from screens, enjoy the outdoors, and spend quality time together without spending a lot of money.
Why Families Love Free Fishing Days
Fishing is one of the most affordable ways for families to spend time together outdoors. Many adults who love fishing today first learned as children, and Free Fishing Days make it easy to introduce the next generation to the hobby.
Whether you’re fishing from a dock, a riverbank, or a local lake, these weekends are a fun way to slow down, unplug from screens, and make memories together.
Also, I do suggest that you check your state’s Department of Natural Resources to verify the dates, and make sure there aren’t any additional stipulations.
| State | Free Fishing Dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | June 13, 2026 |
| Alaska | All year for people under 18 or over 60 years of age |
| Arizona | June 6, 2026 |
| Arkansas | June 12–14, 2026 |
| California | July 4, 2026 September 5, 2026 |
| Colorado | June 6–7, 2026 |
| Connecticut | May 9, 2026 June 21, 2026 (must get free license online) August 8, 2026 (must get free license online) |
| DC | TBD |
| Delaware | June 6–7, 2026 |
| Florida | April 4–5, 2026 (freshwater) June 6–7, 2026 (saltwater) June 13–14, 2026 (freshwater) September 5, 2026 (saltwater) November 28, 2026 (saltwater) |
| Georgia | June 6, 2026 June 13, 2026 September 27, 2026 |
| Hawaii | All 365 days a year! (marine) |
| Idaho | June 13, 2026 |
| Illinois | June 19–22, 2026 |
| Indiana | May 10, 2026 June 6–7, 2026 September 26, 2026 |
| Iowa | June 5–7, 2026 |
| Kansas | June 6–7, 2026 |
| Kentucky | June 6–7, 2026 |
| Louisiana | June 6–7, 2026 |
| Maine | May 30–31, 2026 |
| Maryland | June 6, 2026 June 13, 2026 July 4, 2026 |
| Massachusetts | June 6–7, 2026 |
| Michigan | February 14–15, 2026 June 13–14, 2026 |
| Minnesota | Free for residents all year! |
| Mississippi | June 6–7, 2026 July 4, 2026 |
| Missouri | June 6–7, 2026 |
| Montana | May 9–10, 2026 June 20–21, 2026 |
| Nebraska | May 16, 2026 |
| Nevada | June 13, 2026 |
| New Hampshire | June 6, 2026 January 16, 2027 |
| New Jersey | June 6, 2026 September 26, 2026 |
| New Mexico | June 7–8, 2026 September 27–28, 2026 |
| New York | February 14–15, 2026 June 27–28, 2026 September 26, 2026 November 11, 2026 |
| North Carolina | July 4, 2026 September 5, 2026 |
| North Dakota | June 6–7, 2026 December 26–27, 2026 |
| Ohio | June 20–21, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | June 6–7, 2026 |
| Oregon | February 14–15, 2026 June 6–7, 2026 November 27–28, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania | May 24, 2026 July 4, 2026 |
| Rhode Island | May 2–3, 2026 (freshwater) |
| South Carolina | May 25, 2026 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Fishing Days
Can you fish without a license on Free Fishing Days?
Yes! During Free Fishing Days, participating states allow residents and sometimes non-residents to fish without purchasing a fishing license.
Do children need a fishing license?
Most states do not require young children to have a fishing license, but age requirements vary by state.
Are fishing regulations still enforced?
Yes. Size limits, catch limits, and other fishing regulations still apply even during Free Fishing Days.
Do Free Fishing Days include state park entry?
Some states waive park entrance fees while others only waive the fishing license requirement. Always check your state’s Department of Natural Resources website for details.
Can non-residents fish for free?
Some states allow both residents and visitors to fish for free, but you should always check your state’s Department of Natural Resources website for details.
What to Bring on a Free Fishing Day
If this is your family’s first fishing trip, here are a few basics to bring:
- Fishing poles and tackle
- Live bait or lures
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Folding chairs
- Snacks and drinks
- Small cooler
- Towels
- Hats and sunglasses
Keeping things simple makes fishing much more enjoyable for beginners and kids.
More Summer Fun Ideas You’ll Love
Fishing is such a fun way to slow down and make memories together. If you’re planning family adventures this summer, here are a few more budget-friendly ideas to enjoy together:
- Summer Bucket List Ideas
- Cheap Family Fun Activities
- Camping Food Ideas
- Tips for Road Trips with Children
- Free Summer Planner
