2023 Free Fishing Days

The free 2023 fishing days have been announced for all 50 states and DC! On these specific days, unique to each state, you are allowed to fish without a fishing license. Most of the 2023 dates seem to fall around early June, but there are plenty of May, July, and August dates on there as well.

Most freebie sites only list the dates, but I've put in the extra work and found all the corresponding links & announcements to back them up. Below are all 50 states free fishing dates along with links for proof!

Make sure to check your state's official website for extra details. Some states actually offer free fishing rods, tackle, and bait during their free fishing weekends!

On a related note, I learned about the existence of fishing licenses the hard way. I was grateful the game warden took pity on me when he saw I not only failed catching a single fish, but was also tangled in the fishing line when he pulled up.

Saved by my own ineptitude!

Kids Fishing Rod Deals

I'm late on this post for 2023! I apologize and have already set up a reminder to myself to get this updated in April 2024 so I don't miss the May & June dates again.

State's Free Fishing Days 2023

StateFree Days
AlabamaJune 10
AlaskaAll year for people under 16 or over 60 years of age!
ArizonaJune 3
ArkansasJune 10 - 11
CaliforniaJuly 1
September 2
ColoradoJune 3 & 4
ConnecticutMay 13
June 18
DCJune 10 & 11
DelawareJune 3 & 4
FloridaApril 1 & 2 (freshwater)
June 3 & 4 (freshwater)
June 3 & 4 (saltwater)
September 2
November 25 (saltwater)
GeorgiaJune 5
June 12
September 23
HawaiiAll 365 days a year! (marine)
IdahoJune 10
IllinoisJune 17 - 18
IndianaMay 7
June 3 & 4
September 23
IowaJune 2 - 4
KansasJune 3 & 4
KentuckyJune 3 & 4
LouisianaJune 10 & 11
MaineFebruary 18 & 19
June 3 & 4
MarylandJune 3
June 10
July 4
MassachusettsJune 3 & 4 (freshwater)
June 17 & 18 (saltwater)
MichiganFebruary 18 & 19
June 10 & 11
MinnesotaJanuary 14-16 is "Take a Kid Ice Fishing" weekend

May 13 & 14 is "Take a Mom Fishing" weekend

June 14 - 16 is "Take a Kid Fishing" weekend
MississippiJune 3 & 4
July 4
MissouriJune 10 & 11
MontanaMay 7 & 8
June 17 & 18
NebraskaMay 20
NevadaJune 10
New HampshireJanuary 21
June 3
New JerseyJune 3
October 21
New MexicoJune 3
September 30
New YorkFebruary 18 & 19
June 24 & 25
September 23
November 11

North Carolina
July 4
North DakotaJune 3 & 4
December 30 & 31
OhioJune 18 & 19
OklahomaJune 3 & 4
OregonFebruary 18 & 19
June 3 & 4
November 25 & 26
PennsylvaniaMay 29
July 4
Rhode IslandMay 6 & 7 (freshwater)
South CarolinaMay 29
July 4
South DakotaMay 21 - 23
June 18
TennesseeJune 10
TexasJune 3
UtahJune 10
VermontJanuary 28
June 10
VirginiaJune 2 - 4
WashingtonJune 10 & 11
West VirginiaJune 10 & 11
WisconsinJanuary 21 & 22
June 3 & 4
WyomingJune 3

Have fun out there, folks!

About the Author:

I'm a nationally renowned freebie finder & sample vetter, which I never imagined I'd be doing while getting my Bachelor's Degree in History almost 20 years ago. In my spare time, I enjoy launching my own space program and disproving the Coriolis effect.

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