Resources for Successful Fishing
Whether you're a beginner, an expert, or a mentor to a new angler, our resources can help you fish smarter.
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Free Fishing Days
Ready to cast a line? Try fishing for a day without having to purchase a license! It's the perfect opportunity to try it yourself or introduce family and friends to the fun of fishing. Your local Izaak Walton League chapter may offer fishing events for beginners, so check with your local chapter.
Here are the free fishing day dates for 2024 in states with League chapters.
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Alabama
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Second Saturday in June (June 8)
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California
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First Saturday in July (July 6) and Saturday before Labor Day (August 31)
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Colorado
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First Saturday and Sunday in June (June 1-2)
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Florida
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Freshwater: First Saturday and Sunday in April (April 6-7) and second Saturday and Sunday in June (June 8-9)
Saltwater: First Saturday and Sunday in June (June 1-2), first Saturday in September (September 7), and Saturday following Thanksgiving (November 30)
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Georgia
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First two Saturdays in June (June 1 and 8), and National Hunting and Fishing Day (September 28)
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Idaho
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Second Saturday in June (June 8)
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Illinois
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Extended Father's Day weekend of Friday through Monday (June 14-17)
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Indiana
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May 12, June 1-2, and National Public Lands Day / National Hunting and Fishing Day (September 28)
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Iowa
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First full weekend in June (June 7-9)
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Maryland
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First two Saturdays in June (June 1 and 8), and Independence Day (July 4)
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Massachusetts
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Freshwater: First Saturday and Sunday in June (June 1-2)
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Michigan
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Saturday and Sunday of Presidents Day weekend (February 17-18) and Saturday and Sunday following the first full week in June (June 8-9)
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Minnesota
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"Take a Kid Ice Fishing" Saturday, Sunday and Monday of MLK Day (January 13-15)
"Take a Mom Fishing" May 11-12 (Minnesota resident moms can fish for free)
"Take a Kid Fishing Days," second full weekend in June (June 9-11, Minnesota residents are free when fishing with children)
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Nebraska
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Saturday May 25
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New York
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Saturday and Sunday of President's Day weekend (February 17-18), fourth Saturday and Sunday in June (June 29-30), National Hunting and Fishing Day (September 28), and Veteran's Day (November 11) |
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North Carolina
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Independence Day (July 4)
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North Dakota
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First Saturday and Sunday in June (June 1-2)
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Ohio
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Saturday and Sunday of Father's Day weekend (June 15-16)
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Oregon
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Saturday and Sunday of President's Day weekend (February 17-18), first Saturday and Sunday of June (June 1-2), and Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 29-30)
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Pennsylvania
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Sunday before Memorial Day (May 26) and Independence Day (July 4)
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South Dakota
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Third full weekend in May (May 17-19)
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Virginia
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First full weekend in June (June 7-9)
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West Virginia
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Second Saturday and Sunday in June (June 8-9)
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Wisconsin
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First Saturday and Sunday in June (June 1-2)
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Wyoming
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First Saturday in June (June 1)
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Note: Always refer to state fishing regulations.
National Fishing and Boating Week
June 1-9, 2024, marks this year's national celebration that highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing.
National Fishing Day
Observed annually on June 18, National Fishing Day is a great day to take time from your daily routine to find a stream, a lake or pond, bait your hook, and cast your line.
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