Fishing is a popular pastime for many people across the United States. Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, fishing can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors. However, if you plan to fish in some states, you may need to obtain a fishing license first. In this article, we’ll explore which states do not require a fishing license and the regulations that apply.
States that Don’t Require a Fishing License
While many states require a fishing license, some states do not. These states are:
Alabama
In Alabama, anglers do not need a fishing license when fishing in saltwater or freshwater. However, there are regulations that apply, including size limits, possession limits, and season restrictions.
Arizona
Anglers in Arizona can fish without a license as long as they are fishing for catfish or trout in a “community fishing water.” If you plan to fish in other waters or for other species, you will need a license.
Arkansas
Arkansas residents and non-residents under the age of 16 can fish without a license. Also, residents over the age of 65 can fish without a license if they have lived in the state for at least 60 days.
California
Anglers in California can fish without a license on two designated Free Fishing Days per year. On these days, anyone can fish in the state’s waters without a license. Additionally, some waterways are always open to fishing without a license, such as the ocean.
Colorado
Anglers in Colorado can fish without a license on the first full weekend of June each year, which is designated as Free Fishing Weekend. After that, a fishing license is required.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, anglers under the age of 16 do not need a license to fish. However, if you are over the age of 16, you will need a license to fish in the state’s waters.
Delaware
Anglers in Delaware can fish without a license on two designated Free Fishing Days per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
Georgia
Anglers in Georgia can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, some waterways are always open to fishing without a license, such as the ocean.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, anglers do not need a license when fishing in saltwater. However, if you plan to fish in freshwater, you will need a license.
Kansas
Anglers in Kansas can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 75 can obtain a free fishing license.
Kentucky
Anglers in Kentucky can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Weekend per year. Additionally, some waterways are always open to fishing without a license, such as the Ohio River.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, residents over the age of 60 can fish without a license. Additionally, residents with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
Maine
Anglers in Maine can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Weekend per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 70 can obtain a free fishing license.
Maryland
Anglers in Maryland can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, anglers do not need a license when fishing in saltwater. However, if you plan to fish in freshwater, you will need a license.
Michigan
Anglers in Michigan can fish without a license on two designated Free Fishing Weekends per year. Additionally, some waterways are always open to fishing without a license such as the Great Lakes.
Minnesota
Anglers in Minnesota can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 90 can obtain a free fishing license.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, anglers do not need a license when fishing in saltwater. However, if you plan to fish in freshwater, you will need a license.
Missouri
Anglers in Missouri can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
Montana
Anglers in Montana can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents under the age of 12 can fish without a license.
Nebraska
Anglers in Nebraska can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 70 can obtain a free fishing license.
Nevada
Anglers in Nevada can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, some waterways are always open to fishing without a license, such as Lake Tahoe.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, anglers do not need a license when fishing in saltwater. However, if you plan to fish in freshwater, you will need a license.
New Mexico
Anglers in New Mexico can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 70 can obtain a free fishing license.
New York
Anglers in New York can fish without a license on two designated Free Fishing Days per year. Additionally, some waterways are always open to fishing without a license, such as the Hudson River.
North Carolina
Anglers in North Carolina can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, some waterways are always open to fishing without a license, such as the Atlantic Ocean.
North Dakota
Anglers in North Dakota can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
Ohio
Anglers in Ohio can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, some waterways are always open to fishing without a license, such as Lake Erie.
Oklahoma
Anglers in Oklahoma can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
Oregon
Anglers in Oregon can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Weekend per year. Additionally, some waterways are always open to fishing without a license, such as the Pacific Ocean.
Pennsylvania
Anglers in Pennsylvania can fish without a license on two designated Free Fishing Days per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
Rhode Island
Anglers in Rhode Island can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
South Carolina
Anglers in South Carolina can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, some waterways are always open to fishing without a license, such as the Atlantic Ocean.
Tennessee
Anglers in Tennessee can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license such as the Great Salt Lake.
Vermont
Anglers in Vermont can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
Virginia
Anglers in Virginia can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
Washington
Anglers in Washington can fish without a license on two designated Free Fishing Days per year. Additionally, some waterways are always open to fishing without a license, such as the Pacific Ocean.
West Virginia
Anglers in West Virginia can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
Wisconsin
Anglers in Wisconsin can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Weekend per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
Wyoming
Anglers in Wyoming can fish without a license on one designated Free Fishing Day per year. Additionally, residents over the age of 65 and those with a disability can obtain a free fishing license.
As you can see, there are many states where you can fish without a license on certain days or if you meet specific requirements. Before planning your next fishing trip, make sure to check the local regulations and requirements to avoid any legal issues.
FAQs
Is it legal to fish without a license in any state?
Yes, there are some states in the US where you can fish without a license on certain days or if you meet specific requirements. However, it’s important to note that these exemptions can vary from state to state, and some areas may have additional restrictions.
Do I need a license to fish in all states?
Yes, most states in the US require a fishing license to fish in freshwater and saltwater. However, there are exceptions in some states where you can fish without a license on certain days or if you meet specific requirements.
How much does a fishing license cost?
The cost of a fishing license can vary depending on the state, type of license, and the duration of the license. In some states, a resident fishing license can cost around $20, while a non-resident license can cost over $100. However, there are also options for shorter-term licenses or discounted licenses for certain groups, such as seniors or veterans.
Can I get a free fishing license?
In some states, certain groups can obtain a free fishing license, such as seniors, veterans, or those with a disability. Additionally, some states have designated Free Fishing Days or Weekends where anyone can fish without a license. However, these exemptions can vary from state to state, so it’s important to check the local regulations.
Can I fish without a license on private property?
In most cases, fishing on private property requires permission from the landowner, regardless of whether you have a fishing license or not. It’s important to respect private property rights and obtain permission before fishing on someone else’s land.
