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USA Fishing License and Free Fishing Days 2024
Fishing in the United States, almost all states require a license, except Hawaii. Some states even have freshwater fishing licenses and saltwater fishing licenses. If you go fishing without buying a fishing license, you will be fined by the police.
Fishing license types and prices
Generally speaking, those over the age of 16 need to purchase a fishing license to fish in public waters, while fishing in private waters does not require a fishing license. Fishing on public piers along the California coast does not require a fishing license [source], and you still need to abide by size, quantity limits, seasonal and other regulations. In some states, discounted prices are available for teenagers aged 16-20, seniors aged 65 and over, and military personnel. In addition, holding a fishing license does not mean that you can fish at will. Anglers can only use fishing rods, not fishing nets or power grids. If there are salmon, rainbow trout and other types of fish in the waters, you may need to purchase an additional rainbow trout license. Taking Kansas where I am as an example, fishing licenses are divided into the following types. The most basic fishing license costs more than 20 yuan and is valid for one year.
Kansas Fishing License List
| Types of fishing licenses | Price |
|---|---|
| Resident | $27.50 |
| Nonresident | $52.50 |
| Resident Multi-Year Youth (16-20 yr old) | $42.50 |
| Resident Senior (65-74 yr old) | $15.00 |
| Three-pole Permit | $8.50 |
| Trout Permit | $14.50 |
| Paddlefish Permit | $12.50 |
| Youth (15 and younger) Paddlefish Permit | $7.50 |
| Handfishing Permit | $27.50 |
| Tournament Black Bass Pass | $14.50 |
Fishing license prices in other states can be viewed on takemefishing.org. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select your state. Or search fishing permit + state. The fishing license may only be valid within the state, and you may need to purchase a local fishing license when traveling to other states. However, some states or water management agencies recognize each other’s fishing licenses. This is especially common between states that share a water area. For example, if you have a freshwater fishing license from Maryland or Virginia, then you will not be able to use it between the two states. On the Potomac River at the state border, you can fish on the Maryland River or the Virginia River [source]. However, this kind of “mutually recognized” fishing license may also have exceptions or details that need to be paid attention to. For example, if you have a Virginia saltwater recreational fishing license, you do not need to buy a Maryland license to go fishing in Maryland, but you need to get it first. Free registration in Maryland [source].
To buy a fishing license, you need to provide your social security number (SSN).
In accordance with federal law 42 U.S.C. §666, a Social Security number is required when applying for a professional license, driver’s license, occupational license, recreational license, or marriage license [source]. A fishing license used for recreational purposes is a recreational license. The original intention of this law is to promote child and family welfare. If someone fails to pay child support, the local government can revoke the above-mentioned documents, including fishing licenses, based on the social security number. What if you are an international student who is not eligible for an SSN? You need to go to the Social Security Administration to issue a certificate, see instructions from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) [Source]:
Of course, the specific implementation conditions may vary from place to place, and some store clerks may not bother to ask you for your SSN.
Where to buy a fishing license
You can buy it at Walmart, outdoor stores (such as Dick’s, Cabela’s), and fishing tackle stores suck as our store Sikes. Your local Dept of Wildlife usually also offers online purchase. Photo ID required at time of purchase. After purchasing, you can ask about local regulations, ask the store clerk for a guide, or search fishing regulation + state. Remember to confirm the validity period of your fishing license. In some states, it is valid until December 31 of that year, no matter what month you buy it; in other states, it is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
Free Fishing Day 2024
Each state offers a day or days that allow the public to fish for free, without a fishing license. The local Dept of Wildlife will even hold events and provide free fishing rods, etc. It’s a great opportunity for families to have fun together. Free fishing days for 2024 are as follows [source].
| State | Free fishing dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | June 10, 2023 |
| Alaska | Free year-round for below 15 and above 61 |
| Arkansas | June 9-11, 2023 |
| Arizona | June 3, 2023 |
| California | July 1 & Sep 2, 2023 |
| Colorado | June 3-4, 2023 |
| Connecticut | May 6, June 18 & Aug 5, 2023 |
| Washington DC | June 3-11, 2023 |
| Delaware | June 3-5, 2023 |
| Florida | Apr 1-2 & June 10-11, 2023 (Freshwater); June 3-4, Sep 2 & Nov 25, 2023 (Saltwater) |
| Georgia | June 3, June 10 & Sep 23, 2023 |
| Hawaii | 365 days a year! (Marine only) |
| Iowa | June 3-4, 2023 |
| Idaho | June 12, 2023 |
| Illinois | June 16-19, 2023 |
| Indiana | May 7, June 3-4, & Sep 23, 2023 |
| Kansas | June 3-4, 2023 |
| Kentucky | June 3-4, 2023 |
| Louisiana | June 10-11, 2023 |
| Maine | Feb 18-19 & June 3-4, 2023 |
| Maryland | June 3, June 10, and July 4, 2023 |
| Massachusetts | June 3-4, 2023 (Freshwater) June 17-19, 2023 (Saltwater) |
| Michigan | Feb 18-19 & June 10-11, 2023 |
| Minnesota | Take a Kid Fishing Weekend: Jan 14-16 & June 10-11, 2023 Take a Mom Fishing Weekend: May 13-14, 2023 |
| Missouri | June 10-11, 2023 |
| Mississippi | June 3-4 & July 4, 2023 |
| Montana | Mother’s day: May 13-14, 2023 Father’s Day: June 17-18, 2023 |
| North Carolina | July 4, 2022 |
| North Dakota | June 3-4, 2022 |
| Nebraska | May 20, 2023 (Free park entry day too!) |
| New Hampshire | Jan 21 & June 3, 2023 |
| New Jersey | June 3 & Oct 21, 2023 |
| New Mexico | June 3 & Sept 23, 2023 |
| New York | Feb 18-19, June 24-25, Sep 23, Nov 11, 2023 |
| Nevada | June 10, 2023 |
| Ohio | June 17-18, 2023 |
| Oklahoma | June 3-4, 2023 |
| Oregon | Feb 18-19, June 3-4, & Nov 24-25, 2023 |
| Pennsylvania | May 28 & July 4, 2023 |
| Rhode Island | May 6-7, 2023 (Freshwater only) |
| South Carolina | May 39 & July 4, 2023 |
| South Dakota | May 19-21, 2023 |
| Tennessee | June 10, 2023 |
| Texas | June 3, 2023 |
| Utah | June 10, 2023 |
| Virginia | June 2-4, 2023 |
| Vermont | Jan 28, June 11, 2023 |
| Washington | June 10-11, 2023 |
| Wisconsin | Jan 21-22, June 3-4, 2023 |
| West Virginia | June 10-11, 2023 |
| Wyoming | June 3, 2023 |
