Why It Matters: National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW) celebrates the important role that fishing and boating play in America’s outdoor heritage, while also highlighting how participation in these activities directly supports fisheries conservation and public access through the American System of Conservation Funding. Free fishing days held during the week provide a unique opportunity for new anglers and families to experience the outdoors without needing to purchase a fishing license.
Highlights
- Since 1950, the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson Act) has generated more than $12 billion for fisheries conservation, boating access, habitat restoration, and aquatic education.
- More than 30 states are offering free fishing days during National Fishing and Boating Week, giving Americans an easy opportunity to introduce someone new to angling.
Beginning this weekend, June 6-14 is National Fishing and Boating Week. First proclaimed by President George W. Bush in 2002, the event has since been recognized during the first full week of June every year. The celebration highlights the cultural importance of fishing and boating to millions of Americans, along with the countless recreational opportunities afforded by our nation’s abundant aquatic resources.
Recreational fishing and boating are important from both a personal well-being and conservation perspective. These activities allow individuals, families, and friends to connect with the outdoors by enjoying time on the water together. From the stories and traditions shared from generation to generation, to the priceless memories made from a boat, shore, or beach, fishing and boating have been ingrained as a part of our national heritage. Participation in these activities also contributes to conservation funding through the American System of Conservation Funding. In the proclamation of NFBW, President Bush specifically mentioned the impact of the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (a.k.a., the Dingell-Johnson Act). To date, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service notes the Act has generated more than $12 billion since it was established in 1950. These funds support fisheries research and management, habitat restoration, aquatic resource education, boating access infrastructure, and boating safety, among others.
During NFBW, many states have dedicated free fishing days where you do not need a license to try your hand at fishing for the first time (or again)! This year, those states and days include:
| State | Free Fishing Days |
| AL | June 13 |
| AZ | June 6 |
| AR | June 12–14 |
| CO | June 6–7 |
| DE | June 6–7 |
| FL | June 6–7 & June 13–14 |
| GA | June 6 & June 13 |
| ID | June 13 |
| IN | June 6–7 |
| IA | June 5–7 |
| KS | June 6–7 |
| KY | June 6–7 |
| LA | June 6–7 |
| MD | June 6 & June 13 |
| MA | June 6–7 |
| MI | June 13–14 |
| MN | June 5–7 |
| MS | June 6–7 |
| MO | June 6–7 |
| NV | June 13 |
| NH | June 6 |
| NJ | June 6 |
| NM | June 6–7 |
| ND | June 6–7 |
| OK | June 6–7 |
| OR | June 6–7 |
| TN | June 6 |
| TX | June 6 |
| UT | June 6 |
| VT | June 13 |
| VA | June 5–7 |
| WA | June 6–7 |
| WV | June 13–14 |
| WI | June 6–7 |
| WY | June 6 |
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) encourages everyone to get on the water this summer, and the free fishing days associated with NFBW are a great opportunity to introduce someone new to angling or get back into the sport yourself if it has been a few years since you bought a license. Be sure to check in with your respective state agency for more information on your state’s free fishing opportunities and where to fish.