Want to fish, but haven't got a fishing license, or don't have the resources for one? Then fish during 'free fishing days' that are set up in certain states. Here are the days for the year 2012. If the days haven't been released yet, check with your state's fish or wildlife department for the dates in your area. Fishing free means that on those days you can fish without a sport fishing license.
Finding Free Fishing Dates
To find a free fishing day in your area, check with the local fish and game or wildlife department for the days specified. There are generally two: one in the spring or summer, and one in the fall, but some states only have one. This is a great way to get out and fish if you only go out once a year and cannot
afford to pay for a full season or year for fishing. It's also a great way to introduce yourself or your kids to the sport, no strings attached.
Free Fishing Days and Free Fishing Opportunities for 2012
Here are the free fishing days for 2012 set up from each state's department of fish and game for the states Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
- Ohio - May 5 and May 6. Also, a fishing license is not required for Ohio residents if they give assistance to an angler who is physically disabled
(provided they are using one line together), fishing in a private pond or on lad which they or their parents own or are tenents, or any member of the U.S.
Armed Forces on active duty while on leave or furlough. - Oklahoma - June 2 and June 3 - But city permits may still apply.
- Oregon - June 9 and June 10
- Pennsylvania - May 28 (for Memorial Day) and September 3 (for Labor Day)
- Rhode Island - Dates not yet released
- South Carolina - June 9 and June 10
- South Dakota - For fishing in waters other than those on tribal land trusts: May 18 to May 20. Also during this time is free entrance to all South Dakota State Parks.
- Tennessee - June 12
- Texas - June 2
- Utah - June 2
- Vermont - June 9
- Virginia - June 1 to June 3: During this weekend, no fishing license is required for everywhere except in designated stocked trout waters.
- Washington - June 9 and June 10 - First weekend in June following the first Monday.
- West Virginia - June 9 to June 10
- Wisconsin - June 2 and June 3, the first full Saturday and Sunday in June
- Wyoming - June 2
