Weekend guide
Some states call the program Free Fishing Weekend instead of Free Fishing Days. This page highlights multi-day windows that are easier for families to plan around.
Weekend windows
A weekend window gives families more flexibility, but it does not remove normal regulations or access rules.
| State | 2026 dates | Status | Who / water | Important checks | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michigan MI | February 14-15, 2026 Winter June 13-14, 2026 Summer | Confirmed Michigan DNR lists winter and summer 2026 Free Fishing Weekends. | Michigan DNR describes the weekends as open to residents and out-of-state visitors. Michigan is a freshwater state program covering inland waters and Great Lakes fishing, with normal rules still in force. | Fishing seasonsSize limitsBag limitsSpecies regulations | State source |
Indiana IN | May 10, 2026 Mother’s Day June 6-7, 2026 Early summer September 26, 2026 National Hunting and Fishing Day | Confirmed Indiana DNR lists three 2026 free fishing periods. | Indiana’s free fishing language is commonly written for Indiana residents; nonresidents should verify the official page before relying on the waiver. Indiana free fishing days are for Indiana public waters, with normal fishing regulations still applying. | SeasonsBag limitsSize limitsProperty access rules | State source |
New York NY | February 14-15, 2026 Presidents Day weekend June 27-28, 2026 Early summer September 26, 2026 National Hunting and Fishing Day November 11, 2026 Veterans Day | Confirmed NYSDEC announced six 2026 free freshwater fishing days. | NYSDEC describes the freshwater license requirement as waived on listed days. The announced waiver is for freshwater fishing; marine fishing rules should be checked separately. | Freshwater fishing regulationsSpecies seasonsSize and possession limitsAccess rules | State source |
Washington WA | June 6-7, 2026 Free Fishing Weekend | Confirmed WDFW lists June 6-7, 2026 for Free Fishing Weekend. | WDFW describes a statewide Free Fishing Weekend; visitors should still check species and access requirements. The event is broad, but WDFW lists important species exceptions and endorsement requirements. | Catch record cards where requiredSpecies closuresSize and daily limitsArea rules | State source |
West Virginia WV | June 13-14, 2026 June weekend | Confirmed WVDNR lists a June 2026 free fishing weekend. | WVDNR describes free fishing days as allowing fishing without a license during the listed weekend. The program applies to West Virginia fishing waters under WVDNR rules. | Fishing regulationsDaily creel limitsSize limitsPublic access rules | State source |
Mississippi MS | June 6-7, 2026 National Fishing and Boating Week July 4, 2026 Independence Day | Confirmed MDWFP lists a June free fishing weekend and July 4 free fishing day. | Mississippi’s public language is commonly resident-focused; nonresidents should verify MDWFP before relying on the waiver. MDWFP information is focused on Mississippi fishing waters and state lake/park permit rules. | Daily limitsSize limitsLake or park permits when not waivedAccess and boating rules | State source |
Kansas KS | June 6-7, 2026 June weekend | Confirmed Kansas wildlife officials list the 2026 free fishing weekend. | Kansas describes free fishing days as allowing fishing without a Kansas fishing license. Kansas free fishing days apply to Kansas fishing waters, with normal rules and property requirements still relevant. | Length limitsCreel limitsPublic land feesBoat registrations where applicable | State source |
Oregon OR | February 14-15, 2026 Winter June 6-7, 2026 Early summer November 27-28, 2026 Thanksgiving weekend | Confirmed ODFW lists three 2026 free fishing weekends. | ODFW presents free fishing days as statewide opportunities; visitors should verify all rule details before fishing. ODFW free fishing days commonly cover fishing, crabbing, and clamming without licenses or tags, but all regulations remain in force. | ClosuresBag limitsSize limitsSpecies rules | State source |
Free Fishing Weekend
February 14-15, 2026 · Winter
June 13-14, 2026 · Summer
Michigan is a strong family target because it has both winter and summer weekends and typically pairs fishing with other outdoor recreation promotions.
Free Fishing Days
May 10, 2026 · Mother’s Day
June 6-7, 2026 · Early summer
September 26, 2026 · National Hunting and Fishing Day
Indiana is useful because the state spreads free fishing opportunities across spring, early summer, and early fall.
Free Freshwater Fishing Days
February 14-15, 2026 · Presidents Day weekend
June 27-28, 2026 · Early summer
September 26, 2026 · National Hunting and Fishing Day
November 11, 2026 · Veterans Day
New York has multiple free fishing windows, making it one of the best states for planning a beginner trip around weather and family schedules.
Free Fishing Weekend
June 6-7, 2026 · Free Fishing Weekend
Washington is high-value for users because the waiver is useful but has more exceptions than many states; checking the official source matters.
Free Fishing Days
June 13-14, 2026 · June weekend
West Virginia is a useful June target for families planning a mountain lake or river outing without buying a full license first.
Free Fishing Days
June 6-7, 2026 · National Fishing and Boating Week
July 4, 2026 · Independence Day
Mississippi needs careful source checking because state lake and park permit treatment can differ between dates.
Free Fishing Days
June 6-7, 2026 · June weekend
Kansas is a clean June weekend target, but families should still check state park or public land fees before arriving.
Free Fishing Days
February 14-15, 2026 · Winter
June 6-7, 2026 · Early summer
November 27-28, 2026 · Thanksgiving weekend
Oregon is valuable because free fishing days can include fishing, crabbing, and clamming, which creates more family trip options.