Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Fishing is a beloved pastime for many, and many states offer "free fishing days" where residents and visitors can fish without a license. These days are a great opportunity for people to try out fishing for the first time, or for experienced anglers to introduce a friend or family member to the sport.

Free Fishing Day: June 1, 2024

The Arizona Game and Fish Department invites anglers to fish Arizona waters for free Saturday, June 3. It's an ideal time to take the family out for some fun and relaxing outdoor recreation. Arizona's Free Fishing Day is celebrated as part of National Fishing and Boating Week. As an incentive, a fishing license is not required Saturday for persons fishing any public waters in Arizona.

While a fishing license is not needed Saturday, bag limits and other fishing regulations still apply and must be observed on Free Fishing Day. Children under 10 can fish for free all year long in Arizona, so this special fishing license exemption means that older kids and parents get a free pass for the day, as well.

Then, once you're hooked on fishing, purchase a valid Arizona online for only $37 (for Arizona residents 18 and older). A combination fish/hunt license is only $5 for youths 10 to 17.

Anglers also can share their fishing success stories and photos to AZGFD's FishAZ Facebook group, as well as connect with other anglers around the state.

And Ahead

National Hunting & Fishing Day is on September 28, 2024.

What is NHF Day? On May 2, 1972, President Nixon signed the first-ever proclamation of National Hunting & Fishing Day, writing "I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations."

Now in its 52nd year, NHF Day is the largest, most effective grassroots movement ever undertaken to promote outdoor sports and conservation. Celebrated on the fourth Saturday of every September, the federally recognized holiday brings together sportsmen and women from across America to celebrate the rich tradition of hunting, sport shooting and fishing through organized local, state and national events aimed at introducing new audiences to the outdoors.