Fish & Game

June 4 is Free Fishing Day

Here’s a good ‘excuse’ to give angling a whirl or jump back in.

Learning to fish but haven’t tried it yet? Maybe you’ve fished a few times with friends or family but want to try it on your own?

If you need incentive, we’ve got it: a day with nothing to lose.

On Free Fishing Day, June 4, join other Texans fishing recreationally without licenses or endorsements. For more than 15 years, Texans have used the first Saturday in June to participate in this nationally celebrated event, which coincides with National Fishing and Boating Week, June 4-12.

“Free Fishing Day is a wonderful opportunity for anglers to share their knowledge, skills, equipment and love for fishing with a new participant, yet it’s also more than that,” says Craig Bonds, TPWD Inland Fisheries director. “We hope those trying fishing on this special day will also learn that purchasing a license is an act of conservation. A fishing license purchase is one of the simplest and most effective way people can support fisheries science and management.”

If you’ve bought a license, you’re already supporting great fishing, not only today but for future Texans. Free Fishing Day offers an opportunity to share the love by taking a friend or family member along for some fun. That’s how many of us get hooked.

One note: If you plan on fishing in federal waters, you’ll still need a license for the private recreational angler red snapper season. Learn more about Free Fishing Day at TakeMeFishing.org.

Can’t get out on the water June 4? Don’t forget that you can also enjoy free fishing any day of the year at more than 70 state parks (park entry fees still apply).

To help celebrate Free Fishing Day, TPWD offers multiple resources to provide fun, high-quality fishing opportunities to anglers of all skill levels and all ages.

Fishing 101: Learn fishing basics with tips and videos — how to get started, safety, supplies and gear, casting, bait, cleaning and storage (tpwd.texas.gov/learn-to-fish).

Where to fish: Texas offers many lakes and rivers with access to fishing throughout the state. Find your perfect spot by region or alphabetically, with plenty of tips (tpwd.texas.gov/wheretofish).