The Fourth of July is all about getting outside. Barbecues, lakes, parades and in our opinion, the most patriotic past time, fishing!
For generations, anglers have covered the cost of harvesting fish and water conservation by paying for fishing licenses and a tax on fishing-related gear and equipment. On the day of our nation’s birth, however, several states want to reward anglers for their hard efforts by providing free fishing to all residence. This is a great opportunity to help recruit new anglers who will help keep the tradition and conservation effort alive.
It’s important to remember that even though licenses are not required for these specific days and states, all other conservation laws, like size restrictions, catch limits and others, are still in full affect.
Read on to learn more about this amazing opportunity and the states that offer it!
Maryland
Anglers in the “Old Line State” will have a free day to roam the state’s waters this Independence Day. The state offers an incredible amount of species from trout, bass and pike in fresh waters, to striped bass, red and black drum, and cobia in the Chesapeake Bay.
On any other day you would need two different licenses to fish Maryland’s freshwater and coastal waters. This special offer extends to not only the freshwater creeks, lakes, ponds and rivers, but tidal fishing as well.
Notable Maryland Waters: Susquehanna River, Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay
North Carolina
Whether it’s beautiful brook and brown trout in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or stripers and sheepshead on the coast, North Carolina residents will enjoy fishing for free on the Fourth of July.
Like Maryland, North Carolina generally requires separate licenses for freshwater fishing and salt, but not this Independence Day.
To increase participation in fishing, the state even stocks certain waters with trout, catfish and other fish, but also utilizes a Tackle Loaner Program, where novice anglers can check out fishing gear similar to a book at the library.
Notable North Carolina Waters: Nantahala, Tuckasegee, Pigeon, Fontana Lake
Pennsylvania
What better state to fish for free in than the home of the Fourth of July! The “Keystone State” is where it all started! To celebrate residents and non-residents alike can fish for free on any of Pennsylvania’s waters. This includes fishing for salmon, trout and fishing on Lake Eerie, which normally require separate permits.
When it comes to smaller bodies of water, Pennsylvania has you covered for almost every species. You can fish creeks for brook trout, ponds for bluegill, lakes for bass, pike, or walleye and more. Your only limit will be the amount of daylight! (Don’t hesitate to reference your FishAngler app for the Sun Forecast!) Pennsylvania also utilizes the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program, like North Carolina, to get as many people on the water as possible.
Notable Pennsylvania Waters: Lake Eerie, Delaware River, Spring Creek
South Carolina
South Carolina allows free fishing on Independence Day for residents, as well, but limits it to freshwater only. So while you’ll still need your license to target the state’s subtropical beaches and marsh-like sea islands, there are still plenty of trout-filled mountain streams and warm water lakes and ponds teaming with bass.
In the northwest of the state you can find plentiful brook and brown trout in rivers like the wild Chattooga River, which is only accessible in places by hiking into a wilderness area. The rest of the state is dotted with large lakes, which hold bass, walleye, catfish and other warm water species. Need help navigating new waters? Check out “Map it Out” in Best FishAngler App Uses for Summer Fishing.
Notable South Carolina Waters: Lake Marion, Chattooga River, Lake Keowee
California (July 6)
California’s free fishing day misses the Fourth of July by a couple of days. Falling on Independence Day weekend instead, July 6 is a great opportunity to get away for a fishing weekend in the Golden State! Especially if you had to work during the week, and couldn’t get away. California makes up for it with an incredible amount of fishing opportunities, both freshwater and salt. Some notable species are trout, bass, sturgeon and several species of salmon. Remember that some species like salmon and sturgeon will still require a Report Card.
Notable California Waters: Sacramento and San Juaquin Rivers, Clear Lake, Klamath River
Freedom to Fish
If you’re lucky enough to live in one of these states we hope you take full advantage of free fishing day! This is a great time to preserve the legacy of sport fishing by recruiting new anglers into the outdoors.
Even if you have already bought your license we encourage all anglers to try and mentor an angler, however big or small. The future of fishing, fish and clean waters is in our hands!
Happy Fourth of July to all anglers from the team at FishAngler and don’t forget to tag us in all of your Fourth of July fishing photos on the FishAngler app!
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