New Hampshire offers two free fishing days each year, so make plans to get out and cast a line with family and friends. Try a new pastime that can last a lifetime.

Free fishing days are offered on:

• The first Saturday in June, and
• The third Saturday in January.

Persons participating in a fishing tournament must still hold a license, even on free fishing day.

Free Fishing Day Rules:

• State residents and nonresidents alike can fish any inland water – or saltwater – in New Hampshire that day without a fishing license.
• Note that season dates, bag limits and all other fishing regulations must be followed on Free Fishing Day.

For details on fishing rules, consult the New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest.

Read more fishing information – stocking reports, tackle tips, access sites, lake depths and fishing reports from across the state. And check out our regional fishing brochures, with suggestions on where to fish from the shoreline, currently available for Manchester/Nashua, the North Country, southwestern New Hampshire, the Lakes Region, and the seacoast.

If you get hooked on Free Fishing Day, enjoy the fun year round. Licenses are available online or from any of 250 friendly local license agents statewide. Youth under age 16 do not need a license to fish in New Hampshire.