Free Fishing Day is a fantastic opportunity for residents and non-residents alike to enjoy the beautiful waters of Alabama without the need for a fishing license. •
- Residents and non-residents can fish in most public waters, including freshwater and saltwater areas, without a fishing license.
- However, a fishing permit is still required for fishing in Alabama’s State Public Fishing Lakes.
- Fishing in a private pond requires the pond owner’s permission.
- Some piers may require fees and permits.
The event is part of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs from June 1-8, and is an exciting chance to experience the state’s world-class waters. “From the Gulf of America to our mountain streams, our state has world-class waters that anglers from far and wide travel to enjoy,” said Governor Kay Ivey. Governor Ivey highlighted the economic benefits of Free Fishing Day, stating that it supports the state’s economy while allowing residents to enjoy the natural beauty of Alabama. “I encourage all Alabamians to take advantage of this day – so, grab your tackle box and enjoy our Alabama the Beautiful,” she said. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be promoting the event on social media, and Academy Sports + Outdoors will be the 2025 title sponsor of Alabama’s Free Fishing Day. Some anglers might be concerned about the overlap with the red snapper season, but Governor Ivey reassured that saltwater anglers will not need a saltwater fishing license or reef fish endorsement on June 7. Madison County Lake Manager Cole Coultas emphasized the importance of introducing newcomers to the sport of fishing. “This is a great day to get someone out who’s never been fishing, introduce someone new to it. They don’t have to have a license today,” Coultas said. Coultas also highlighted the benefits of Free Fishing Day for families and the community. “This is always a good day. We see a lot of families, and there’s always a lot of new faces on this day, so it really serves its purpose of the Free Fishing Day. It does a great job at bringing new people in that normally wouldn’t of thought about going fishing.”
Alabama has been investing heavily in improvements to boating access areas throughout the state, with recent projects including major renovations to public boat ramps in Florence, Guntersville, Mount Vernon, Monroe County, Fort Morgan, and Dauphin Island.
| Boating Access Improvements | Location | Renovations |
|---|---|---|
| Major renovations | Florence | Park Road Boat Ramp |
| Major renovations | Guntersville | Smith Lake Park Boat Ramp |
| Major renovations | Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon Park Boat Ramp |
| Major renovations | Monroe County | Monroe County Park Boat Ramp |
| Major renovations | Fort Morgan | Fort Morgan Park Boat Ramp |
| Major renovations | Dauphin Island | Dauphin Island Park Boat Ramp |
For those looking for a new public fishing spot or boating access area, anglers can explore the fishing section of www.outdooralabama.com.
“Free Fishing Day is a great opportunity to enjoy the unmatched natural beauty of our state while also supporting our state’s economy. I encourage all Alabamians to take advantage of this day – so, grab your tackle box and enjoy our Alabama the Beautiful,” said Governor Kay Ivey.
As the title sponsor of Alabama’s Free Fishing Day, Academy Sports + Outdoors will be providing support and resources to promote the event.
Some anglers might be concerned about the overlap with the red snapper season, but Governor Ivey reassured that saltwater anglers will not need a saltwater fishing license or reef fish endorsement on June 7.
- Fishing License Exemption
- Residents and non-residents can fish in most public waters, including freshwater and saltwater areas, without a fishing license.
- Exceptions
- A fishing permit is required for fishing in Alabama’s State Public Fishing Lakes, and fishing in a private pond requires the pond owner’s permission.
- Red Snapper Season
- Saltwater anglers do not need a saltwater fishing license or reef fish endorsement on June 7.
Alabama has been investing heavily in improvements to boating access areas throughout the state, with recent projects including major renovations to public boat ramps in various locations.
For more information about Free Fishing Day and National Fishing and Boating Week, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be promoting the event on social media, and Academy Sports + Outdoors will be providing support and resources to promote the event.
“From the Gulf of America to our mountain streams, our state has world-class waters that anglers from far and wide travel to enjoy,” said Governor Kay Ivey.
