Alabama Free Fishing Day
One Saturday in June when anyone may fish Alabama public waters without a license.
For weighing a catchPiscifun Lip gripper with digital scale27% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Athens: formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0
The one Saturday Alabama waives the fishing license
Each year ADCNR designates a Saturday in June as Free Fishing Day, allowing the public to fish recreationally in public waters statewide without needing a fishing license.
Freshwater and saltwater fishing license; no saltwater license or reef fish endorsement needed on Free Fishing Day.
The page says "the public"; no residency limit printed.
ADCNR Free Fishing Day page, read November 1, 2026.
Alabama Free Fishing Day, past and next
| Year | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, June 13, 2026 | Held |
| 2027 | Not announced | 2027 date not announced on the ADCNR page as of November 1, 2026. |
What a free day in Alabama does not waive
- Fishing permit at State Public Fishing Lakesstill applies
- Pond owner's permission on private pondsstill applies
- Some piers may still require fees and permitsstill applies
- Alabama State Parks gate entry feesstill applies
Creel limits, size limits, seasons and the tackle rules stay in force on Free Fishing Day.
Where ADCNR held its 2026 Free Fishing Day event
ADCNR Free Fishing Day event at Foscue Creek Park, Demopolis, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (learn-to-fish morning).
- State Public Fishing Lakesthe lake permit still applies
- Alabama license and regulationsthe other 364 days
- Alabama Gulf Coastpiers and bays for a first saltwater trip
Bay, river and lake views for Alabama Free Fishing Day
Photo: Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant, CC BY 2.0
Photo: alyssa BLACK, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Lindsey Turner, CC BY 2.0
Alabama Free Fishing Day questions
Which Saturday was Alabama Free Fishing Day in 2026?
Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Is the 2027 Alabama Free Fishing Day set?
2027 date not announced on the ADCNR page as of November 1, 2026.
Can visitors from other states fish free that day?
ADCNR says the public may fish without a license and prints no residency limit.
Does the free day cover salt water?
Yes; no saltwater license or Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement is needed that Saturday.
Do creel limits apply on Free Fishing Day?
Yes; every size, creel and season rule still applies.
Do I still pay at a State Public Fishing Lake?
Yes; the lake fishing permit is still required on the free day.
Are state park entry fees waived?
No; Alabama State Parks gate fees still apply, and some piers keep their own fees.
Who fishes free in Alabama the rest of the year?
Anglers under 16, residents 65 and older, and residents fishing plain hook and line from the bank in their home county (fresh water).