Georgia Free Fishing Days
The three license-free days for Georgia residents in June and September, with the rules that still apply.
For weighing a catchPiscifun Lip gripper with digital scale27% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Lake Chatuge: Warren LeMay, CC0 1.0
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Georgia free fishing days for residents
Each year, Georgia offers 3 Free Fishing Days: two during National Fishing and Boating Week (first full week of June) and one on National Hunting and Fishing Day (September). On these days, residents do NOT need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas.
On Free Fishing Days, Georgia residents do NOT need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and any of the 11 Public Fishing Areas. All other regulations apply.
- Two free fishing days during National Fishing and Boating Week (first full week of June)National Fishing and Boating Week free fishing days
- One free fishing day on National Hunting and Fishing Day (fourth Saturday of September per the dates printed)National Hunting and Fishing Day free fishing day
Georgia free fishing day dates, 2026 and 2027
| Event | Year | Date |
|---|---|---|
| National Fishing and Boating Week free fishing days | 2026 | June 6, 2026 |
| National Fishing and Boating Week free fishing days | 2026 | June 13, 2026 |
| National Fishing and Boating Week free fishing days | 2027 | June 5, 2027 |
| National Fishing and Boating Week free fishing days | 2027 | June 12, 2027 |
| National Hunting and Fishing Day free fishing day | 2026 | September 26, 2026 |
| National Hunting and Fishing Day free fishing day | 2027 | September 25, 2027 |
WRD National Fishing and Boating Week and National Hunting and Fishing Day pages and the 2026-2027 guide, page 77. Checked October 2026.
Fishing in Georgia without buying a license
Anglers under 16 do not need a Georgia fishing license (residents and nonresidents).
No license needed under age 16 (residents and nonresidents; nonresidents under 16 need no fishing or trout license); no license to fish private ponds (not government-owned) or for a resident and immediate family fishing on their own land; free fishing days (residents).
Dozens of kids fishing events are held during National Fishing and Boating Week; WRD lists events on GoOutdoorsGeorgia.
Photos of Georgia water to go with Georgia Free Fishing Days
Photo: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, CC BY 4.0
Photo: TVA Web Team, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Chanilim714, CC BY-SA 3.0
Free fishing day questions in Georgia
When are the June 2027 Georgia free fishing days?
June 5, 2027 and June 12, 2027, during National Fishing and Boating Week.
When is the September 2027 free fishing day?
September 25, 2027, National Hunting and Fishing Day.
Can nonresidents fish free on these Georgia days?
No; the free days waive the license and trout license for Georgia residents only.
Do creel limits still apply on free fishing days?
Yes; every other Georgia regulation stays in force.
Are Public Fishing Areas open free on these days?
Yes; residents may fish any of the 11 PFAs without a license on the free days.
Do Georgia kids need a fishing license?
No; anglers under 16, residents or not, fish without one.
Is a trout license waived on free days?
Yes, for residents, along with the fishing license.
How many free fishing days does Georgia hold?
Three a year: two in early June and one in late September.