Maryland hosts Free Fishing Days the first two Saturdays in June and the first two Saturdays in July. During those times, anglers may catch and possess finfish in the tidal and nontidal waters for recreational purposes without an angler’s license, Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license, or any fishing stamp normally required by the State, but shall otherwise observe all fishing laws and regulations.
For more info, go to https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/free-fishing.aspx.
June 5 through June 7 are Free Fishing Days in Virginia. Anglers may fish in Virginia’s saltwater areas without a recreational saltwater fishing license.
Although no license is needed that weekend, all fishing regulations, including size, season and possession limits still apply. For details, go to https://webapps.mrc.virginia.gov/public/reports/swrecfishingrules.php.
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) will be at select sites with rods and reels, tackle, and bait June 5 – 7.
Saturday, June 6:
- Dorey Park (Henrico County): 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Mt. Trashmore (Virginia Beach): 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Carvins Cove Reservoir (Roanoke): 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday, June 7:
- Williams Wharf Landing (Mathews County): 9 a.m. – noon
DWR fee fishing areas still require a fee for Free Fishing Days weekend.
Young anglers (age 15 or younger) can participate in the Junior Expert Angler Awards program, which allows anglers ages 15 or younger to earn a Junior Expert Angler Certification by catching and releasing qualifying Virginia saltwater species. To learn more, go to https://mrc.virginia.gov/vswft/Junior_Anglers.shtm.
