Enjoy FREE Fishing Weekend in Kentucky! June 7 – 8, 2025- No fishing license is required in the state for all ages.
Sample Kentucky’s outstanding fishing opportunities for free during Free Fishing Days on June 7-8, 2025. During this special weekend, you don’t need a license or permit to fish. Even anglers who live outside of Kentucky are welcome to enjoy the state’s fishing opportunities. Just remember: you still have to follow regulations on size limits and the number of fish that you can keep – and you need permission to fish in private waters. Although kids under 16 can always fish for free, communities across the state will be offering special fishing events for youth on June 7, 2025. Find the event nearest you in the list that follows.
“Free fishing weekend is a great tool for teaching kids how to fish,” said John Gutzeit, aquatic education coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “This is also a great time for those lapsed anglers who’ve gotten away from fishing to get fishing again and come back into the fold.”
Anglers across Kentucky may fish without a fishing license or need a trout permit on Free Fishing Weekend. Size and creel limits still apply during this time.
*No Fishing License or Trout Permit required
*Residents + Nonresidents
*Statewide, public + private waters (landowner permission still required on private property)
*Daily catch, fish size & other limits still apply
-Fishing Regulations: https://go.usa.gov/xmsG5
Need help getting started? Visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ website at fw.ky.gov and type, “Learn to Fish,” in the search box. Here you’ll find instructional videos covering knot tying and preparing a fish for the table.
Don’t know where to fish? Click the “Fishing” tab on the department website to access the annual fishing forecast for great tips and places to try.
The fishing page also includes a link to the Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) lakes. FINs offers dozens of easily accessible, specially stocked lakes near population centers throughout the state.
Special Events – Watch for more 2025 Events
Fayette County
Cops and Bobbers
June 7, 2025
10 am – 1 pm
Gainesway Park