Oklahoma anglers can fish for free during Free Fishing Days June 1-2. During these days, a state fishing license will not be required for anglers.
Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to offer free fishing days about 30 years ago and has since been followed by dozens of other states that have established similar days.
For a listing of lakes and rivers along with fishing guides and cabins, check out Oklahoma Fishing Guides.
oklahoma free fishing days
Free Fishing Weekend!
This weekend is Oklahoma’s annual Free Fishing Weekend! That’s right, you don’t need a license to go fishing – so grab your poles and some kids and get out there!
Please Note: Certain city permits may still apply to specific fishing areas during Free Fishing Days. If you are going to Lake Texoma, be aware of and abide by all Texas fishing license and permit requirements when fishing the Texas portion of Lake Texoma this weekend. The Texas Free Fishing Day is Saturday, so you will be able to fish both Texas and Oklahoma portions of the lake for free that day only.
Read the full story here!
Oklahoma Free Fishing Days
Oklahomans looking to try something new with the family this summer may want to give fishing a try, and they can start June 7-8 during Oklahoma’s Free Fishing Days, which allow people to fish without state fishing licenses or permits (including trout licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits).
Urban areas across the state offer angling opportunities through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Close to Home Fishing program, which provides quality fishing opportunities without a long drive into the country. Anglers also have access to a number of lakes, rivers, streams and small ponds where they can catch fish all day long as well. And those anglers who just don’t know where to start can turn to the Wildlife Department’s weekly state fishing report to find just the right place to go.
“The Department’s state fishing report reveals inside information on the best places to go angling, when the fish are biting and what baits they are hitting the most,” said Jeff Boxrucker, assistant chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Department.
Compiled by Wildlife Department personnel and independent reporters, the reports even include techniques and locations within specific waters to increase angler success. Anglers can receive the fishing report by subscribing to the Department’s weekly news release at www.wildlifedepartment.com/wl_news.htm.
“Fishing in Oklahoma normally requires a license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, which you can purchase at various sporting good vendors across the state, but Free Fishing Days gives people a chance to just ‘test the waters’ and see if they would enjoy the sport,” Boxrucker said. “We are confident they will.”
Anglers should note that certain city permits may still apply to specific fishing areas during Free Fishing Days.
Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to offer free fishing days over 25 years ago and has since been followed by dozens of other states that have established similar days.
Anglers should be aware of and abide by all Texas fishing license and permit requirements when fishing the Texas portion of Lake Texoma June 7-8. The Texas Free Fishing Day is June 7, so anglers will be able to fish both Texas and Oklahoma portions of the lake for free that day. On June 8, free fishing will only be allowed on the Oklahoma portion of the lake. Anglers must follow all other fishing regulations.
The City of Oklahoma City will exempt all city permit fee on city lakes for Free Fishing Days – Saturday and Sunday only.
Free Fishing Days Whopper
I had the opportunity to take some friends kids fishing at Lake Texoma during the Free Fishing Days and boy did we have fun! It was Zane’s first time striper fishing and TJ’s second time.
We were about 300 yards west of TI Point around 12:30pm when the bite kicked in. All 6 rods were going at once! We would reel them in, rebait, recast, and pow, another fish on.
When it was all said and done, there were stripers all over the floor of the boat and TJ had caught an 18 lb’er!
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Free Fishing Days, June 2 – 3
Anglers hoping to introduce someone to the sport of fishing this year have a chance to take them for free June 2-3.
Oklahoma’s Free Fishing Days allow people to fish without state fishing licenses or permits (including trout licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits).
“These are some of the best days to take a newcomer or youth fishing with you,” said Damon Springer, aquatic education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “There’s no state fishing license requirements, so someone who has never been before can just wake up in the morning and head out for a fun day of fishing. And someone from out of state can come enjoy what Oklahoma’s waters have to offer without having to worry about license requirements.”
Fishing in Oklahoma normally requires a license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, which are purchased from the Department at its offices or various sporting good vendors across the state. Anglers should also note that certain city permits may apply to specific fishing areas.
“License sales are one of the primary sources of funding for the Department,” said Barry Bolton, assistant chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Department. “Sportsmen pay for conservation projects when they buy a license. The Department’s Free Fishing Days can help us introduce new anglers and ensure that great fishing and habitat work will continue for years to come. There’s no excuse not to take someone fishing on June 2 and 3. The weather is great, the fishing is great and, best of all, it’s free.”
Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to offer free fishing days 25 years ago and has since been followed by dozens of other states that have established similar days.
Anglers should be aware of and abide by all Texas fishing license and permit requirements when fishing the Texas portion of Lake Texoma June 2-3. The Texas Free Fishing Day is June 2, so anglers will be able to fish both Texas and Oklahoma portions of the lake for free that day. On June 3, free fishing will only be allowed on the Oklahoma portion of the lake. Anglers must follow all other fishing regulations.
Story courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation