Delaware Free Fishing Day (2026) — June 6 + Saltwater ALWAYS Free

DE 2026 free fishing day June 6. Saltwater always FREE! Delaware Bay, Cape Henlopen surf, Indian River Inlet.

Delaware is unique — saltwater fishing is ALWAYS free! Plus there are dedicated free freshwater fishing days.

2026 DE Free Fishing Day

DateTypeNotes
June 6, 2026 (Saturday)Free Freshwater Fishing DayNo freshwater license needed — all ponds & rivers

On Free Fishing Day, all regulations (creel limits, size limits) still apply.

Year-Round Free Options

  • Saltwater (ALL YEAR!): Delaware Bay, Inland Bays, Atlantic — FREE for everyone, always. Just register for a FIN number
  • Under 16: No license needed — freshwater or saltwater
  • Seniors 65+: ALL fishing is free (freshwater + trout stamp included)
  • Disabled residents: Free fishing license
  • Active military: Free license

Best Spots for Free Fishing Day

Water TypeTop SpotsTarget Species
Saltwater (FREE!)Delaware Bay, Indian River Inlet, Cape HenlopenStripers, bluefish, flounder, tog
Freshwater pondsLums Pond, Killens Pond, Records PondLargemouth bass, bluegill, catfish
RiversBrandywine Creek, Christina RiverTrout (stocked), smallmouth bass

More spots: Delaware fishing spots guide. Freshman license is just $8.50: where to buy.

Explore DE fishing →