No License Needed For Fishing In Alabama Next Saturday

Anglers can fish the ultra-diverse waters of Alabama without a license next Saturday as the state once again observes Free Fishing Day.

The annual fee-free day caps off National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs from June 1st through June 8th.

Alabama is one of the most biodiverse states in the nation and is home to several hundred fish species navigating and habitating more than 130,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 50 miles of shoreline on the Gulf Coast.

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On most occasions, fishing those waters requires one or more licenses sold by the state, but next Friday, the public can enjoy the peaceful pastime almost anywhere in the state without a permit.

You'll still need one to visit one of the state's Public Fishing Lakes and the "holiday" doesn't allow you to fish private ponds or on private property without permission.

“From the Gulf of America to our mountain streams, our state has world-class waters that anglers from far and wide travel to enjoy,” Governor Kay Ivey said in a press release. “Free Fishing Day is a great opportunity to enjoy the unmatched natural beauty of our state while also supporting our state’s economy. I encourage all Alabamians to take advantage of this day – so, grab your tackle box and enjoy our Alabama the Beautiful.”

“Fishing provides many mental and physical health benefits and is a great way for families to spend time together outdoors,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Free Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity for anyone who has never experienced casting a line to give it a try. We hope that anyone with an interest in fishing will take advantage of this outdoor recreation opportunity.”

From Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Nicol and Harris Lake to the various pools of the Black Warrior River to the biodiverse wonderland of Hurricane Creek, the options to fish just around the city of Tuscaloosa are plentiful.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate and make Free Fishing Day - June 7th - a beautiful opportunity for folks to enjoy experiencing some of what Alabama has to offer to anglers and other outdoorspeople.

For more coverage of news around West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.