Delaware Offers Free Fishing Days to Kick Off National Fishing and Boating Week

State of DE - If you have been thinking about dropping a line in Delaware waters, the state is giving you a reason to do it this weekend. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is offering two free fishing days to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs June 6 through June 14.

On Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, anglers can fish, crab and clam in any Delaware waters without a 2026 fishing license. That means no cost to get out on the water and enjoy one of the region's most popular outdoor activities.

There is one thing to keep in mind, though. Even on the free fishing days, anglers age 16 and older are still required to have a free Fisherman Identification Network number, also known as a FIN number. This is a no cost registration that can be completed online at de.gov/digitaldnrec or through a license agent near you.

It is worth noting that the 2026 Delaware Fishing Guide originally listed the free fishing dates as June 7 and 8. That was a misprint. The correct dates are June 6 and June 7.

Just because the license requirement is waived does not mean all rules are off. Anglers are still expected to follow Delaware's fishing regulations, including size limits and daily catch limits.

Those details can be found in the print version of the fishing guide or online at eregulations.com/delaware/fishing.

DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Pat Emory spoke to why these free days matter. "We want every Delawarean to get the opportunity to experience the joy of fishing," Emory said. "That's why it's so great that the law allows DNREC to designate two days a year where barriers are removed so that more people can enjoy getting out on the water to fish."

The free days are open to everyone, not just Delaware residents. Visitors are welcome to take part as well.

Residents who are already license exempt, including Delaware residents age 65 and older, will still need to get a free FIN number if they do not already have one. That can be done online or through a participating license agent.

For anyone planning to fish the other 363 days of the year, fishing licenses can be purchased online at de.gov/digitaldnrec. That same page also has a list of authorized license agents across the state and other helpful information for both new and experienced anglers.

National Fishing and Boating Week is a national effort to get more people outside and on the water. Delaware's free fishing weekend is a simple and low barrier way to take part, whether you are a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time.