Free Fishing Days & Boat Launch Rules — compare states.
Pick the states you’ll fish and launch in. See each state’s 2026 Free Fishing Days (reported — verify with the agency) alongside its real boat/AIS launch-permit rule, and print one checklist for the trip.
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Free Fishing Days & Boat Launch Rules
Texas (TX)
Free Fishing Days (2026, reported): June 6, 2026
Verify these dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Reported for 2026 by public aggregators and may not match the official state schedule. Always confirm the current year’s dates and any species/stamp exceptions with the agency before planning.
Boat / AIS launch: No decal program; compliance is enforced through mandatory drain laws and transport prohibitions. Violations can carry fines up to $500.
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/fish_hunt/fish/exotic.phtml
Colorado (CO)
Free Fishing Days (2026, reported): June 6–7, 2026
Verify these dates with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Reported for 2026 by public aggregators and may not match the official state schedule. Always confirm the current year’s dates and any species/stamp exceptions with the agency before planning.
Boat / AIS launch: AIS permit required ANS Stamp (Non-resident $50 (resident $25); required on every motorboat and sailboat even during the 60-day exemption.). Mandatory AIS inspection at one of 77 stations before launching any trailered/motorized boat.
Source: Colorado Parks & Wildlife — Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) stamp & inspection (C.R.S. 33-10.5-104.5).
Free-fishing-day dates are compiled from 2026 public roundups and are not official; always confirm with the state agency. Boat/AIS rules shown are FishFig’s verified 2026 dataset.
Before you launch — my checklist
- Confirm this year’s Free Fishing Days with each state agency (dates change yearly).
- Check whether a trout/salmon stamp or report card is still required on free days.
- Verify the boat/AIS permit and display it before launching.
- Carry the valid fishing license for any non-free day.
- Follow Clean, Drain, Dry between waters.
| State | Free Fishing Days (reported) | Boat/AIS |
|---|---|---|
| TX | June 6, 2026 | No decal program; compliance is enforced through mandatory drain laws and transport prohibitions. Violations can carry fines up to $500. |
| CO | June 6–7, 2026 | AIS permit required ANS Stamp (Non-resident $50 (resident $25); required on every motorboat and sailboat even during the 60-day exemption.). Mandatory AIS inspection at one of 77 stations before launching any trailered/motorized boat. |
Frequently asked questions
Are the Free Fishing Day dates official?
No. They are reported values compiled from 2026 public roundups and flagged “verify with agency.” States change the dates every year and some require a free online license on those days. Always confirm with the state fish & wildlife agency before you plan.
Does the license waiver cover everything?
The base fishing-license requirement is waived on designated days, but other rules still apply — catch limits, size limits, gear restrictions, and sometimes trout/salmon stamps or report cards. The tool’s checklist reminds you to check those.
Where do the boat/AIS rules come from?
FishFig’s verified 2026 aquatic invasive species (AIS) dataset — whether a state requires an AIS stamp or permit, the fee, and the inspection rule, each with a citation to the state agency.
Is this legal advice?
No. FishFig is an informational guide. Confirm current free-fishing dates, license waivers, and boat/AIS permits with the relevant state agency before you travel.