FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 1, 2026) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources invites residents and visitors of all ages to take advantage of Kentucky’s “Free Fishing Weekend,” June 6-7, 2026.
This annual event allows everyone to enjoy fishing in waters across the commonwealth without purchasing a fishing license or permit. All other regulations, including size limits and the number of fish an individual is permitted to keep, still apply. Permission is always needed if fishing in private waters.
Communities all across Kentucky participate by offering fun special events for anglers, especially for youth. Check local listings or click on the Free Fishing Weekend webpage on the department’s website (fw.ky.gov) to find many known events.
For those new to fishing, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife provides plenty of resources to get started on a lifetime of fishing enjoyment:
- Get the basics: The Learn to Fish webpage provides basic information on gear, where to go fishing, suggested lures and tackle, catching and cleaning a fish and a number of instructional videos from knot tying to filleting fish. For those with more experience, visit the department’s main Fishing landing page for links to all fishing topics.
- Get equipped: Fishing poles can be purchased inexpensively at sporting goods and box stores, second-hand stores and yard sales. Fishing poles can also be borrowed for free at a number of locations across the state. Search for nearby locations on the Loaner Fishing Pole Locations map on the department’s website.
- Learn the rules: See the annual Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide, also in a Spanish language version, for a complete summary of all fishing regulations.
- Where to go: Visit the Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) webpage for lists of easily accessible, specially stocked lakes. For a comprehensive list of fishing and boating access sites across Kentucky, check out the Waterbodies Search webpage.
- Get inside information: Peruse the annual fishing forecast and tips webpage for insider information on fish around the state.
- Find fish: Search the Lakes with Fish Attractors webpage for habitat maps at various lakes and download GPX files from there.
- Continue learning: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife hosts Hook and Cook classes in a number of communities throughout the year. Look for one- and two-day classes to improve or learn new skills.
For anglers on the go, download and use Kentucky’s Fish Boat KY app. The app helps users to find directions to local lakes, read fishing reports, learn about regulations, find stocking schedules, locate the nearest boat ramp and more. The app is available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.
The water is calling. Pack up the family on the first weekend of June and enjoy fishing in Kentucky – for free.
