Georgia free fishing day Sept. 26 for National Hunting and Fishing Day

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, is National Hunting and Fishing Day in Georgia under a proclamation from Gov. Brian Kemp. That day is also one of the state’s three annual free fishing days. Georgia residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license to fish any public waters — lakes, streams, ponds, and public fishing areas.

The other two free days fall during National Fishing and Boating Week: June 6 and June 13, 2026. Wildlife Resources Division is hosting 12 special events statewide for NHF Day, from kid and family fishing to Outdoor Adventure Days with archery, fishing, and shooting. WRD Director Chris Harper urged families to pick an event and try something new.

Size, bag, season, and method rules still apply unless a specific event says otherwise. Confirm the live WRD event list and current fishing regulations before you keep a fish.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division — National Hunting & Fishing Day. Also: Grice Connect — Georgia to celebrate NHF Day on September 26 (Sept. 17, 2026).