Free fishing weekend set for June 6-7 in Delaware waters

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced that anglers can fish, crab and clam without a license in Delaware waters June 6-7 as part of National Fishing and Boating Week. (Photo courtesy of Delaware.gov.)

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced that anglers will be able to fish, crab and clam without a license in Delaware waters on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, as part of National Fishing and Boating Week.

The annual observance runs June 6-14 and encourages residents and visitors to explore outdoor recreational opportunities across the state.

According to DNREC, anglers of all ages may fish in any Delaware waters during the two designated free fishing days without purchasing a 2026 fishing license.

State officials noted that the free fishing dates were incorrectly listed as June 7 and 8 in the printed 2026 Delaware Fishing Guide.

While licenses will not be required during the two-day event, anglers age 16 and older must still obtain a free Fisherman Identification Network, or FIN, number. Participants are also required to follow all Delaware fishing regulations, including daily catch and size limits.

“We want every Delawarean to get the opportunity to experience the joy of fishing,” said Pat Emory, director of DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife. “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.”

Delaware fishing licenses and FIN numbers are available online and through authorized license agents statewide. Delaware residents age 65 and older, who are exempt from license requirements year-round, must still obtain a FIN number.