HARRISBURG, Pa (July 1) – On Independence Day, when many families and friends will be gathered to celebrate the holiday and spend time outdoors, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is pleased to offer a statewide Fish-for-Free Day!

From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2024, no fishing license is required to fish, however all other fishing regulations, including seasons and creel limits, apply.  Complete fishing regulations can be viewed using the FishBoatPA mobile app or the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).

During the extended Independence Day holiday weekend and throughout the remainder of the summer, the PFBC reminds anglers who will be fishing from boats to follow a basic safety checklist before and during each boating adventure.  Boaters should always wear a life jacket, have a float plan to let others know when and where they’ll be boating, check the weather forecast, have proper registrations and launch permits, and never boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Need to borrow a rod and reel?  The PFBC offers a fishing tackle loaner program at dozens of locations across the Commonwealth, including many popular state parks.  A map of fishing tackle loaner sites is available online.