Tennessee’s Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is set for Saturday, June 7 offering residents and visitors of all ages the opportunity to fish without a license in the state’s public waters. Additionally, youth aged 15 and under can enjoy free fishing for the entire week, from June 7 through Friday, June 13.

Established in 1991 by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), Free Fishing Day aims to introduce families and young anglers to outdoor recreation. Each year, TWRA stocks thousands of pounds of fish across the state to ensure high-quality fishing experiences for participants.

The event is named in honor of Bobby Wilson, who retired in 2022 after more than four decades with TWRA. Wilson spent 35 years in the Fisheries Division and served as Executive Director from 2020 to 2022.

Numerous communities and partner organizations have planned special fishing events across the state to celebrate Free Fishing Day. For example, Grundy Lakes State Park in nearby Tracy City plans the Myers Hill Annual Free Fishing Rodeo Day. In Woodbury, they’ll host the annual East Fork Stones River Free Fishing Day at Dillon Park, and right down the road in Fayetteville, they’ll host the Stone Bridge Memorial Park Youth Fishing Rodeo.

Free Fishing Day and Week apply to Tennessee’s public waters, TWRA-owned and operated lakes, and state park facilities. Some privately owned pay lakes may continue to charge during this special day and week; anglers should consult with those operators if there are any questions about a facility.

For more information and to find a local event near you, visit the TWRA events page. •

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