News Summary
On June 7, Alabamians and visitors can fish in public waters without a license during the annual Free Fishing Day, organized by the Alabama Department of Conservation. The event coincides with the red snapper season, providing a perfect opportunity for saltwater anglers. The Madison County Public Fishing Lake and events at the Col. Carroll D. Hudson Recreational Area on Redstone Arsenal will welcome families and fishing enthusiasts for a day of outdoor fun and activities. Participants are reminded to check specific regulations before heading out.
Huntsville, Alabama – On June 7, Alabama will host its annual Free Fishing Day, allowing residents and visitors to fish in public waters without a fishing license. This much-anticipated event is organized by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as a part of the nationwide National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs from June 1 to June 8.
During Free Fishing Day, anglers have the unique opportunity to explore the state’s diverse fishing waters without the need for a license. However, it’s important to note that some state public fishing lakes may still require a permit. Furthermore, individuals looking to fish in private ponds must obtain the owner’s consent. Certain piers may charge fees or necessitate permits as well.
This year’s Free Fishing Day coincides with the opening of Alabama’s red snapper season, making it an ideal time for saltwater anglers to take advantage of the event. On this day, they will not need a saltwater fishing license or a reef fish endorsement, simplifying the process of enjoying a day on the water.
After June 7, fishing regulations will revert to their normal requirements, and regular fishing licenses will be mandatory once again. Participants are encouraged to mark their calendars for this opportunity to enjoy Alabama’s rich aquatic resources.
For those interested in local fishing opportunities, the Madison County Public Fishing Lake is a popular destination that provides anglers with various fish species to target, including largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie, and winter-only rainbow trout. A special trout fishing season at this location will commence on November 29, 2024, when over 3,000 pounds of rainbow trout will be stocked. During the trout season, a $5 Daily Trout Permit, alongside a valid freshwater fishing license, will be required, with a daily creel limit set at four trout per angler.
Located 11 miles east of Huntsville in Gurley, Alabama, Madison County Lake is easily accessible for those wishing to participate in fishing activities. Additionally, Free Fishing Day will include events at the Col. Carroll D. Hudson Recreational Area on Redstone Arsenal, where attendees can fish for a variety of species, including crappie and bass. The Redstone event is expected to attract between 200 to 300 participants and will offer free worms and a complimentary hot dog lunch while supplies last. The fishing activities at Redstone will operate from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m..
Beyond fishing, Free Fishing Day at Redstone will feature additional outdoor recreation activities such as shooting sports, trailer rentals, camping, and more, providing something for everyone to enjoy. The event is sponsored by RC Clark Consulting Inc., enhancing the community experience.
In summary, Free Fishing Day on June 7 offers a perfect chance for Alabamians and visitors to engage with nature, enjoy recreational fishing without licensing concerns, and participate in festive activities. As always, it’s vital for participants to be aware of specific regulations and to ensure a responsible and enjoyable fishing experience.
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Additional Resources
- Rocket City Now: Alabama Anglers Free Fishing Day
- Wikipedia: Fishing
- Outdoor Alabama: Madison County Public Fishing Lake
- Google Search: Madison County Public Fishing Lake
- The Bass Cast: Chris Lane Leads Redcrest 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aquatic Ecosystem
- Hville Blast: Weekend Events in Huntsville
- Google News: Huntsville Events
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
