Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week June 1–8, 2025

Get ready to cast a line and make waves! National Fishing and Boating Week returns June 1–8, 2025, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the many joys of fishing and boating, and Georgia is leading the celebration with free fishing days, events and exceptional outdoor experiences in Georgia State Parks.

National Fishing and Boating Week encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors, even if they don’t yet have a fishing license. In Georgia, residents and visitors can fish license-free on Saturday, May 31 and Saturday, June 7, creating the perfect opportunity to discover (or rediscover) the thrill of reeling in a big one.

Throughout the week, Georgia hosts dozens of kids’ fishing events, especially on the weekend. These family-friendly gatherings are ideal for new anglers and offer expert tips, community camaraderie, and time well spent on the water.

National Fishing and Boating Week is an initiative of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s “Take Me Fishing” campaign. In Georgia, the celebration extends into the heart of nature at our breathtaking State Parks. Whether you’re in search of a quiet stream or a sparkling lake, Georgia State Parks deliver some of the best fishing and boating experiences in the country. No equipment? No problem! Some parks have programs that allow you to borrow or rent equipment for little or no charge.

Top 10 Georgia State Parks for Fishing:

• Red Top Mountain State Park (Lake Allatoona): Spotted bass, hybrid bass, striped bass, and crappie.
• Georgia Veterans State Park (Lake Blackshear): Largemouth bass, crappie, bream, hybrid striped bass, catfish.
• Moccasin Creek State Park (Lake Burton): Bass and trout fishing, with kid- and senior-only stream access.
• Elijah Clark & Mistletoe State Park (Clark Hill Lake): Bass, sunfish, catfish, hybrid striped bass.
• Tugaloo State Park (Lake Hartwell): A haven for hybrid striped bass and crappie.
• High Falls State Park (High Falls Lake): Recognized as one of the nation’s top family fishing destinations, High Falls has excellent largemouth bass and catfish.
• Smithgall Woods State Park (Duke’s Creek): Premier catch-and-release trout stream (overnight guests only in June).
• Don Carter State Park (Lake Lanier) - Spotted bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, black crappie and walleye.
• Richard B. Russell State Park (Lake Russell): Crappie and bass fishing paradise.
• Seminole State Park (Lake Seminole): Renowned for largemouth bass and black crappie.
• George T. Bagby State Park (Lake Walter F. George): Catfish and bass hotspot, home to a state-record blue catfish.

Water lovers can think of Georgia State Parks as their personal waterfront escape. With easy access to boat ramps, docks, rentals, and marinas, it’s never been easier to get out on the water. Visitors can enjoy water skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, aquacycling and personal watercraft on large lakes, while smaller lakes may have horsepower restrictions to protect the peaceful setting and local wildlife. Call individual parks for pricing, boating restrictions and rental options.

Top 10 Georgia State Parks for Boating:

• Laura S. Walker State Park – Kayak, swim, and boat on a 120-acre lake.
• Mistletoe State Park – Stunning bass-fishing mecca with boat ramps, cottages and camping options.
• Elijah Clark State Park – Four ramps, lakeside cottages and camping, and sandy beach.
• Tugaloo State Park – Ideal for sailing, tubing, and large-scale fishing tournaments.
• Florence Marina State Park – Boat slips, deep-water marina, and access to Lake Walter F. George.
• George T. Bagby State Park – Marina and sandy beach.
• Don Carter State Park – Peaceful paddling and boat ramp on Lake Lanier.
• Seminole State Park – Smooth waters for tubing and watersports.
• Richard B. Russell State Park – Unspoiled shoreline with cottages, camping and boat ramp.
• Red Top Mountain State Park – Cottages, yurts, campsites and scenic lakeside views.

Whether visitors are experienced anglers looking to catch the next world record or simply looking to unwind and relax on the water, Georgia State Parks offer an unmatched blend of recreation, relaxation, and natural beauty. Make a splash this summer and celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week right here in Georgia! Be sure to check Georgia’s boating rules, registration information, and the state’s water safety SPLASH initiative before heading out.

https://GaStateParks.org/ParkBoating
https://GaStateParks.org/ParkFishing
GeorgiaWildlife.com/nfbw