Night fishing is an experience unlike any other. But wait, before you grab your fishing pole, you need to know your state’s restrictions on fishing in the dark.
Each state has unique night fishing regulations. However, the majority of states permit night fishing. Night fishing may be restricted based on the fish species, the area, the tool used, or the season. Check local rules and regulations before participating in nighttime fishing.
Are you struggling to find information on your state’s nighttime fishing laws? No need to worry! Here you will find the general nighttime fishing regulations for all 50 states (even the District of Columbia!). Keep reading to find your local fishing regulations.
Night Fishing Regulations by State
There are no federal nighttime fishing laws, thus allowing each state to determine what rules and regulations are best for their area.
Before hitting the water, take a look at your local fishing regulations. The table below shows all 50 states (and the District of Columbia) and their general nighttime fishing regulations. For more information on a specific state, click their name!
| State | Can You Fish at Night? |
| Alabama | Yes, but when fishing from a boat the lights must be on at all times. |
| Alaska | Yes. |
| Arizona | Yes. |
| Arkansas | Yes, but when fishing from a boat lights to make one’s presence known must be used. This applies to non-motorized boats as well. |
| California | Yes, but there are area and species-specific restrictions. |
| Colorado | Yes. |
| Connecticut | Restrictions vary by the water body you are fishing in. |
| Delaware | Yes, but there are streams designated off-limits for night fishing. When fishing from a boat at night it must be equipped with an electric distress light. |
| Florida | Yes, but there are area and species-specific regulations. |
| Georgia | Yes, but there are area and species-specific regulations. |
| Hawaii | Yes, but there are area and tool-specific regulations. |
| Idaho | Yes, but there are area-specific regulations. Steelhead and salmon can only be taken during the day. |
| Illinois | Yes, but snagging is only permitted during daylight hours. Jug fishing must take place at night. |
| Indiana | Yes. The Ohio River has specific regulations restricting the taking of catfish outside of daylight hours. Snares can only be used during daylight hours. |
| Iowa | Yes, but only shore fishing is permitted. No watercraft can be on the water after 10:30 p.m. Taking of Mussels must take place during daylight hours. |
| Kansas | Yes, but there are area-specific restrictions. Motorized vehicles used for ice fishing can only be used during the day. |
| Kentucky | Yes, but there are area-specific restrictions. |
| Louisiana | Yes, but there are area-specific restrictions. There is also a season for “nighttime activities.” These activities only permit taking frogs and fishing with a rod and reel. |
| Maine | Yes. There are some area-specific restrictions regarding smelt. |
| Maryland | Yes, but there are area and species-specific restrictions. |
| Massachusets | Yes. |
| Michigan | Yes. |
| Minnesota | In general, no. However, there are area-specific regulations. Ice fishing may be done overnight but the shelter must not be unoccupied throughout the night. |
| Mississippi | Yes. |
| Missouri | Yes, but there are area and species-specific regulations. |
| Montana | Yes, but there are area and seasonal-specific restrictions. |
| Nebraska | No. |
| Nevada | Yes, but there are area and seasonal-specific restrictions. |
| New Hampshire | Yes, but there are area, seasonal, and species-specific restrictions. |
| New Jersey | Yes, but there are area-specific regulations. |
| New Mexico | Yes, but there are area-specific regulations. Boats on the water at night must have navigation lights. |
| New York | Yes, but there are area, seasonal, tool, and species-specific regulations. |
| North Carolina | Yes, but there are area and seasonal-specific regulations. |
| North Dakota | Yes, but there are area-specific regulations. |
| Ohio | Yes, but there are area-specific regulations. |
| Oklahoma | Yes, but noodling and bowfishing are only permitted during daylight hours. |
| Oregon | Yes, but there are freshwater areas and species-specific restrictions. Saltwater fishing is open 24 hours per day. |
| Pennsylvania | Yes, but there are area-specific regulations. |
| Rhode Island | Yes, but only during the open season. |
| South Carolina | Yes. |
| South Dakota | Yes. |
| Tennessee | Yes, but there are area, species, and tool-specific regulations. |
| Texas | Yes. |
| Utah | Yes, but there are area, seasonal, and tool-specific restrictions. |
| Vermont | Yes. Certain species can only be taken during their specific season. There may be some areas that restrict nighttime fishing. |
| Virginia | Yes, but there are area, species, and tool-specific restrictions. |
| Washington | In general, no. However, some areas may permit selective night fishing |
| West Virginia | Yes. Some areas may require a permit or may be closed to night fishing. Children are not permitted to fish outside of daylight hours. |
| Wisconsin | Yes, but there are area, seasonal, species, and tool-specific regulations. |
| Wyoming | Yes. Some areas, such as the National Elk Refuge, may restrict nighttime fishing. |
| District of Columbia | Yes. |
As you learned above, not only do fishing regulations vary by state, but they can vary drastically throughout the different regions and bodies of water within the state.
Most fishing areas will have their hours posted on-site or online for your reference. If there are no restrictions posted, it may be helpful to call the local fish and game for assistance.
In addition to site variance, nighttime fishing restrictions may vary at different times of the year. In the summer, fishing restrictions may be in place due to excessive heat.
Should You Fish at Night?
Now that you know the restrictions on nighttime fishing and whether or not you can night fish, it is time to decide whether you should do it or not.
As mentioned earlier, nighttime fishing is a unique experience. Fish tend to be more active during the evening hours, and there is usually less competition. If you go fishing at night, chances are you will not have to share your favorite fishing spot.
Especially during the summer months, fish are not active during the day. As the sunsets and the temperature cools, fish are more likely to rise to the surface in search of food, thus increasing your chances of catching one.
If you choose to go night fishing, ensure you are following the proper safety protocols. Most states require boats on the water at night to have an operational lights system. While operating a boat at night, take it slow. You never know when you may come across some debris or even another boat.
Night fishing is something you should give a try. Who knows, it may become your new favorite hobby!