Spearfishing is a popular activity that “spearos” and anglers everywhere can enjoy year-round. Known for being a challenging and environmentally-friendly hobby, many people seek to take up the sport but aren’t sure if it’s legal in their state.
Spearfishing is legal in almost every state as long as the angler possesses a valid license and meets the requirements for that state. Some states require a separate license for saltwater and freshwater fish. There are often additional restrictions for certain fish species and areas.
In this guide, we will briefly explore the legality and requirements of spearfishing in each state of the United States of America. All states require an active fishing license unless otherwise specified.
Alabama
Spearfishing for sport is legal, provided you are hunting non-game fish. Spearos must be fully submerged and adhere to appropriate fishing seasons.
Alaska
Spearfishing is legal. Alaska has specific regulations for the amount and type of fish you can bring in per day. See here.
Arizona
The only legal game fish is Striped Bass. All catfish are illegal to spear in Arizona.
Arkansas
Spearfishing is allowed only in specific lake regions. More information here.
California
Recreational spearfishing is legal for nongame fish and commercial spearfishing is illegal. Certain game fish (like salmon and trout) cannot be speared.
Colorado
Spearfishing northern pike and carp is allowed. Game fish can only be speared in specific waters.
Connecticut
Spearing some breeds, like striped bass, is still illegal. A separate license is required for salmon and trout.
Delaware
Spearfishing is legal, but do your research on which fish are prohibited to take. Catfish, scup, and Spanish mackerel have a year-round season.
Florida
Spearfishing in freshwater is illegal. Some fish cannot be taken in saltwater. See here for the list.
Georgia
Only non-game fish and catfish may be speared. A sport fishing license is required. The person spearing fish must be completely submerged.
Hawaii
You don’t need a license to spearfish recreationally. There are species and size restrictions.
Idaho
Spearfishing is legal, except for certain game fish like trout, salmon, and bass.
Illinois
It is legal, but certain fish have harvest limits when caught by spearing. See here.
Indiana
Spearfishing can be done year-round to hunt Asian carp, bowfin, buffalo fish, common carp, gar, shad, and suckers. Fish must be taken from non-flowing waters or the Kankakee River.
Iowa
Children, supervised patients of substance abuse, and active members of the Armed Forces do not need a spearfishing license in Iowa.
Kansas
You can spearfish to take non-sport fish in waters posted “open to scuba and skin diving.” Spears must be attached to speargun or person by a line. Spears with explosive charges are illegal.
Kentucky
Spearfishing is legal from February 1st thru May. The user must be fully submerged.
Louisiana
Only a basic, recreational fishing license is required. The spearfisherman must be fully submerged.
Maine
Spearfishing is illegal. Other recreational fishing is allowed.
Maryland
Requires a saltwater fishing license. Spearfishing is only allowed for recreational (non-commercial) purposes.
Massachusetts
It is illegal to take striped bass or lobster by spearfishing. It is also allowed for other fish. Must comply with fishing seasons and bag limits.
Michigan
Spearfishing is legal for “Dogfish”, Carp, Gar, and Suckers. Sportcard is required along with a fishing license.
Minnesota
Each person is legally obligated to spear their own fish. Fishers must have a dark house spearing license and an angling license.
Mississippi
Spearfishing is illegal in all waters of the Seashore, at the Davis Bayou Area, and within 30 feet of ferry piers.
Missouri
Spearfishing is legal only for non-game fish. The daily limit is 50 fish. Goldfish and carp have no limits.
Montana
Spearfishing is legal, but there are restrictions on where you can fish and what species you can take. See here.
Nebraska
You can spearfish July 1st to Dec 31st statewide, except for the Box Butte Reservoir and private waters.
Nevada
You can spearfish for unprotected fish in all waters except Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake. Must display a diver’s flag within 100 feet of where you are spearfishing.
New Hampshire
You cannot spear lobster and striped bass. A Massachusetts license can be used when spearfishing.
New Jersey
You don’t need a license when spearfishing in saltwater, but you must sign up with the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. You cannot spear lobster.
New Mexico
Spearfishing is legal in unprotected rivers and lakes. No license is needed for tribal lands and private waters. It is illegal to spear bass in trophy waters.
New York
Spearfishing is prohibited in most freshwater areas but specific areas are allowed. Laws are currently in the process of changing.
North Carolina
There are limits only on the size and species of fish.
North Dakota
You can only spear Northern pike and nongame fish.
Ohio
It is only legal to spear forage fish such as carp, suckers, gar, etc.
Oklahoma
It is only legal to spear non-game fish and white bass.
Oregon
Spearfishing is legal in saltwater. You cannot spear in freshwater.
Pennsylvania
Spearfishing is legal for carp, suckers, and catfish. You cannot fish in certain state-regulated waters.
Rhode Island
It is legal to spear all species except lobster and striped bass. You can use a Massachusetts license.
South Carolina
It is legal to spear non-game fish.
South Dakota
It is legal to spear non-game fish. Game fish can only be speared in specific locations.
Tennessee
It is legal to spear non-game fish.
Texas
It is legal to spear non-game fish.
Utah
Spearfishing for carp is permitted during open seasons. Different waters have restrictions on what species may be taken.
Vermont
It is legal, provided you hold a hunting or combination license.
Virginia
Spearfishing is legal except when the fish will be used for commercial purposes.
Washington
It is legal to spear in freshwater lakes and rivers for non-game fish, and in saltwater for all except salmon, trout, steelhead, and sturgeon.
West Virginia
It is legal in most waters. Black bass must be released if caught.
Wisconsin
Spearfishing is legal for rough and pan fish. Game-fish are cannot be caught.
Wyoming
There are restrictions on the type of fish and body of water in which you can spearfish. Spearos may be allowed to take less fish than rod fishermen.
