Free fishing days are a perfect opportunity for beginners to try out fishing for the first time. Free Fishing Days were created by the Indiana General Assembly in 1995 and are designated each year by the director of the Department of Natural Resources to promote angling as a recreational activity. FREE gate fee for those fishing, just show us your fishing poles! If you already have a fishing license, consider taking a friend or family member who has never been fishing, out on the water for the day. Free Fishing Days were created by the Indiana General Assembly in 1995 and are designated each year by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to promote angling as a recreational activity.