Fish For Free This Weekend In New York State

Has it been a while since you've gotten a line in the water?  Want to get out and do some fishing this weekend?  You can do it without a license all across the state.

Whether you're a seasoned vet, or you're brand new to fishing but have always wanted to try it, this weekend is for you.  It's a Free Fishing Day in New York State this weekend (9/23).

What is a Free Fishing Weekend?

Normally you need a license to fish the fresh waters in New York State.  While it's not expensive or difficult to get one, sometimes it's not one of the tasks that is high on your list of things to get done.  But this weekend, you don't need one anyway.  It's part of a promotion to help people to experience the  freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams and learn about the sport of fishing in New York State.

"Free fishing days offer established anglers an opportunity to share their passion for fishing with those who may be newer to the sport." - Governor Kathy Hochul

All Other Regulations Are Still In Effect

Something people need to be aware of when heading into a "Free Fishing Weekend" though is that all the other regulations are still in effect.  In other words, you will still have to follow the rules of the DEC.  In order to know what the rules are, there is a pamphlet called "I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing" where you can freshen up or learn the rules before you go out.

Also, the free fishing is only in effect for Saturday 9/23.  This does not apply to Sunday 9/24.

There's still one more Free Fishing Day left this year

If you cannot make it out this weekend, the good news is that there's still some time this year where you'll be able to get out and do some fishing.  They announce the dates early in the year and they spread them out so that not only will you have multiple chances, but you'll also be able to fish for different species of fish.

The next one after this weekend is for Veterans Day on November 11th.

Click here for more on the Free Freshwater Fishing Days in New York.