NEW YORK STATE — New Yorkers will once again have the chance to go fishing without a license on several days this year.
Governor Kathy Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation have announced the 2026 Free Freshwater Fishing Days. On February 14th and 15th, June 27th and 28th, September 26th (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11th, the requirement for a freshwater fishing license will be waived.
The program started back in 1991 to give people who’ve never tried fishing a chance to get started at no cost. State leaders say it’s also part of the governor’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, encouraging families to step away from screens and spend more time outdoors.
The DEC offers beginner guides, how-to videos, and even a mobile app to help new anglers find places to fish and understand regulations. There are also free “learn to fish” clinics and a fishing rod lending program at more than 80 libraries across the state, so people can try it out before buying gear.
Officials remind participants that while the license requirement is waived on those specific days, all other fishing regulations still apply. Outside of the free dates, anyone 16 and older needs a valid New York fishing license.
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