NEW YORK STATE \u2014 New Yorkers will once again have the chance to go fishing without a license on several days this year.<\/p>\n
Governor Kathy Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation have announced the 2026 Free Freshwater Fishing Days<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n The program started back in 1991 to give people who\u2019ve never tried fishing a chance to get started at no cost. State leaders say it\u2019s also part of the governor\u2019s \u201cGet Offline, Get Outside\u201d<\/a> initiative, encouraging families to step away from screens and spend more time outdoors.<\/p>\n The DEC<\/a> 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 \u201clearn to fish\u201d clinics and a fishing rod lending program at more than 80 libraries across the state, so people can try it out before buying gear.<\/p>\n Officials remind participants that while the license requirement is waived on those specific days, all other fishing regulations<\/a> still apply. Outside of the free dates, anyone 16 and older needs a valid New York fishing license.<\/p>\n