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Free Expo Emphasizes Fly Fishing Opportunities on September 12 in Suffolk County<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Free Expo Emphasizes Fly Fishing Opportunities on September 12 in Suffolk County<\/p>\n
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Activities Promote Governor Kathy Hochul\u2019s \u2018Get Offline, Get Outside\u2019 Campaign and Boost Local Recreational Economies<\/p>\n
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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will hold the\u00a0seventh\u00a0annual Women’s\u00a0Fly-Fishing Expo at Connetquot River State Park Preserve in the\u00a0Town of Islip, Suffolk County, on Saturday, September\u00a012,\u00a0from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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DEC Commissioner\u00a0Amanda Lefton said,\u00a0\u201cWe are thrilled to bring back the\u00a0annual Women\u2019s\u00a0Fly-Fishing Expo,\u00a0which\u00a0highlights\u00a0DEC\u2019s\u00a0ongoing\u00a0mission to\u00a0expand\u00a0access and\u00a0provide hands-on\u00a0instruction\u00a0for New Yorkers. This clinic gives\u00a0participants a supportive, low-pressure environment to build skills and\u00a0gain confidence, helping us foster the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy getting out on the Connetquot to take part in New York\u2019s world-class fishing.\u201d<\/p>\n
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State Parks Commissioner Kathy Moser said,\u00a0\u201cThe annual Free Women\u2019s Fly-Fishing Expo is a great example of how we are expanding access to the outdoors and creating welcoming opportunities for people to learn new skills, build connections, and experience New York\u2019s natural resources. State Parks is proud to continue this tradition and partnership with DEC, introducing women of all experience levels to the rewards of fly fishing and encouraging more New Yorkers to discover the many benefits of outdoor recreation.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The Women’s\u00a0Fly-Fishing Expo provides experiential learning in a fun and supportive environment primarily run by women anglers and fisheries professionals. This event will also feature women-owned businesses and fishing clubs for networking opportunities. Everyone is welcome to attend, although the event is focused on introducing women and girls to fishing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Expo activities begin at 10 a.m. and are free of charge. Participants can attend a trout hatchery tour and learn about fisheries management and fishing on Long Island and statewide. Information provided while fly fishing on the renowned Connetquot River includes fishing basics, intermediate fishing, basic knots, fly tying, fly casting, and marine fishing. Fly casting and fly fishing are limited to those aged 16 and older.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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This is a rain or shine event. Spots are limited and pre-registration before September\u00a04\u00a0is\u00a0required. For more information, or to register, call the DEC’s I FISH NY Program at\u00a0(631) 444-0283,\u00a0or email\u00a0fwfish1@dec.ny.gov<\/a>\u00a0with the subject title ‘Women’s\u00a0Fly-Fishing Expo.’\u00a0<\/p>\n
A vehicle use fee of $8 will be in effect. Parking is free for Empire Passport holders. The 2026\u00a0Empire Passport can be\u00a0purchased\u00a0for $80 at State Parks offices, or\u00a0online at the New York State Parks website<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The event complements Governor Kathy Hochul\u2019s \u201cGet Offline, Get Outside<\/a>\u201d campaign to encourage New York\u2019s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings, and put their mental and physical health first.\u00a0<\/p>\n
To help make fishing more affordable and help inspire the next generation of anglers, DEC also partners with libraries across the state to provide a free fishing rod lending program. In addition to borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This program offers an opportunity for people to try fishing before\u00a0purchasing\u00a0their own gear. For more information and a list of participating libraries, visit\u00a0DEC\u2019s website<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
DEC and its partners also\u00a0host free fishing clinics throughout the state<\/a>\u00a0year-round and offer\u00a0Free Fishing Days<\/a>\u00a0since 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York has to offer. Two free fishing days remain in 2026, September 26\u00a0(National Hunting and Fishing Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day). During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York\u2019s waters. To learn more about free fishing opportunities,\u00a0visit DEC\u2019s website<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Outside of free fishing days, anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license. For more information on\u00a0purchasing\u00a0a license visit the\u00a0DEC\u2019s website<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often.\u00a0Visit DOH\u2019s website to search by waterbody location<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For\u00a0information about freshwater fishing on Long Island<\/a>, call the DEC Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0283, e-mail\u00a0fwfish1@dec.ny.gov<\/a>, or visit DEC’s website.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Free Expo Emphasizes Fly Fishing Opportunities on September 12 in Suffolk County
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