Free Fishing Days in NY State

Free fishing days offer residents and non-residents who are 16 and older* the chance to fish without a freshwater fishing license or recreational marine fishing registration (*Kids under 16 can always fish for free!).

These days offer the perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time, to get back into the sport, or to take a friend or the whole family along to fish! Even though a license is not needed, all other fishing regulations apply.

2026 Free Fishing Days:

• February 14-15
• June 27-28
• September 26
• November 11

More Info: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/learn-to-fish