Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have announced the 2026 Free Freshwater Fishing Days in New York, offering residents and visitors six opportunities throughout the year to fish freshwater without the need for a fishing license. The freshwater fishing license requirement will be waived on February 14–15, June 27–28, September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).
Free Fishing Days are intended to lower barriers for new anglers while encouraging families and individuals to explore New York’s extensive network of freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. The initiative supports Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside campaign, which promotes physical and mental health by encouraging New Yorkers—especially children and families—to step away from screens and spend more time enjoying outdoor recreation together.
DEC officials noted that New York offers some of the best freshwater fishing opportunities in the nation, with a wide variety of sportfish thriving across the state. First launched in 1991, DEC’s Free Fishing Days program has long served as an entry point for those curious about fishing, while also highlighting the importance of conservation and stewardship through licensed angling outside of the free days.
To help newcomers get started, DEC offers a range of educational resources, including the I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing, instructional videos on DEC’s YouTube channel, and the Places to Fish webpages, which help anglers plan trips and identify accessible fishing locations. The DEC’s HuntFishNY mobile app also features “The Tackle Box,” a map-based tool that provides easy access to fishing regulations, stocking information, and public access points from a smartphone.
Additional opportunities to learn the sport are available through DEC-approved free fishing clinics held across the state. DEC has also partnered with libraries statewide to offer a Fishing Rod Lending Program, allowing patrons to borrow fishing rods while checking out books—an effort aimed at helping families and new anglers try fishing before investing in their own gear.
DEC reminds anglers that while a freshwater fishing license is not required on Free Fishing Days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect, including size limits, seasons, and creel limits. Outside of these designated dates, anglers aged 16 and older must possess a valid New York State fishing license.
