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DEC Announces Free Fishing Day September 27th in New
York State
Published: September 23, 2025
at 03:00 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Announces Free Fishing Day in New York State
Freshwater Fishing License Not Required on National
Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 27, 2025
New Yorkers Encouraged to “Get Offline, Get Outside”
and Try Freshwater Fishing at No Cost
The New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announces Sept. 27
will mark the next Free Fishing Day in New York State.
“The September
27th free fishing day is particularly special because it coincides with
National Hunting and Fishing Day, a celebration of the incredible angling
opportunities our state provides,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda
Lefton. “Free fishing days are the perfect time for newcomers to learn
to freshwater fish or for experienced anglers to bring others outdoors to
enjoy the many abundant waterways across New York.”
This annual Free
Fishing Day coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which
was designated by Congress in 1972. The day helps encourage people to
experience, understand, and appreciate traditional outdoor sports and
recreation and abundant natural resources, while also recognizing hunters
and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation.
Free Fishing Days
further support Governor Hochul's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative that
promotes physical and mental health by helping encourage New York’s
children and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break
from social media, and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.
In addition to
designated free freshwater fishing days, DEC and its partners also hold
free fishing clinics throughout the year. Participants learn about local
fishing opportunities and are taught about the fish they can catch, fishing
safety, how to cast a fishing rod, aquatic resource stewardship, and New
York’s fishing regulations. A full list of programs is available on
DEC’s website. Check the list regularly as new events
are added throughout the year.
No rod? No
problem. DEC partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing
rod lending program. Along with borrowing a book, library patrons can sign
out a fishing rod. This affordable program provides an opportunity for
people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more
information on the program and a list of participating libraries
visit DEC’S website.
For beginning
anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides
information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying your
catch and understanding fishing regulations. DEC's Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of
information for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. The “Tackle
Box” feature in DEC’s official app, HuntFishNY,
contains freshwater fishing regulations, boating access and stocking
information within a map-based interface from the convenience of a smart
phone. Other features include driving directions to state-operated boat
launch sites and an offline feature that allows users to access information
when cell coverage isn't available. The HuntFishNY
app is available for download through Google Play or the App store. For
more information visit DEC’s website.
The final free
fishing day for 2025 will take place on Veterans Day, November 11. On Free Fishing Days, New York residents and non-residents
alike may fish for free without a fishing license. Free Fishing Day
participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing
license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations
remain in effect. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16
years of age and older must have a current New York State fishing license
to fish. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
More information on purchasing a fishing license can be found on DEC's website.
The New York
State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish
are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location.
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