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State Announces Dates for 2026 Free Freshwater
Fishing Days
Published: February 06, 2026
at 11:30 a.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
Governor Hochul and DEC Announce 2026 Free Freshwater
Fishing Days in New York
Ample Fishing Opportunities Await New Anglers
Free Fishing Days Support the Governor's “Get Offline, Get Outside” Initiative
Governor Kathy
Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(DEC) have announced the 2026 dates for Free Fishing Days in New York. The
requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during the following
six days in 2026: February 14–15, June 27–28, September 26 (National
Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).
“Free Fishing
Days provide the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors to
affordably explore, unplug, and get outside,” Governor Hochul
said. “New York State’s waters offer some of the best fishing
opportunities in the nation, hosting memorable fishing experiences that
increase tourism and benefit the economy. In addition to the many health
benefits associated with recreating outdoors, fishing can provide more
opportunities to connect with family and friends, something that seems harder and harder to do with increasing demands on time
in today’s world.”
DEC’s Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give
New Yorkers who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of
freshwater fishing at no cost, introduce people to a new hobby, and
encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State Fishing License.
Department of
Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “A wide
variety of sport fish are thriving in thousands of freshwater lakes, ponds,
streams, and rivers across New York State. Recreational fishing can be an
exciting, affordable, and rewarding challenge that reminds us to slow down
and take time to enjoy our valuable natural resources. Whether you’re new
to the sport or a seasoned angler, I encourage everyone to get outside and
visit New York’s waters during this year’s Free Fishing Days.”
DEC offers a host
of resources for those interested in getting started in
fishing. The I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater
Fishing (PDF) provides information on everything from rigging
up a fishing rod, to identifying your catch and understanding fishing
regulations. There’s also a video series on DEC’s
YouTube channel that complements the Beginners’ Guide.
DEC's Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of
information when planning your next fishing trip. DEC's official mobile
app, HuntFishNY, now features “The Tackle Box,” which
provides anglers with one-stop shopping for fishing regulations, boating
access, and stocking information within a map-based interface from the
convenience of your smart phone.
Free Fishing Days
further support Governor Hochul's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative that
promotes physical and mental health by encouraging 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. One of the ways
teens and youth can find ideas to get offline is through DEC’s Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge, which offers
50 fun and interesting activities for youth to complete by the age of
19.
In addition to
Free Fishing Days, there are also “learn to fish” opportunities available
through DEC-approved free fishing clinics. For a list of what’s currently
scheduled visit DEC’s website.
To help make
fishing more affordable and help inspire the next generation of anglers,
DEC has also partnered with libraries across the state to provide a Fishing
Rod Lending Program. While borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a
fishing rod. This program offers an opportunity for people to try fishing
before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information and a list
of the more than 80 participating libraries, visit DEC’s website.
Free Fishing Day
participants are reminded that although the requirement for a freshwater
fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. Outside of
free fishing days, anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing
license. For more information on purchasing a license visit 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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