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DEC Announces June 27 & 28 as Free Fishing
Weekend in New York State
Published: June 25, 2026 at
03:15 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
DEC Announces June 27 & 28 as Free Fishing
Weekend in New York State
Free Freshwater Fishing Days Support the
Governor's “Get Offline, Get Outside” Initiative
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton
today announced that a Free Fishing Weekend in New York State will take
place June 27–28, 2026. The weekend is part of six designated Free Fishing Days that take place each year in New
York State. During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived
for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters.
“With summer
officially here, the timing of these free fishing days couldn’t be
better,” said Commissioner Lefton. “New York is home to
thousands of angling opportunities across our abundant freshwater lakes,
ponds, streams, and rivers. Fishing is an affordable and rewarding pastime
and I encourage everyone to get outside and visit New York’s waters during
this Free Fishing Weekend.”
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.
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 currently
scheduled programs, 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 on the Fishing Rod
Lending Program. While borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out
fishing equipment (spin casting rods, bobbers, and hooks). 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.
The remaining
Free Fishing Days of 2026 will take place on September 26 (National Hunting
and Fishing Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day).
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