UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) — New Yorkers will have six opportunities to fish for free in 2026 without needing a freshwater fishing license.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced that the Free Fishing Days will be Feb. 14–15, June 27–28, Sept. 26 for National Hunting and Fishing Day, and Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.
The New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation said the Free Fishing Days program started in 1991 to help people try freshwater fishing at no cost, introduce a new hobby and encourage support for conservation through license purchases.
Participants do not need a license on these dates, but all other fishing rules still apply. Anyone over 16 must have a valid license on all other days.