Posts Tagged ‘free fishing days’

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend set for Feb. 18-19

dec logoOn January 19, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos reminded anglers to be safe when venturing onto the ice this season, especially given recent variations in weather conditions.

“New York State has been experiencing wide-ranging temperatures and weather conditions, from freezing to fairly mild,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Given these unpredictable fluctuations in weather, it is critical that winter recreationists exercise extreme caution when doing anything on the ice, including fishing, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.”

Ice anglers should check the thickness of ice before leaving the shore. Four inches of solid clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure thickness. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice from forming. Checking the ice can easily be done with an auger or spud bar at various spots. In addition, fishing with a family member or friend is also encouraged for safety. Local bait and tackle shops are a great source for finding out where there is safe ice and what anglers are catching.

» Continue Reading.


Monday, February 7, 2022

Save the Date – 2022 Free Fishing Days

ice fishingMark your calendars for this year’s free fishing days. On these days anyone can fish in New York without a fishing license, so it’s the perfect opportunity for you to introduce fishing to a friend or family member.

This year’s free fishing days:

February 19-20
June 25-26
September 24
November 11

 


Monday, January 25, 2021

DEC Encourages New York Anglers to Try Ice Fishing


ice fishingNew Yorkers to get outside this winter and safely enjoy ice fishing this season. There must be at least four inches of solid clear ice for anglers who wish to access the ice on foot. The thickness of ice can vary on waterbodies, and even within the same waterbody. If you wish to walk on ice, be cautious of areas moving water and areas around boat docks and houses where bubblers could potentially be installed to prevent the formation of ice.

Testing the ice  can be done with an auger or spud bar at various spots, and for extra safety, make sure you aren’t alone. Local bait and tackle shops are a good resource to find safe ice and learn where other ice-anglers are going.

Gov. Andrew Guomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative has designated a free fishing weekend on February 13-14. A fishing license is not required during the designated weekend, making it a great opportunity to get out on the ice and give ice fishing a try. Beginners may want to check out some resources available on the DEC’s ice fishing webpage.


Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Free Fishing Day this Wednesday, Nov. 11

Woman holding a fish she caught while on a boatNew York residents and non-residents can fish for free without a license on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. New York’s Free Fishing Days encourage more people to get outdoors and enjoy the state’s world-class fishing opportunities. Legislation signed by the Governor in 2015 allowed an increase in the number of authorized statewide Free Fishing Days. Every year since, Veterans Day has been designated as a Free Fishing Day.

The Free Fishing Days program is administered by DEC as part of Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative. The free fishing days program began in 1991, to give people who might not fish a chance to try the sport at no cost, introduce people to a new hobby, and encourage people to support the sport by purchasing a New York State 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 State fishing license to fish in New York. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. You can find more information on purchasing a fishing license on DEC’s website.

For information on boating guidelines and safety, go to State Parks website and for more information about how to PLAY SMART * PLAY SAFE * PLAY LOCAL, visit DEC’s website.


Thursday, September 24, 2020

Free Fishing Day on Sept. 26


Woman on a boat holding a fishNew York residents can fish for free on Saturday, September 26, which is National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated each year to promote outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and target shooting.

On free fishing days, New York residents and non-residents 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. The final free fishing day for 2020 will take place on Veterans Day, November 11. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current State fishing license to fish in New York. Fishing licenses are now valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. For more information on purchasing a fishing license, visit DEC’s website.

DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. You can find many destinations across the state. 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.


Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Fish for Free June 27-28

A Free Fishing Weekend is coming up June 27 – 28. The event is the second of six free fishing days offered in New York State every year. New York residents and non-residents are permitted to 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.

DEC encourages all anglers, new and experienced, to recreate locally and seek out fishing opportunities close to home. DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. 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.

» Continue Reading.


Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Take A Veteran Fishing On Veterans Day

Each year the New York State (NYS) Department of Environmental Conservation offers four opportunities to fish Adirondack waters without a fishing license. The free opportunities throughout the calendar year provide a sampling of fishing experiences.

The days are meant to allow people to test new waters or introduce someone to a new sport. Since 1991 these reoccurring events have allowed visitors and residents alike the opportunity to get outside and cast a line. » Continue Reading.


Friday, February 15, 2019

New York State Free Fishing Weekend Feb 16-17

ice fisherman DEC reminds anglers that February 16-17, 2019 is a free fishing weekend in New York. During this period, anyone can fish without the requirement to obtain a New York State fishing license. » Continue Reading.


Thursday, November 8, 2018

Free Fishing Throughout New York Veterans Day, Nov 11

Free Fishing DayThe Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has reminded anglers that in celebration of Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2018 residents and non-residents can enjoy a day of freshwater fishing in New York without the requirement of a fishing license. » Continue Reading.


Friday, June 22, 2018

New York State Free Fishing Weekend June 23-24

This weekend, June 23-24, is Free Fishing Weekend in New York State. Each year, New York offers six free fishing days. During designated free fishing days, New York residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license.

Additional Free Fishing Days include National Hunting and Fishing Day (Sept. 22, the fourth Saturday in September), Veterans Day (Nov. 11), and the weekend preceding Presidents Day (Feb. 16-17, 2019). » Continue Reading.


Friday, September 22, 2017

NYS Free Fishing Day September 23rd

fall salmon river anglersResidents and non-residents of New York State can enjoy a day of free fishing as part of the National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration in New York. September 23 is one of the four new free fishing days that have been added by the state. On that day, anyone can fish for free on any of the freshwaters of NYS without the necessity of a fishing license.

The cooling waters of fall provide some of the best fishing in New York as fish begin to feed more actively prior to cold weather, or head up streams and rivers to spawn. » Continue Reading.



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