Grab the Pole! Another Free Fishing Day in New York

Grab the tackle box and get ready to fish for free in New York.

There are several chances to drop a line in one of the thousands of freshwater lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds without a license in the Empire State.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced free fishing days for 2024 and there are only 3 left.

2024 Free Fishing Days

Sunday, August 31
Saturday, September 28 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
Monday, November 11 (Veterans Day)

READ MORE: Reeling In The Bes!: New York Home To 2 Of Top Bass Fishing Lakes

Fishing License

You need a fishing license in New York if you are 16 years and older and fishing for:

• Freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups.
• Frog species by spearing, catching with the hands, or by use of a club or hook.
• Freshwater baitfish for personal use.

No Fishing License

• Fishing on a licensed fishing preserve.
• Fishing during the free fishing weekend.
• Fishing at a free fishing clinic.
• A resident landowner primarily engaged in farming (including lessees and members of their immediate families) when fishing on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.
• A farm fish pond license holder (including members of their immediate families) fishing on waters covered by the license.
• A Native American living and fishing on reservation land.
• A patient residing at a qualifying U.S. Veterans Administration hospital or facility in New York State.

Lakes, Ponds, Rivers & Streams

New York has more than 7,500 lakes and ponds and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, providing plenty of places to try freshwater fishing.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has a map of all the places to drop a line across the state.

Fishing License Fees

$25 for the year
$12 for 7 days
$5 for 1 day

Prices double for out-of-state residents who want to fish in New York.

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