New Free Fishing Days Include Weekend Preceding Presidents Day, National Hunting and Fishing Day (4^th Saturday in September) and Veterans Day

New York State Department of  Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos reminded New Yorkers of the free fishing days across the state this weekend, June 24-25, and announced the designation of new free fishing days the weekend preceding Presidents Day, National Hunting and Fishing Day (4^th Saturday in September) and Veterans Day.

“Free fishing days provide an excellent way for residents and visitors to experience the world class fishing opportunities New York has to offer without the need to purchase a fishing license,” Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Now, in addition to this weekend in June, these new free fishing days will also provide the opportunity to experience ice fishing and the excellent fall fishing in New York, including the trout and salmon fishing on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain tributaries.  We’re also pleased to recognize and reward the many veterans that have served our country by including Veterans Day as a free fishing day.”

Legislation providing for the additional free fishing days was signed by Governor Cuomo in June 2014 as a component of his New York Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative.

This weekend marks New York’s first free fishing day period of the 2017 fishing season.  Those looking to learn how to fish should take advantage of the various fishing education programs conducted by DEC and other groups throughout the state.  A complete list of 2017 programs can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html.

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.