ALBANY – The fifth Free Fishing Day of the year is on Saturday, September 23, when New York State waives the requirement for a freshwater fishing license or recreational marine fishing registration.
The final Free Fishing Day of 2023 will be held on Veterans Day on Nov. 11. During designated Free Fishing Days, residents and non-residents are permitted to fish in freshwater 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. For beginner 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 a catch and understanding fishing regulations.
DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information for those planning their next fishing trip.