Each year, New York State designates free fishing days where residents and non-residents can fish without a freshwater fishing license. The first free fishing days are on the 14th and 15th, and coincide with Valentine's Day, which makes for a perfect date with your valentine! While the fishing license requirement is waived for the day, all other freshwater fishing regulations apply.
2026 Free Fishing Days
- February 14-15 (President's Day Weekend)
- June 27-28
- September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
- November 11 (Veterans Day)
New to fishing? Visit DEC's Learn to Fish webpage for helpful resources and information on the basics of getting started in freshwater fishing.
A family enjoying a day of ice fishing, with a nice lake trout catch!