New Yorkers will once again be able to fish without a license on select days this year, as Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Department of Environmental Conservation have announced the 2026 Free Fishing Days schedule.
On those days, the requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived, allowing residents and visitors to fish at no cost. This year’s dates are February 14 and 15, June 27 and 28, September 26, National Hunting and Fishing Day, and November 11, Veterans Day.
State officials say the program is designed to encourage people to try fishing and spend more time outdoors.
“Free Fishing Days provide the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors to affordably explore, unplug, and get outside,” Hochul said, adding that New York’s waters offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the country while also supporting tourism and local economies.
The DEC launched the program in 1991 to introduce newcomers to freshwater fishing and promote conservation efforts through future license purchases.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams across the state offer a wide range of sport fishing opportunities for both beginners and experienced anglers.
For those new to the sport, the DEC provides online resources, including a beginner’s guide to freshwater fishing, instructional videos, and location guides to help people find places to fish. The agency’s HuntFishNY mobile app also includes tools such as fishing regulations, stocking information, and boating access maps.
Outside of the designated Free Fishing Days, a valid New York State fishing license is required for freshwater fishing.
