The best things in life are free. And on Sept. 27, you can experience one of them: fishing.
To celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is waiving the $25 freshwater fishing license fee on Saturday for residents and non-residents alike.
If you’re an experienced angler with a fishing license, it’s a great opportunity to get a friend or family member hooked on the sport.
“Free fishing days are the perfect time for newcomers to learn to freshwater fish or for experienced anglers to bring others outdoors to enjoy the many abundant waterways across New York,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.
Saturday’s free fishing day is the fifth of six held annually. The last free fishing day of 2025 is on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
You won’t need a license of free fishing days, but you will need to obey all other fishing regulations.
Don’t have fishing equipment? Borrow fishing gear for the day from one of the many providers statewide!
There are more than 7,500 lakes and ponds and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams to fish in New York, so you won’t have to go far to get fish fever.
In addition to free fishing days, DEC and its partners hold free fishing clinics throughout the year where you can learn about local fishing opportunities, how to catch fish, fishing safety, aquatic conservation, and relevant fishing regulations
DEC maintains a full list of learn-to-fish programs. Check it regularly as new events are added throughout the year.
Outside of free fishing days, anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license, available on DEC’s website.
Send us your free fishing day pics!
If you, or someone you know, catches something—anything—on any free fishing day, send us a pic and we’ll make them famous.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.