Free Fishing Day - Statewide
DATE: Saturday, September 27
START TIME: All day
LOCATION: Statewide
MORE INFORMATION: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/learn-to-fish
DEC designates several dates throughout the year as free fishing days, which allows anyone to recreationally fish without a freshwater fishing license in New York State! Saturday, September 27, 2025 is designated a free fishing day for National Hunting and Fishing Day. This offers the perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time, for getting back into the sport after taking a break, or for taking a friend or the whole family along to fish!
Even though a license is not needed, all fishing regulations apply. As a result, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Freshwater Fishing Regulations prior to venturing out.
Don't forget to download and use the Tacklebox feature in DEC's HuntFishNY mobile app to find places to fish, including boat launches and parking areas, as well as freshwater fishing regulations, likely fish species, and stocking information per waterbody!
