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Participate in a Learn to Fish Clinic
Learn how to fish for free at an upcoming sport fishing clinic organized and conducted by DEC and numerous other organizations. In addition to casting a rod and catching fish, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics, aquatic ecology, and more!
During these clinics no freshwater fishing license or enrollment in the recreational marine fishing registry is required*, but all other statewide freshwater fishing regulations and saltwater fishing regulations remain in effect (*Kids under 16 can always fish for free!).
Upcoming Clinic Events
Last updated on 2/5/2025: Check this page often as new events are added throughout the year.
Event | Date and Time | Location | City/Town | County | Event Organizer | Contact |
Beginner Ice Fishing Clinic at Carters Pond | Saturday, 2/15/2025 9AM-12PM | Carters Pond Wildlife Management Area, 532-40 County Rte 49, Greenwich, NY 12865 | Greenwich | Washington | NYSDEC and Washington County Federation of Sportsmen | NYSDEC: Lt. Steve Gonyeau, 518-567-2104 |
Otsego Lake Ice Fishing Clinic | Wednesday, 2/19/2025 9AM-3PM (Alternate date: 3/1/2025) | Glimmerglass State Park (Otsego Lake - north end), 1527 County Hwy 31, Cooperstown, NY 13326 (Alternate location depending on ice conditions: mid-west shore of Canadarago Lake at state boat ramp) | Cooperstown | Otsego | NYS Parks | Glimmerglass State Park: 607-547-8662 Pre-registration required for one of the following time blocks: 9:30AM-11AM, 11:30AM-1PM, or 1:30PM – 3PM |
Winter Festival at Lawson Lake | Saturday, 2/22/2025 11AM-4PM (Alternate date: 3/1/2025) | Lawson Lake County Park | Feura Bush | Albany | Albany County Department of Recreation | Albany County Parks and Recreation: 518-655-7498 or [email protected] |
Family Fishing Clinic at Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department | Saturday, 5/3/2025 10AM-2PM | Gowanda Fire Hall, 230 Aldrich St, Gowanda, NY 14070 | Gowanda | Erie/Cattaraugus | Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department and Lake Erie Chapter International Fly Fishers | For more details and registration for this free event, visit the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department website. |
Town of Clifton Park Annual Learn to Fish Day | Saturday, 6/7/2025 9AM-12:30PM | Barney Road Pond, 1A Barney Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065 | Clifton Park | Saratoga | Town of Clifton Park, Parks and Recreation | Town of Clifton Park: Mike Woerner 518-374-6667 For details and to register, visit the Clifton Park – Parks and Recreation Event Site |
Check the DEC Events Calendar and the HuntFishNY Events site for other outdoor and educational fish or wildlife events for you and your family to enjoy.
Apply to Conduct or Co-host a Clinic
Formal groups or organizations can host a free fishing clinic by completing and submitting an application. Details on how to apply along with the rules for running a clinic are available in the following applications.
Conduct a Free Fishing Clinic Applications:
- Free Fishing Clinic Application For the Public or Organized Groups (PDF)
- Free Fishing Clinic Application For Veterans and Active-Duty Members of U.S Armed Forces (PDF)
Other Helpful Information
Free Fishing Days/Weekends
Take advantage of NY's free fishing days designated during several dates throughout the year; no recreational fishing license is required to fish these days!
Fishing Rod Loaner Program
Rent fishing rods, bobbers, and hooks from public libraries and parks; offers a great opportunity while you learn how to fish without needing to purchase your own fishing equipment!
I FISH NY Beginner's Guide to Freshwater Fishing
Learn about all the basics of fishing in this helpful how-to guide.
Fishing Skills
Browse through helpful information on getting started in fishing and how to improve your fishing skills.
Project Healing Waters
Free fishing opportunities for veterans and active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces.