NYS Free Fishing Days

Free Fishing Days

Free fishing days offer New York State residents and non-residents who are 16 and older* to fish without a freshwater fishing license (*Kids under 16 can always fish for free!).

2026 Free Fishing Days Schedule

• February 14-15 (President's Day Weekend)
• June 27-28
• September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)

These days offer the perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time, to get back into the sport, or to take a friend or the whole family along to fish! Even though a license is not needed, all other fishing regulations apply.