Free Fishing Days Return to the Adirondack Park

New York residents and non-residents enjoy fishing license amnesty February 17-18, 2024.

On February 17 and 18, New York State residents and non-residents who are 16 and older* may fish without a freshwater fishing license or recreational marine fishing registration.

Governor Kathy Hochul designated Free Fishing Days in New York to take place on:

• February 17 to 18 (Presidents’ Day Weekend)

• June 29 to 30

• September 28 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)

• November 11 (Veterans Day).

“The Free Fishing Days program provides a great opportunity for aspiring anglers to try freshwater fishing for the first time or former anglers to reconnect with one of America’s favorite pastimes,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is blessed with an abundance of freshwater lakes, ponds, streams and rivers, allowing for memorable fishing experiences that increase tourism and benefit the economy.”

Free fishing 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.

The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, to introduce people to a new hobby, and to encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State fishing license.

Even though a license is not needed, all other fishing regulations apply.

*Kids under 16 can always fish for free