New York’s free fishing days offer residents and non-residents 16 and older opportunities to fish without a freshwater fishing license. Kids under 16 can always fish for free.
2026 Free Fishing Days Schedule
June 27-28, National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 26, and Veterans Day, November 11.
These days offer a perfect opportunity to try fishing for the first time, get back into the sport, or take a friend or the whole family along to fish. Even though a license is not needed, all other fishing regulations apply.
Don’t have fishing equipment? Borrow fishing gear for the day from one of the many providers statewide, including public libraries.
