Fishing in New York is Free This Weekend

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced that on Saturday and Sunday, New Yorkers will not require a license to fish in the state's fresh water lakes, rivers and ponds.

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Typically, New Yorkers are required to obtain a fishing license to legally fish in the state, which runs residents $25 for an annual license. New Yorkers can also obtain one day and seven day licenses for cheaper if they aren't regular fishers.

According to the Department of Environmental Conservation's website, the license is required for residents 16 and older fishing for freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups, frog species by spearing, catching with hands or using a club or hook, and freshwater baitfish for personal use.

But this weekend, the license requirement is suspended and New Yorkers can fish for free. The Department of Environmental Conservation is also encouraging New Yorkers to try fishing for the first time, get back into the sport or to invite somebody new to try.

The announcement also has information regarding free fishing clinics, places to fish in New York, and the 2022 freshwater fishing regulations.

In addition to this weekend's free fishing announcement, the Department of Environmental Conservation has two other days when New Yorkers can fish without a license. On September 24 and November 11, residents will not require a license to fish in freshwater sources.

This weekend will feature some hot and sunny weather in the Southern Tier, so heading out to a lake, river or pond for some fishing might be just what you need to stay cool and enjoy the summer weather.