DEC Announces 2019 Free Fishing Days in New York

Anglers Permitted to Fish Without a License on Feb. 16 and 17 New York's Sport Fishing Industry Generates an Estimated $3 Billion in Economic Activity Annually, Supports Nearly 20,000 Jobs Statewide New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the first of several statewide free fishing days in New York will take place this weekend, Saturday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 17. During these designated days, residents and visitors are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license. "Presidents' Day weekend was specifically selected as one of New York's free fishing weekends because so many kids are out of school and families are looking for fun activities to do together," Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "Ice fishing is a great way to reconnect with the outdoors and can easily be combined with ice skating, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, or other activities for a fun and healthy day outside. To continue the fun and support the sport, New Yorkers are encouraged to purchase a NYS fishing license." The free fishing days program is part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative and the upcoming free fishing days are the first of several planned for 2019, including June 29-30, Sept. 28 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). The free fishing days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport at no cost, introduce people to a new hobby, and encourage people to support the sport by purchasing a New York State fishing license.