The Beat

Free Freshwater Fishing Days Support the Governor's “Get Offline, Get Outside” Initiative

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that a Free Fishing Weekend in New York State will take place June 27–28, 2026. The weekend is part of six designated Free Fishing Days that take place each year in New York State. During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters.

Free Family Friendly Fishing Events Scheduled for Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, June 27

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs (ECFSC) will conduct two free, family-friendly Teach-Me-To-Fish events. Visitors of all ages are invited to participate in these family friendly events to explore the sport of fishing through interactive hands-on instruction provided by DEC and ECFSC.

Family Fishing Fun for All Ages and Abilities on Saturday, June 6

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Onondaga County Parks today announced a free, family-friendly learn to fish event on Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, in Elbridge.

Free Family Fun for All Ages and Abilities Beginning on April 11

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Onondaga County Parks today announced a series of all-ages, all-level, all-abilities, family-friendly, catch-and-release fishing events from April 11 to September 12 at various locations on Onondaga Lake in Onondaga County.

Annual spring event brings anglers, sponsors, and community together along Cattaraugus Creek

Arcade, NY – Carrying-on a popular and successful event, the Arcade Area Chamber of Commerce will once again be hosting the Annual Tri-County Trout Derby on April 18 and 19, 2026. The event, now in its 11^th year, brings fishing enthusiasts from across New York State and Pennsylvania to try their luck at catching 400 tagged trout swimming the Cattaraugus Creek in the nine-mile area between the corner of Route 98 and East Arcade Road (Old  Cattaraugus Road) in Arcade, and 200 yards south of the bridge on Savage Road in Chaffee.

Free Fishing Days Support the Governor's “Get Offline, Get Outside” Initiative

Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the 2026 dates for Free Fishing Days in New York. The requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during the following six days in 2026: February 14–15, June 27–28, September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).

Get Offline and Get Outside to Enjoy Freshwater Fishing on Nov. 11

Free Fishing Day is One of Many Ways New York State Recognizes and Assists Veterans and Active Duty Military in Connecting to the Outdoors

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the last statewide Free Fishing Day of 2025 will occur Tuesday, Nov. 11, to mark Veterans Day and honor those who defended and protected our nation’s democracy and freedoms. During Free Fishing Days, New York State waives the fishing license requirement for freshwater fishing in New York’s waters. While no license is required, all other freshwater fishing regulations remain in effect.

Freshwater Fishing License Not Required on National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 27, 2025

New Yorkers Encouraged to “Get Offline, Get Outside” and Try Freshwater Fishing at No Cost

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced Sept. 27 will mark the next Free Fishing Day in New York State.

Free Event Features Tours, Activities, and Information on Sept. 27

Oswego, N.Y. -  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is hosting the 26th annual Salmon River Fish Hatchery Open House on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Salmon River Fish Hatchery is located at 2133 County Route 22, Altmar, Oswego County.

New Yorkers Encouraged to ‘Get Offline and Get Outside’ at Multiple Hudson River Sites

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that the 14^th annual Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count will take place at multiple sites along the banks and piers of the Hudson River on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.

“The Hudson River Estuary is an amazing and critical habitat for many fish and wildlife species, and this annual event provides a great opportunity for New York families and visitors to get outside and see first-hand how unique the river is to the life cycle of so many fish,” Commissioner Lefton said. “With sites from New York Harbor to Cohoes, there are many places for people of all ages and abilities to participate in this year’s fish count.”…