The Beat

Waddington, NY.  - The 20^th Annual St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament will be held August 3 – 5, 2023.  To commemorate this milestone, organizers are planning additional highlights; to include inviting all Grand Champions to return, along with many others who were instrumental in its popularity and success throughout the years, beginning in 2003. The tournament takes place on the banks of the St. Lawrence River along a 30 miles stretch of New York’s northern border, stretching from Massena to Ogdensburg, testing the skill and techniques of young carp anglers over two days.

Anglers have Opportunity to Freshwater Fish Without a License from February 18 to 19

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the 2023 dates for Free Freshwater Fishing Days in New York. The requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during the following six days this year: February 18 to 19; June 24 to 25; National Hunting and Fishing Day, September 23; and November 11.

Freshwater Fishing License Requirement Waived for Residents and Non-Residents

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 New York State is honoring veterans with a statewide Free Fishing Day on Friday, November 11. Selected to coincide with Veterans Day, November 11 will mark the final Free Fishing Day of the year. Fishing is considered one of the most therapeutic outdoor activities, making it an ideal activity for veterans, those currently serving in the military, and all New Yorkers looking to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. 

Addition to HUNTFISHNY App Makes Fishing in New York State Easier and More Enjoyable

Unparalleled Mobile Access to Fishing Regulations, Waterbody Information, Species Identification, Stocking, and Much More

App Complements Existing Efforts to Simplify Fishing and Attract More Anglers to New York's Renowned Fishing Destinations

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the State's new 'Tackle Box' mobile phone feature to enhance fishing-related tourism by making it easier for new and experienced anglers to enjoy the great fishing offered throughout New York. The new Tackle Box feature builds on the State Department of Environmental Conservation's HuntFishNY smartphone app to provide a one-stop location for nearly all State fishing regulations, waterbodies, State-operated fishing access sites, stocking information, and other useful features like photos to help identify fish likely found in a certain river, lake, or stream.

With Year-Round Trout Seasons, April 1 Marks End of Catch-and-Release-Only and Start of Harvest Season

More Than 1.8 Million Trout Being Stocked Statewide

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the upcoming start of the spring trout fishing season, which provides excellent angling opportunities statewide thanks to the State’s extensive stocking program and considerable number of wild trout fisheries. DEC’s spring trout stocking begins in March and runs through early June, and includes more than 1.8 million trout stocked in waters statewide. 

Trout Stocking Events Planned throughout Long Island in March and April

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will hold the annual Spring Family Fishing Festival on Saturday, April 2, at Belmont Lake State Park. Additional sponsors for the fishing festival include the Natural Heritage Trust, The Fisherman Magazine, New York Life, Seaford Knights of Columbus Fishing Club, Art Flick Chapter Trout Unlimited, and radio stations 106.1 WBLI and 102.3 WBAB.

New Yorkers Can Fish Without a License February 19-20
DEC Urges New Yorkers to Practice Ice Safety While Outdoors  

Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers to take advantage of the State's first Free Fishing Weekend of 2022, on February 19 and 20, when freshwater anglers are permitted to fish for free without a license.

"New York State is home to many great fishing spots, and I encourage both new and experienced anglers alike to take advantage of the annual February Free Fishing Day, which gives everyone the chance to appreciate the great outdoors at no cost and introduce family and friends to a new hobby," Governor Hochul said. "Getting outside to experience New York's natural beauty is a perfect way to have fun and recharge at one of New York's many world-class fishing destinations. Visiting your local fisheries provides both recreational enjoyment and serves as a vital economic generator, supporting local economies statewide."…

Hague, NY – February 7, 2022 – The Annual Hague Fish & Game Club Winter Fishing Tournament will be held on February 26^th and 27^th in coordination with the Town of Hague. The event will take place whether or not there is ice. Participants can fish on Lake George, Lake Champlain, Schroon Lake, Brant Lake, Eagle Lake, or Paradox Lake. Categories will include Lake Trout, Perch, Salmon and Pike.

Fishing License Requirement Waived for Residents and Non-Residents  

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that New York State will honor veterans with the sixth and final free fishing day of 2021, on Thursday, Nov. 11. New York’s Free Fishing Days encourage more people to get outdoors each season to enjoy the state’s world-class fishing opportunities.

More Lake Ontario Tributaries to Receive Increased Water Flow from Erie Canal, Improving Spawning Conditions & Enhancing Angling Opportunities

New Website with Water Release Schedule Launched

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Canal Corporation is again increasing regulated water releases from the Erie Canal into Lake Ontario tributaries in Western New York this fall to extend fishing opportunities and enhance world-class fishing destinations. Now in its second year, the pilot program through the New York Power Authority's Reimagine the Canals initiative is improving spawning conditions and enhancing angling opportunities in Monroe, Orleans, and Niagara counties -an effort that helps to increase tourism and bolster local businesses.