2025 NY Free Fishing Days Calendar | Locations & Rules

New York State offers six designated free fishing days throughout 2025 when anglers can enjoy freshwater fishing without purchasing a license. These special opportunities allow newcomers to experience fishing without financial commitment and provide perfect occasions for experienced anglers to introduce friends and family to the sport. While the license requirement is waived during these days, all other fishing regulations remain strictly enforced to protect fish populations and aquatic habitats.

Official 2025 NY Free Fishing Days Calendar

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has designated the following days as license-free fishing days for 2025:

Season	2025 Dates	Special Occasion
Winter	February 15-16	Presidents’ Day Weekend
Summer	June 28-29	National Fishing & Boating Week
Fall	September 27	National Hunting & Fishing Day
Fall	November 11	Veterans Day

These dates strategically align with national outdoor recreation events and holiday weekends, maximizing participation opportunities for families, tourists, and local communities across the state.

Who Can Participate in Free Fishing Days

Age and Residency Requirements

All individuals aged 16 and older can fish without a license during these designated days, regardless of residency status. This universal eligibility makes free fishing days particularly valuable for:

• Out-of-state visitors exploring New York’s diverse waterways
• Local residents who fish infrequently and may not purchase annual licenses
• Multi-generational family groups with mixed fishing experience levels
• School and community groups organizing educational outings

It’s worth noting that children under 16 years old are already exempt from fishing license requirements year-round in New York, making these events especially family-friendly when combined with the adult exemptions.

Year-Round License Exemptions

Beyond free fishing days, several groups qualify for permanent license exemptions:

• Native Americans fishing on reservation lands
• Active-duty military personnel on leave in New York
• Legally blind individuals (eligible for free lifetime licenses)
• Veterans with disabilities meeting specific qualification criteria
• Farm owners/lessees fishing on their own land (private ponds only)

For detailed eligibility requirements, visit the New York DEC License Exemptions page.

Prime Fishing Locations for Each Free Fishing Day

Winter: Presidents’ Day Weekend (February 15-16)

February offers exceptional ice fishing opportunities across northern and central New York:

• Lake Champlain – Premier destination for yellow perch, northern pike, and lake trout through the ice. The broad bays on the western shore provide the most consistent ice conditions.
• Chautauqua Lake – Renowned for walleye and perch during winter months, with established ice fishing communities providing valuable local knowledge.
• Oneida Lake – Central New York’s largest lake offers excellent perch, walleye, and pike fishing with relatively easy access from multiple public launch sites.
• Adirondack ponds – Hundreds of smaller lakes and ponds provide more intimate ice fishing for brook trout and splake in spectacular mountain settings.

Safety is paramount during ice fishing season. The DEC recommends minimum ice thicknesses of 4 inches for foot traffic and 8-12 inches for vehicles. Always check local ice conditions before venturing out.

Summer: June 28-29

Early summer represents peak fishing conditions across New York’s diverse waterways:

• Finger Lakes – These glacial lakes offer exceptional fishing for lake trout, landlocked salmon, bass, and panfish. Focus on Seneca and Cayuga Lakes for the largest specimens.
• Thousand Islands (St. Lawrence River) – World-class smallmouth bass fishing amid spectacular island scenery. The area regularly hosts major bass tournaments during this season.
• Delaware River – The upper reaches provide blue-ribbon trout fishing in a pastoral setting where New York meets Pennsylvania. Check out the TeenFish Delaware guide for specific location recommendations.
• Lake Ontario tributaries – While primarily known for fall salmon runs, summer months offer excellent smallmouth bass, northern pike and panfish opportunities.

The DEC typically schedules additional trout stocking before summer free fishing days, increasing success rates for beginners. Check the DEC stocking reports for recently stocked waters.

Fall: National Hunting and Fishing Day (September 27)

Autumn brings cooling water temperatures that trigger increased feeding activity:

• Lake Erie tributaries – Early steelhead begin their upstream migrations, providing world-class fishing opportunities. Cattaraugus Creek is particularly productive.
• Salmon River (Pulaski) – Perhaps New York’s most famous fishing destination, fall brings spectacular runs of Pacific salmon and steelhead. The river can become crowded, so consider weekday visits.
• Hudson River Estuary – Prime time for striped bass fishing as these powerful gamefish feed heavily before winter. The section between Albany and Kingston offers diverse fishing opportunities.
• Mohawk River – Often overlooked, this major waterway provides excellent fishing for multiple species including walleye, bass, and various panfish species through interconnected canal systems.

For updates on salmon and steelhead runs, visit the TeenFish NY fishing page for the latest migration reports and conditions.

Veterans Day (November 11)

This special day honors veterans while offering late-fall fishing opportunities:

• Niagara River – World-class steelhead and brown trout fishing in one of America’s most powerful rivers. The lower river section below the falls produces trophy-sized fish.
• Great Lakes tributaries – Peak season for steelhead runs throughout streams flowing into Lakes Ontario and Erie. These powerful fish provide exceptional sport on light tackle.
• NYC’s urban waters – Surprising fishing quality exists within city limits. Prospect Park Lake in Brooklyn and Central Park’s Harlem Meer offer accessible fishing with regular DEC stocking.
• Esopus Creek – This legendary Catskill stream offers excellent late-season trout fishing with reduced crowds compared to summer months.

The DEC often holds special veteran-focused fishing events on this free fishing day. Check the DEC events calendar for updated information.

Rules and Regulations During Free Days

Standard Regulations Still Apply

While the license requirement is waived, anglers must still adhere to all other fishing regulations, including:

• Daily catch limits – Typically 5 trout, 5 walleye, and 5 bass per day in most waters, but limits vary by location
• Size restrictions – Minimum length requirements protect juvenile fish (e.g., 15-inch minimum for walleye in most waters)
• Equipment restrictions – Generally limited to 3 lines per angler with specific gear restrictions in certain waters
• Season dates – Some species have closed seasons even during free fishing days
• Special regulations – Certain waters have unique rules to protect specific fish populations

Violations can result in fines ranging from $50 to $250 for first offenses, with potential equipment confiscation for repeat violations. In 2024, the DEC issued 127 citations for regulatory violations during free fishing days, highlighting the continued enforcement of non-license regulations.

Resources for Checking Current Regulations

Before fishing, consult these authoritative sources:

• New York DEC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide
• DEC HuntFishNY Mobile App – Available for iOS and Android devices
• Regional DEC offices provide location-specific information and printed materials

Special Programs on Free Fishing Days

DEC-Sponsored Events and Clinics

The DEC organizes free fishing clinics throughout the state on free fishing days, which include:

• Loaner fishing equipment for those without gear
• Basic instruction from experienced anglers
• Information about fish species and conservation
• Demonstrations of fishing techniques tailored to local waters

These clinics provide excellent opportunities for beginners to learn proper techniques and ethical fishing practices. In 2024, over 45 clinics served approximately 3,800 new anglers statewide.

I FISH NY Program

The DEC’s I FISH NY program coordinates educational events throughout the year, with concentrated activities during free fishing days. These programs:

• Teach fishing fundamentals to beginners of all ages
• Demonstrate conservation practices and ethical angling
• Provide hands-on experience with expert guidance
• Connect participants with local fishing opportunities and resources

For a schedule of upcoming events, visit the TeenFish Free Fishing Days page or the DEC’s I FISH NY program site.

Fishing License Options for Non-Free Days

License Types and Fees for 2025

For non-free fishing days, New York offers various license options:

License Type	Resident Cost	Non-Resident Cost	Validity Period
1-Day	$5	$10	24 hours from purchase
7-Day	$12	$28	7 consecutive days
Annual	$25	$50	365 days from purchase
Lifetime (Resident)	$460	N/A	Lifetime

Special discounts apply to:

• Seniors (70+): $5 annual license for NY residents
• Military veterans with 40%+ disability: Free lifetime license
• Active duty military stationed in NY: Eligible for resident rates

These fees represent a minimal investment compared to equipment costs while directly supporting conservation efforts that maintain fishing quality.

Where to Purchase Fishing Licenses

New York fishing licenses are available through multiple channels:

• Online through the DEC’s DECALS licensing portal
• In person at approximately 1,200 license issuing agents statewide:
• Sporting goods stores (including Walmart)
• Town and county clerk offices
• DEC regional offices
• By phone at 1-866-933-2257

When purchasing, you’ll need valid identification and proof of residency for resident rates. The license purchasing process typically takes less than 5 minutes.

Planning Your Free Fishing Day Experience

Essential Gear for Beginners

New anglers don’t need expensive equipment to get started. Basic essentials include:

• Rod and reel combo – Medium-action spinning setups (5.5-6.5 feet) offer versatility for most NY fishing situations
• Terminal tackle – Assorted hooks (sizes 6-2/0), split shot weights, bobbers, and swivels
• Bait and lures – Live bait (worms, minnows) works consistently for beginners, while small spinners and soft plastic lures are productive artificial options
• Accessories – Needle-nose pliers for hook removal, nail clippers for line cutting, and a small first aid kit
• Personal items – Sun protection, insect repellent, and appropriate clothing for weather conditions

Many DEC-sponsored events provide loaner equipment, making free fishing days ideal for trying the sport without purchasing gear.

Family-Friendly Fishing Locations

For families with young children, these locations offer ideal conditions:

• DEC-managed ponds – Many are specifically stocked for public fishing and feature amenities like fishing platforms and restrooms
• Urban park waters – Accessible locations with easy shore access and usually stocked regularly
• Educational facilities – Several DEC education centers maintain fishing ponds with enhanced access features
• Fishing piers – Provide safe, accessible fishing without boats

For location-specific recommendations, visit the TeenFish NY Fishing page or consult the DEC’s Places to Fish directory.

Conservation and Responsible Angling

The Impact of License Fees on Conservation

While Free Fishing Days waive the license requirement, it’s important to understand that fishing license revenue directly supports:

• Fish stocking programs (over 2.3 million catchable-size trout stocked annually)
• Habitat improvement projects on streams and lakes
• Access site development and maintenance
• Conservation enforcement
• Biological monitoring of fish populations

In 2024, New York fishing license sales generated approximately $22 million for conservation initiatives. By purchasing a license during non-free days, anglers directly contribute to the sustainability of New York’s aquatic resources.

Ethical Angling Practices

The DEC encourages all anglers to follow these ethical practices:

• Practice catch-and-release for fish you don’t intend to eat
• Use barbless hooks or pinch barbs down when planning to release fish
• Properly dispose of fishing line and other tackle
• Learn proper fish handling techniques to minimize stress
• Clean, drain, and dry boats and equipment between water bodies to prevent spreading invasive species
• Report suspected violations to the DEC’s environmental conservation officers at 1-844-DEC-ECOS

Conclusion

New York’s Free Fishing Days represent the perfect opportunity to explore the state’s world-class fishing opportunities without the commitment of purchasing a license. These six carefully selected days throughout 2025 provide strategic entry points for new anglers while offering experienced fishermen the chance to share their passion with others.

While enjoying these license-free opportunities, remember that all other fishing regulations remain in effect to ensure sustainable fishing for future generations. By following regulations and practicing ethical angling, you contribute to the preservation of New York’s remarkable aquatic resources.

For the most current information about 2025 Free Fishing Days and associated events, visit the New York DEC’s official fishing page or check the TeenFish Free Fishing Days resource center.