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Free Fishing Day Across NY State on September 26 - DEC Announced
New York anglers can fish without a license this Saturday as fall fishing season gets underway
September 22, 2026
Fall is officially here, and New York anglers have a good reason to get outside this weekend.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that Saturday, September 26, 2026, will be a statewide Free Fishing Day, allowing residents and visitors to fish New York's fresh waters without purchasing a fishing license.
The annual event gives experienced anglers a chance to enjoy some fall fishing while providing an opportunity for people who have never tried the sport to give it a shot.
According to DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, New York offers fishing opportunities ranging from Great Lakes tributaries and scenic lakes to smaller streams and waterways throughout the state.
“Whether it’s chasing salmon on a Great Lakes tributary, pursuing bass on a scenic lake, or casting a line in a local stream, there’s something here for everyone,” Commissioner Lefton said.
No Fishing License Required Saturday
During New York's designated Free Fishing Days, the state's freshwater fishing license requirement is temporarily waived.
That means both New York residents and non-residents can fish without a fishing license on September 26.
However, anglers should keep in mind that the license waiver does not eliminate other fishing regulations. Size limits, catch limits, seasons, special regulations and other requirements remain in effect.
The 2026 New York State Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide confirms September 26 as one of the state's designated Free Fishing Days.
A Chance to Introduce Someone to Fishing
The September 26 Free Fishing Day also coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, a national observance established by Congress in 1972 to encourage people to experience and appreciate outdoor recreation and America's natural resources.
For families, friends and first-time anglers, the weekend can be an easy opportunity to head to a nearby lake, pond or stream and spend a few hours outdoors.
You don't need to be an experienced fisherman to get started. A basic fishing rod, some bait or lures and a little patience can be enough to make a first trip to the water.
DEC Offers Free Fishing Clinics
For those who want to learn more before heading out, DEC and its partners offer free “Learn to Fish” clinics throughout the year.
These programs can cover topics including:
How to properly cast a fishing rod
Fish identification
Fishing safety
Local fishing opportunities
Fishing regulations
Aquatic resource stewardship
DEC regularly adds new clinics and events, so anglers interested in participating are encouraged to check the agency's schedule.
Finding a Place to Fish
Not sure where to go?
DEC maintains an online Places to Fish resource featuring publicly accessible fishing locations throughout New York.
Anglers can also use the DECinfo Locator Map and the Tackle Box feature in the HuntFishNY mobile app to find fishing locations and information about amenities such as parking and boat launches.
For people completely new to freshwater fishing, DEC's I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from setting up a fishing rod to identifying fish and understanding New York's fishing regulations.
One More Free Fishing Day Coming in 2026
If you can't make it out this Saturday, there will be one more statewide Free Fishing Day later this year.
The final 2026 Free Fishing Day will be Wednesday, November 11, Veterans Day.
New York's Free Fishing Days are a chance to experience the state's freshwater fishing opportunities without the usual fishing license requirement, but all other applicable fishing regulations remain in effect.
Outside of designated Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age or older generally needs a current New York State freshwater fishing license to fish. The 2026 regulations guide states that fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
So if you've been thinking about taking the kids fishing, trying out a new spot or simply spending a fall day along the water, Saturday, September 26, is a good opportunity to grab a fishing rod and head outside.
For More Information
For fishing regulations, public fishing locations, free fishing clinics and information on obtaining a New York State fishing license, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's freshwater fishing resources.
