NY encourages people to fish for free without a license on Tuesday
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul 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.
“Fall is a great time of year to fish in New York’s pristine waters while honoring a veteran in your life,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage New Yorkers to get offline and get outside on this free fishing day to enjoy an affordable outdoor recreation opportunity on the water and to reflect on the freedoms that we have in this country thanks to our veterans.”
As water temperatures drop through the fall, plenty of exciting fishing opportunities pick up across the state. Trout fishing is a fall favorite, as trout stream regulations are now catch and release, artificial lures only in inland streams statewide through March 31.
In addition to Free Fishing Days, there are other options for veterans or active-duty military members to fish for free or at a reduced cost. New York State offers free/reduced fee fishing licenses of 40 percent or more for active-duty military members meeting certain criteria and for resident veterans with a service-related disability.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC thanks all of New York’s veterans for their dedicated service and hopes that this free fishing day provides an opportunity for families and friends to spend time together exploring our natural environment along the remarkable fisheries we have here in New York State. Free fishing days are also the perfect time to introduce someone new to the sport or test out a new fishing spot at any of the state’s world class lakes, streams or ponds.”
