ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul  announced the 2023 dates for free freshwater fishing in New York.

The requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during the following six days this year: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18-19; Saturday and Sunday, June 24-25; National Hunting and Fishing Day, Saturday, Sept. 23; and Saturday, Nov. 11.

“Free fishing days offer established anglers an opportunity to share their passion for fishing with those who may be newer to the sport,” Hochul said. “Spreading these days throughout the year gives anglers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels a chance to fish across the seasons and discover the abundant fishing opportunities in New York — benefiting our local economies in the process.”

“Over the years, DEC has received feedback from people who permanently picked up the sport after attending one of New York’s free freshwater fishing days, and that’s something we love to hear,” said state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Fishing New York’s world-class waters is more than just an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors all year long, it’s a perfect chance to spend time and connect with family and friends.”

DEC offers several resources for those interested in learning how to fish including the I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing, which provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod, to identifying a catch to understanding fishing regulations and helpful tips for those interested in ice fishing. There’s also a video series that complements the Beginners Guide that can be found on DEC’s Places to Fish websites, which are reliable sources of information when planning a fishing trip, as well as a newly released new feature within DEC’s official app, called “The Tackle Box.”

Information on these items are on the DEC website: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/44804.html.