Free Fishing Days in New York will take place on: Feb. 17 to 18 (Presidents’ Day Weekend), June 29 to 30, Sept. 28 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day).

During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters.

The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, to introduce people to a new hobby, and to encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State fishing license.

Anglers and would-be anglers may get guidance from the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation from these sources:

— The I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod, to identifying your catch, and understanding fishing regulations;

— A video series on the DEC’s YouTube channel complements the Beginners Guide;

— The DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information when planning your next fishing trip;

— The DEC's official app, HuntFishNY, now features “The Tackle Box.” Fishing regulations, boating access, and stocking information are all available within a map-based interface from your smart phone; and

— The DEC provides “learn to fish” opportunities available through free fishing clinics. For a list of what’s currently scheduled visit the DEC website.