Free Fishing Clinics
Free Sport Fishing Events are fishing programs where participants can fish for free; no freshwater fishing license or enrollment in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry is required. In addition to fishing, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology. In addition to the Free Sport Fishing Events, 2019 free fishing days are as follows: February 16-17 (Presidents Day Weekend), June 29-30 (Free Fishing Weekend), September 28 (National Hunting and Fishing Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day) have also been newly designated as Free Fishing Days. During these days, anyone can fish the fresh waters of NY and no license is required. This table is routinely updated, so check back often for a fishing program near you!
| Region/County | Name of Event | Location | Date/Rain Date | Time | Contact | Contact Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 New York |
Harlem Meer Catch and Release Fishing | Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Central Park | Year-round | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Sean Reynolds, Central Park Conservancy | 646-634-9776 |
| 1 Kings |
Free Fishing Clinic | Shirley Chisolm State Park (Jamaica Bay), Brooklyn | November 9, 2019 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Sarah Maldonado, NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation | 212-866-3100 |
| 1 Kings |
Free Fishing Clinic | Shirley Chisolm State Park (Jamaica Bay), Brooklyn | November 16, 2019 | 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Sarah Maldonado, NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation | 212-866-3100 |
| 1 Kings |
Free Fishing Clinic | Shirley Chisolm State Park (Jamaica Bay), Brooklyn | November 21, 2019 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Sarah Maldonado, NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation | 212-866-3100 |
| 4 Albany |
Winter Festival | Lawson Lake County Park, Feura Bush | February 22, 2020 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Lauren Sirkin, Albany County, Dept. of Recreation | 518-655-7945 |