Free Fishing Clinics
Learn how to fish for free at an upcoming sport fishing clinic organized and conducted by DEC and numerous other organizations. In addition to having fun while fishing, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics, aquatic ecology, and more! During these clinics no freshwater fishing license or enrollment in the recreational marine fishing registry is required, but all other statewide fishing regulations remain in effect.
Upcoming Free Fishing Clinics
Last updated on 9/28/2022: Check this page often as new events are added throughout the year.
| Event | Date | Time | Location | City/Town | County | Event Organizer | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing at the Gantries | Every Saturday through 10/29 (except 9/24 and 10/15) | Hourly Sessions- 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 12:00PM |
Gantry State Park-Pier 4, 4-09 47th Road, Long Island City, NY 10007 (East River) | Long Island City | Queens | NYS Parks | Registration via Eventbrite required. Jenna Otero, NYS Parks, 917-648-1442, jenna.otero@parks.ny.gov |
| Pop-up Fishing Clinic at Baisley Pond Park | Thursdays, 9/29 and 10/13 | 4:00PM-6:00PM | Baisley Pond Park, 156-10 Baisley Blvd,, Queens, NY 11434 (near 157th St. and Baisley Blvd.) | Queens | Queens | DEC | DEC Region 2 Fisheries, send an email for questions or more information |
| Nissequogue River State Park Surfcasting Clinic | Saturday, 10/1 | 10:00AM-1:00PM | Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY 11754 | Kings Park | Suffolk | DEC |
Registration is required for this event as space is limited. To register contact the DEC Marine Resources Office at 631-444-0283 |
| Rod and Reel Fishing Clinic at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 5 | Sunday, 10/2 | 4:00PM-7:00PM | Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 Brooklyn Bridge Park Drive, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Pier 5) | Brooklyn | Kings | Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy | Isa Del Bello, Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, 505-550-0839 |
| Fall Family Fishing Festival at Hempstead Lake State Park | Saturday, 10/15 | 10:00AM-4:00PM | Hempstead Lake State Park, 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead, NY 11552 | West Hempstead | Nassau | DEC | Walter Burak - DEC I Fish NY Coordinator, 631-444-0283 |
| Pop-up Fishing Clinic at Gantry State Park | Thursday, 10/20 | 4:00PM-6:00PM | Gantry State Park Pier 4, 4-09 47th Road, Queens, NY 10007 | Queens | Queens | DEC | DEC Region 2 Fisheries, send an email for questions or more information |
Other Related and Helpful Information
Free Fishing Days/Weekends
Take advantage of NY's free fishing days designated during several dates throughout the year; no recreational fishing license is required to fish these days!
Fishing Rod Loaner Program
Rent fishing rods, bobbers, and hooks from public libraries and parks; offers a great opportunity while you learn how to fish without needing to purchase your own fishing equipment!
I FISH NY Beginner's Guide to Freshwater Fishing
Learn about all the basics of fishing in this helpful how-to guide.
Taking a Child Fishing
Find tips on making a fishing trip enjoyable and engaging for your child.
Fishing Skills
Browse through helpful information on getting started in fishing and how to improve your fishing skills.
DEC Events Calendar
Check for other outdoor and educational fish or wildlife events hosted or co-sponsored by DEC for you and your family to enjoy.