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Free Fishing Clinics

To protect the health and safety of participants and organizers, DEC will not be approving applications to conduct free fishing clinics for the remainder of the year. However, we remain hopeful that we'll be able to resume programming in 2021. Want to learn how to fish but not sure how to get started? The I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing has a ton of helpful information to get you on the water in no time! Stay tuned for new instructional videos to be released soon.

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, 2020 free fishing days are as follows: February 15-16 (Presidents Day Weekend), June 27-28 (Free Fishing Weekend), September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day) have also been designated as Free Fishing Days. During these days, anyone can fish the fresh waters of NY and no license is required.

Upcoming Online Events

The Region 2 (New York City) office of DEC Bureau of Fisheries is pleased to invite new or current anglers to a Fishing Opportunity Information Session.

We are here for you! Join a virtual discussion with DEC Fisheries staff to learn about: freshwater fishing locations in New York City, fishing rules and regulations, web resources to help anglers get started freshwater fishing and to have your questions answered!

Fishing is a recreational activity that can be done safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is easy to socially distance yourself and enjoy time outdoors with a fishing rod in hand.

There will be three opportunities to participate, the same session will be offered each time:


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