Learn to Fish
On This Page:
- Free Fishing Days
- Free Learn to Fish Clinics
- I FISH NY Programs
- Fishing Tips and Skills
- Being a Responsible Angler
- "How To" Videos
- Getting Started Guides and Brochures
- Fishing Regulations and Licenses
Free Fishing Days
Free fishing days offer residents and non-residents who are 16 and older* to fish without a freshwater fishing license or recreational marine fishing registration (*Kids under 16 can always fish for free!).
2023 Free Fishing Days Schedule
- February 18-19 (President's Day Weekend)
- June 24-25
- September 23 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
- November 11 (Veterans Day)
These days offer the perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time, to get back into the sport, or to take a friend or the whole family along to fish! Even though a license is not needed, all other fishing regulations apply.
Don't have fishing equipment? Borrow fishing gear for the day from one of the many providers statewide!
Free Learn to Fish Clinics
Participate in a Free Fishing Clinic
Find a free fishing clinic to attend near you and learn how to fish. These instructor-led sport fishing clinics are conducted by DEC and other organizations to help new anglers become familiar with getting started in this fun sport.
Conduct or Co-host a Clinic
Interested in running a free fishing clinic? Formal groups or organizations can apply to conduct a free fishing clinic event.
I FISH NY Programs
I FISH NY offers free programs such as the fishing rod loaner program, fishing education programs for in-schools and group organizations, and more. These programs help achieve our goal to increase fishing participation, introduce new anglers to the sport, and bring awareness to the outstanding fishing opportunities in New York State. Get more details about I FISH NY programs.
Fishing Tips and Skills
Find helpful information on fishing techniques, skills, and tips for your next fishing adventure, including the equipment and gear you'll need, specific methods to use for the species you're targeting, where to find and look for fish, tips on fishing with kids, and much more.
Being a Responsible Angler
Practicing catch and release, using baitfish responsibly, finding alternatives to lead fishing tackle, and cleaning your boat and gear are some of the many ways you can be a good steward and help ensure there will be great fishing for future generations to enjoy. Find out more about how you can be a responsible angler.
"How To" Videos
(all links go to DEC's YouTube Channel)
- How To Start Fishing: Family Fishing Basics
- How To Tie Basic Fishing Knots
- How To Rig a Bobber and Worm for Fishing
- How To Cast a Spin Casting Rod
- How To Identify Common Freshwater Fish
- Ice Fishing: Gear Essentials
- Ice Fishing: Know Where to Go
- Ice Fishing: How to Drill a Hole in the Ice
- Ice Fishing: How to Use a Jigging Rod
- Ice Fishing: How to Use a Tip-Up
Getting Started Guides and Brochures
To receive a copy by mail of any of the documents below, send an email to fwfish@dec.ny.gov -- include your name, address, and title of publication(s) you wish to receive.
- I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing (Complete Guide - PDF)
View by individual chapters/sections below: - I FISH NY Freshwater Fishing Basics for Beginners (PDF)
- I FISH NY Guide to Ice Fishing (PDF)
- I FISH NY Guide to Capital District Fishing (PDF)
- I FISH NY Guide to Great Lakes Fishing (PDF)
- I FISH NY Guide to Steelhead Fishing in Great Lakes Tributaries (PDF)
- I FISH NY Guide to Brook Trout Fishing in Adirondack Ponds (PDF)
- I FISH NY Guide to Trout Fishing in Streams (PDF)
- I FISH NY Guide to Trout Fishing with Synthetic Bait (PDF)
- I FISH NY Guide to Wacky Rigging for Bass (PDF)
- I FISH NY Getting Started Fishing in New York City - Freshwater (PDF)
- I FISH NY Getting Started Fishing in New York City - Saltwater (PDF)
- I FISH NY Guide to Freshwater Fishing on Long Island and New York City (PDF)
- Fly Fishing the Catskills (PDF)
- Fishing for Panfish (PDF)
Regulations and Licenses
Aside from fishing during free fishing days or at a free fishing clinic events, fishing licenses are required for most individuals who are 16 and older. Save time and buy your fishing license online or learn more about the fishing license requirements
All recreational anglers must be familiar with the Freshwater Fishing Regulations or Saltwater Fishing Regulations prior to venturing out.
More about Learn to Fish:
- Free Learn to Fish Clinics - A listing of DEC sponsored events (such as family fishing clinics) where participants can fish for free-- no license is required.
- Fishing Tips and Skills - Fishing skills to help you catch more fish!
- Being a Responsible Angler - Information on non-toxic tackle, catch and release fishing, fish as bait, and non-native fish species.
- I FISH NY Programs - The I FISH NY Program offers free fishing clinics, train-the-trainer fishing education programs, rod loaner programs, in-school programs, and Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing.
