New York waives freshwater fishing licenses Saturday, Sept. 26

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 is a New York Free Fishing Day — National Hunting and Fishing Day on the 2026 calendar Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation announced in February. The freshwater fishing license requirement is waived that day for residents and nonresidents.

All other regulations stay in force: seasons, size limits, catch limits, and any required permits. The other 2026 free days already on the books are Feb. 14–15, June 27–28, and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). Outside those dates, anglers 16 and older need a valid New York fishing license.

DEC points beginners to the I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing and to the HuntFishNY app, which now includes The Tackle Box for regulations, boating access, and stocking on a map. Confirm the live DEC free-fishing page before you skip the license booth.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: NYSDEC — Governor Hochul and DEC announce 2026 Free Freshwater Fishing Days in New York.