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Free Fishing Day: no freshwater license neededStatewide, New YorkWed, Nov 11; all other freshwater rules applychecked Nov 10
Conditions described here were accurate only as of the date shown and may have changed. This is not a substitute for current official information from the agency with jurisdiction. See the full notice. Full notice.
New York's Last Free Fishing Day of 2026 Is Veterans Day
Anyone can fish New York's fresh waters without a license on Wednesday, November 11, the state's final Free Fishing Day of the year, the Department of Environmental Conservation says. All other freshwater regulations, including seasons, sizes and creel limits, still apply. On other days, anglers 16 and older generally need a license. New York offers free or reduced-fee licenses to some active-duty service members and to resident veterans with a service-connected disability of 40 percent or more.
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