NEW YORK – New York State is full of activities for everyone. And if you are a fishing lover, we bring you good news.
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the 2023 dates for New York’s Free Freshwater Fishing Days. These are: February 18 and 19, June 24 and 25, National Hunting and Fishing Day, September 23 and November 11.
The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give people who cannot fish the opportunity to try this rewarding sport for free, introduce them to a new hobby and encourage people to support the sport by purchasing freshwater fishing gear. New York. Licence.
Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that while the freshwater fishing license requirement does not apply during Free Fishing Days, all other fishing rules still apply. With the exception of fishing days off, anglers 16 years of age and older must have a valid fishing license. For more information on purchasing a license, visit the DEC website.
“Free fishing days offer established anglers the opportunity to share their passion for fishing with those who may be new to the sport,” Governor Hochul said. “Spreading these days throughout the year gives anglers of all ages, abilities and experience levels the opportunity to fish in all seasons and find the many fishing opportunities in New York, which benefits our local economies in the process”.
DEC offers several resources for those wishing to learn to fish, including the Beginner’s Guide to Freshwater Fishing I FISH NYwhich provides information on everything from mounting a fishing rod and identifying a catch to understanding fishing regulations and helpful tips.
The colder weather creates great ice fishing opportunities, with popular species to target on the ice in New York, including yellow perch; northern pike; zander; lake trout; brown trout; Atlantic salmon; and black crappie.
Those interested in ice fishing should check the ice thickness before leaving the shore. Four inches of solid, clear ice is generally safe for anglers accessing the ice on foot. However, the thickness of the ice can vary from one body of water to another and even within the same body of water, which increases the need for a guarantee of thickness. Anglers should be especially careful around areas of moving water and around docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice formation.
Ice checking can easily be done with an auger or drill rod at multiple points. In addition, it is also recommended to fish with a family member or friend for added safety. Local bait and tackle stores are a great source to find out where there is safe ice and what anglers are fishing for. For more information on ice fishing, including the main fish species that are abundant during the winter months and tips on ice safety, visit DEC’s Ice Fishing website.