New York's Final Free Fishing Day of the Year Falls on Veterans Day, November 11: No License Needed for Freshwater Fishing
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the state's seventh and final Free Fishing Day of 2026 will fall on Veterans Day, November 11. On that day, residents and visitors may fish in freshwater across the state without a fishing license, while all other fishing regulations - including species, size and catch limits and seasonal rules - remain in effect.
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton said Free Fishing Days are an on-ramp for more people to discover New York's lakes, rivers and streams, and she flagged two seasonal deadlines for anglers: muskellunge season closes November 30 on inland waters and December 15 on Great Lakes waters, so anglers targeting muskie should plan before the season ends.
The state notes that more than 80 libraries across New York participate in a rod-lending program, letting patrons check out a fishing rod much like a book and lowering the barrier for beginners without gear. Free Fishing Days are a standing annual program in New York, with seven days spread across the seasons to draw more families outdoors.
The license waiver applies only on November 11, and other requirements - such as the registry for saltwater fishing - are not waived; anglers should check the DEC's current-season rules before heading out. The announcement was issued from the state capital, Albany, in Albany County. (Source: Office of the Governor of New York)
Source: Office of the Governor of New York
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图片来源：Wikimedia Commons「Sacandaga ice fishing shelter (3323477609).jpg」（joiseyshowaa from Freehold, NJ 摄，CC BY-SA 2.0） Image: Wikimedia Commons "Sacandaga ice fishing shelter (3323477609).jpg" (by joiseyshowaa from Freehold, NJ, CC BY-SA 2.0)
