NEW YORK – New York State will honor veterans with a free day of fishing on Friday, November 11, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday.
Fishing is considered one of the most therapeutic outdoor activities, making it an ideal activity for veterans, those currently serving in the military, and any New Yorker looking to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
“We are launching a line for all New York veterans with this free day of fishing as a way to honor those who have served,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to our extensive conservation efforts to protect our natural resources and the environment, New York continues to offer excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels and abilities. This free fishing day will provide a great opportunity for our courageous individuals who have served to protect our democracy and our freedom to enjoy one of New York State’s many top-notch fishing spots. “
During Free Fishing Days, anglers don’t need a fishing license to fish in New York’s freshwater. All other fishing regulations are in place. For more information on free fishing days, visit the website of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The program Free fishing DYes DEC began in 1991 to give people the opportunity to try the sport for free, as well as to encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State fishing license. You can find more information on purchasing a fishing license on the DEC website.
This weekend, DEC hosted its annual veterans fishing event. For the past 15 years, DEC has offered veterans the opportunity to catch and release rainbow trout in a private part of the Salmon River as part of a partnership with Project Healing Waters Fly fishing (PHWFF) y CompeerCORPS Rochester.
New York State residents who also qualify as active duty military members they may receive a free fishing license, as well as a hunting and / or catching license, provided they have adequate hunting and / or catching education. Veterans with a service-related disability equal to or greater than 40% (annual U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs trial required) can obtain reduced-rate hunting and fishing licenses and a preference for driving permits. can find mefor information go here.
Find a place to fish
DEC launched a new “Tackle Box” feature this year to enhance fishing tourism and help new and experienced anglers enjoy the fantastic fishing offerings across New York. The Tackle Box feature is available in the app HuntFishNY smartphone by DEC which provides information on nearly all state fishing regulations, bodies of water, state-run fishing access sites, storage information and other useful features such as photos to help identify fish that may be found in a particular river, lake or stream.
To find fishing opportunities nearby visit the pages ofand Places to Fish on the DEC website.
