Governor Cuomo Announces Free Fishing Days in New York State this Weekend

Albany, NY - June 24, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York residents and visitors may fish for free without a fishing license in any of the state’s 7,500 lakes and ponds or 50,000 miles of rivers and streams during the weekend of June 28-29 or at any of the free fishing events to be held throughout the state this summer. Saltwater anglers may also fish in marine waters or for migratory marine fish species without enrolling in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry from June 28-29.

“From ponds and rivers Upstate to deep-sea waters off the coast of Long Island, New York truly has some of the best fishing spots on the globe,” Governor Cuomo said. “We want everyone to get out and experience these tremendous recreational opportunities this summer, and with our Free Fishing events, it’s never been easier to explore the great outdoors. I encourage all New Yorkers to cast a line this summer and see just what they’ve been missing.”

Free Fishing Days are part of Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This initiative includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees and improving access for fishing and increasing hunting opportunities in New York State.

As part of this initiative, Governor Cuomo also signed legislation increasing the number of authorized statewide free fishing days to eight from two. Additional statewide free fishing dates will be announced this summer. NY Open for Fishing and Hunting also provides for $6 million in NY Works funding to support creating 50 new land and water access projects to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have not reached their full potential. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, the 2014-15 budget includes $4 million to repair the state's fish hatcheries; and renews and allows expanded use of crossbows for hunting in New York State.

“Getting more people involved in the sport of fishing is an important component of Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative,” said state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens. “This is the perfect time to introduce someone to the sport of fishing or invite a friend or relative from out of state to enjoy the great fishing our waters have to offer.”

“State Parks provides access to some of the best saltwater, freshwater and Great Lakes fishing spots in New York,” said state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey. “I applaud Governor Cuomo's efforts to encourage New Yorkers to explore what the state has to offer, and join him and Commissioner Martens in urging all – from first-timers to experienced anglers – to use the Free Fishing Days to discover the incredible fishing opportunities available in our state.”

Jason Kemper, Chairman, Conservation Fund Advisory Board, said, "Governor Cuomo's commitment to increasing fishing opportunities in New York State, including additional free fishing days and events, allows novice anglers the opportunity to be introduced to the sport with the hope that they become lifelong fisherman and women. I encourage New Yorkers and visitors to take advantage of these free fishing events."

Chuck Parker, President of the New York State Conservation Council said, "New York State is one of the leaders in offering quality fishing opportunities. The long established free fishing days in June are now joined by additional free fishing events through out the summer. I encourage all those who think they might be interested in fishing, but have not tried it yet, and those that may have not fished in a number of years to attend one or more of these events. Fishing is a great family activity and can provide a lifetime of enjoyment to all New Yorkers."

This year’s budget also reduces short-term fishing licenses fees; authorizes DEC to offer 10 days of promotional prices for hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and authorizes free Adventure Plates for new lifetime license holders, discounted Adventure Plates for existing lifetime license holders and regular fee Adventure Plates for annual license holders.

The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York State has to offer. It has since been modified to allow organizations or groups to conduct individual free fishing events that meet DEC’s guidelines, ensuring that the events are educational in focus. Participants in these events do not need a license to fish and are not required to enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.

For a listing of all free fishing events, visit DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html . Currently there are more than 20 DEC free fishing events designated for 2014 (see list below); however, the public is advised to check back regularly as new events are regularly added to the list. Organizations or groups interested in conducting an event can find instructions and an application form on DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/89811.html.

For a listing of fishing programs at State Parks, including instructional programs and clinics, visit http://nysparks.com/events/.

Anglers are reminded that although a fishing license is not required during the free fishing day weekend, or free fishing events, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

New York’s sport fishing industry generates an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity annually, supporting nearly 17,000 jobs.

Current scheduled DEC Free Fishing events are listed below: