New York State Fishing Resources

No matter where you are in New York State, there is usually a great
fishing spot nearby. Use these tips to make sure you are getting the most out
of your next fishing trip and all of the resources New York State has to offer
.

Make
sure your fishing license is up-to-date

Like most states, New York requires most
residents to obtain a fishing license before you begin fishing. According to
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), anyone
sixteen years or older must must have a fishing license for:

●      
Freshwater fish species by angling,
spearing, hooking, longbow and tip-ups.

●      
Frog species by spearing, catching
with the hands or by use of a club or hook.

●      
Freshwater baitfish for personal
use.

The NYS DEC states that you do not need a license if
you are:

●      
Fishing on a licensed fishing
preserve

●      
Fishing during the free fishing
weekend

●      
Fishing at a free fishing clinic

●      
A resident landowner primarily
engaged in farming (including lessees and members of their immediate families)
when fishing on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.

●      
A farm fish pond license holder
(including members of their immediate families) fishing on waters covered by the license.

●      
A Native American living and
fishing on reservation land.

●      
A patient residing at a qualifying
U.S. Veterans Administration hospital or facility in New York State.

You can purchase a fishing license from most
sporting stores, by phone or on the New York State DEC website. License prices vary based on how
long they are valid for. License validity ranges from one day to a full
lifetime. Before making your purchase, check to see if you qualify for any
discounts!

Take
advantage of free fishing weekends

A few times every year, New York promotes its
abundant fishing spots by opening them up for free to the public–even those
who have not purchased a fishing license. Although fishing licenses are not
required during free fishing weekends, all other New York State fishing laws
and regulations still apply.

Free fishing weekends are also open to people
who are not New York State residents, so feel free to bring along your friends
or family from out of state. Visit the NYS
DEC website for the full schedule and further information.

Attend
free fishing clinics

In addition to free fishing weekends, New York
State also promotes fishing by hosting free clinics across the state. These
free fishing clinics do not require attendees to have a fishing license to
participate. The goal of these clinics is to educate people about fish
identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling
ethics and aquatic ecology. Attending a clinic is a great way to fish for free
while learning about nature and the surrounding ecosystem in New
York State!

Whether you are a seasoned fisherman or just heading
out on your first fishing adventure, these tips will help you to make sure you
are using New York State’s resources to their fullest.