"New York is home to hundreds of lakes, streams and
rivers, allowing amateur and expert anglers alike to get outdoors and
experience the world-class fishing we have to offer, as well as the communities
that host them," Governor Cuomo said. "With free fishing this
weekend, I encourage residents and our out-of-state neighbors to pack a tackle
box and a cooler, grab a fishing pole, and head out to have some fun with a
pastime that I and so many of our fellow New Yorkers enjoy."
The free fishing days program is part of the Governor's NY
Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative and the upcoming free fishing days are
the first of several planned for 2020. The free fishing days program began in
1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport at
no cost, introduce people to a new hobby, and encourage people to support the
sport by purchasing a New York State fishing license.
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "This is a great
time of year for families and novice anglers to try ice fishing as a new
outdoor activity. Many schools are on mid-winter recess next week, so we
selected Presidents' Day weekend as the first of several free fishing
opportunities planned in New York to coincide with a time when anglers of all
abilities are able to fish this winter." Winter anglers can catch a variety of fish
while ice fishing, primarily perch, sunfish, pickerel, northern pike, and
walleye. In addition, many waters throughout New York State are open to fishing
for trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon.
