Free fishing day added in New York State for upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend

New York State authorities have announced that Labor Day weekend will kick off with the addition of a new Free Fishing Day in New York State for the 2024 season.

The addition of the Saturday, August 31 Free Fishing Day, for a total of seven Free Fishing Days in 2024 in New York State, complements the Governor’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ initiative, which was sparked this summer to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.

“Fishing can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or ability, and I encourage both new and practiced anglers to use this bonus free fishing day to throw out a line and experience New York’s world-class fisheries,” said NYS DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar.

During a free fishing day in New York State, residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license.

Free fishing day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

NYS DEC image.