On Veterans Day, November 11th, you can fish for free. No license needed. 

This year, Veteran's Day has been declared a free fishing day. Anyone can fish the fresh or marine waters of New York State and no license is required. The DEC says New York State has some of the finest fishing in the country. There is world class fishing for a wide variety of coldwater, warm water and saltwater fish species. Whether it's smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie, brook trout fishing on a crystal clear Adirondack lake, Pacific salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, fishing for stripers on the Hudson River, brown trout fishing on the Beaver Kill or fishing for bluefish in Montauk's surf, there's something special here for everyone. With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, and hundreds of miles of coastline, fishing opportunities are always nearby!

 

Syracuse.com is reporting:

legislation signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo this summer now allows for an increase in the authorized yearly statewide free fishing days. This year, Veteran's Day (Nov. 11) was designed as a free fishing day – and will continue to be so for years to come, according to Lori Severino, a spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Even though no license is required on November 11th, all other regulations apply. The DEC website says if you're 16 or older you need a fishing license except on designated 'free fishing' dates in NYS. A fishing license is now good for one full year from date of purchase.

Free/Reduced Fee Licenses:

You may qualify for a free/reduced fee annual fishing license if you are:

  • Active duty military
  • Military veteran with 40% or greater disability
  • Senior citizen (70 years or older)
  • Legally blind
  • Non-resident student attending a New York State college or university full-time

Cold Weather Boaters
Anyone underway in a boat less than 21 feet in length anytime between November 1 and May 1 must wear a securely fastened life jacket. This includes canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and motorboats.

1st Utica McWhopper

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