June 29-30 are free fishing days in New York

Enjoy a free weekend of fishing in New York

As part of Gov. Cuomo's NY's Open for Hunting and Fishing initiative, 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 29-30, state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said. Saltwater anglers may also fish in marine waters or for migratory marine fish species without enrolling in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.

"Getting more people involved in the sport of fishing is an important component of Gov. Cuomo's NY's Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative," Martens said. "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 the state has to offer."

NY's Open for Hunting and Fishing initiative includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, stocking as much as 900,000 pounds of fish raised at DEC hatcheries, and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions.

To further encourage fishing in New York, Cuomo signed legislation last year expanding the opportunity for free fishing clinics, allowing more New Yorkers to experience fishing for the first time by enabling DEC to increase the number of free clinics that can be held throughout the state. The free fishing days program began in 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the fishing New York has to offer.New York's sport fishing industry generates an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity annually, supporting nearly 17,000 jobs.

For a listing of free fishing events, refer to the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html. The public is advised to check back regularly as new events are regularly added to the list.

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