New Proposed Free Fishing Days
This is great news for all of you fishing fanatics.
Thankfully spring is upon us and we can start enjoying the great Hudson Valley and New York State outdoors, minus the snow. Fishing is one of the more popular activities here in the Hudson Valley and residents fish locally and around New York State. Back in 2014 Governor Andrew Cuomo passed legislation for addition free sport fishing days in New York, free sport fishing days were first established in 1991. During a free fishing day, residents and non-residents do not need to have a fishing license and will not be charge to fish in any of the 7,500 lakes and ponds or 70,000 miles of rivers and streams.
The Department of Environmental Conservation hopes that offering more free fishing days will encourage new hobbies and also promote supporting local sport by purchasing a fishing license through New York State.
The additional free fishing days being proposed are as follows:
- Presidents Day Weekend
- National Hunting and Fishing Day (one day) - Takes place annually on the 4th Saturday in September and links to events taking place nationwide.
- Veteran's Day (one day) - Fishing is considered one of the most therapeutic outdoor activities, making it an excellent tribute to veterans and those currently serving. Governor Cuomo specified Veteran's Day as a free fishing day in 2015, and this proposal would make it a permanent free fishing day.
The DEC is taking public comments about the proposed free fishing days until May 6th, 2017. If you're interested in passing along a comment they can be emailed to fwfish@dec.ny.gov, in the subject line please put "Free Sport Fishing Day."