ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo today announced that the first of several free fishing events in New York state for 2017 will take place Saturday, Feb. 18 and Sunday, Feb. 19.

During these designated days, New York residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license at any of the state’s 7,500 lakes and ponds or 70,000 miles of rivers and streams.

“No matter the season, New York is home to some of the best fishing in the nation,” Cuomo said. “These free days are a prime opportunity for anglers of all experience levels, whether they are New Yorkers or visitors, to get out and experience for themselves the great fishing on the lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams in every corner of this state.”

Based on the popularity of the program, Cuomo has also designated June 24-25, Sept. 23 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) as free fishing days.

While a New York state fishing license is not required to participate, all other statewide fishing regulations remain in effect.