ALBANY — The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced that Saturday will mark the next statewide Free Fishing Day.

On free fishing days, New York residents and non-residents alike may fish for free without a fishing license. Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that, although the requirement for a fishing license is waived for the day, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current state fishing license to fish. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information on purchasing a fishing license can be found at tinyurl.com/494p52jp.

The state Department of Health provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. That’s available at tinyurl.com/45nk7mdn.

“The September 27th free fishing day is particularly special because it coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, a celebration of the incredible angling opportunities our state provides,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Free fishing days are the perfect time for newcomers to learn to freshwater fish or for experienced anglers to bring others outdoors to enjoy the many abundant waterways across New York.”

National Hunting and Fishing Day was designated by Congress in 1972. It helps encourage people to experience, understand and appreciate traditional outdoor sports and recreation and abundant natural resources, while also recognizing hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation.

Free fishing days further support the “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative. It promotes physical and mental health by helping encourage New York’s children and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings.

In addition to designated free freshwater fishing days, DEC and its partners also hold free fishing clinics throughout the year. Participants learn about local fishing opportunities and are taught about the fish they can catch, fishing safety, how to cast a fishing rod, aquatic resource stewardship and New York’s fishing regulations.

A full list of programs is available at tinyurl.com/2sjeu9dj. Check the list regularly as new events are added throughout the year.

No rod? No problem. DEC partners with libraries across the state to provide a fishing rod lending program. Along with borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This affordable program provides an opportunity for people to try fishing before deciding to purchase their own gear. For more information on the program and a list of participating libraries, visit tinyurl.com/ynj6rte5.

For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying your catch and understanding fishing regulations. DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. Those are both available at tinyurl.com/t54ursdx.

The “Tackle Box” feature in DEC’s official app, HuntFishNY, contains freshwater fishing regulations, boating access and stocking information within a map-based interface from the convenience of a smartphone. Other features include driving directions to state-operated boat launch sites and an offline feature that allows users to access information when cell coverage isn’t available. The HuntFishNY app is available for download through Google Play or the App Store.

The final free fishing day for 2025 is slated to take place on Veterans Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 11.