Free Fishing This Weekend

State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens recently reminded New Yorkers that this weekend, June 25-26, has been designated “Free Fishing Weekend” in New York State.
“In an effort to increase fishing participation in New York State, this weekend is an ideal opportunity to introduce someone to the great sport of fishing,” said Commissioner Martens. “This is also an excellent time for out of state residents to visit and sample all that New York has to offer a freshwater angler. Both residents and non-residents can fish for free during this two day period.”
All anglers are encouraged to sign up as a fishing ambassador as part of the joint DEC/Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s Angler Legacy Program. Anglers interested in signing up for the program can do so at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html.
Those new to the sport are encouraged to attend one of the various Free Fishing Clinics that are held across the state. These clinics provide basic information on how to get started in the sport of fishing and many provide loaner rods and bait for participants to use. A complete listing of clinics can be found at on DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html.
Although a state fishing license is not required during Free Fishing Weekend, all other fishing rules and regulations remain in effect. Marine anglers 16 years of age and older are also reminded that they must enroll in the no-fee saltwater fishing registry to fish for migratory saltwater fish species or in the marine district. Visit the DEC’s Places to Fish page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7749.html or contact your regional DEC office for recommendations on places to go.
Anglers should also be mindful of the general statewide advisory that recommends eating no more than one meal per week from the state’s freshwaters. Consumption advisories also exist for a number of other waters in New York. A full list of waters that have fish advisories can be obtained by calling 1-800-458-1158 or the website listed below.
The DOH has concerns about mercury levels in fish in the Dunham Reservoir and Dyken Pond and suggests only one meal per month of fish from these waters. Walleye in the Dunham Reservoir must not be eaten at all. Brown trout over 14 inches from the Hoosic River can only be eaten once a month and no fish from Nassau Lake can be eaten at all due to PCB levels. For a full list of advisories for our area go to http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/outdoors/fish/fish.htm#capital.