NY Free Fishing Day is next Saturday
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher
Local conservation clubs will usually offer free lessons and fishing in their small lakes and ponds for kids and their families. Westfield Fish & Game (716-326-2289) is among such local clubs that provide occasional outdoor education programs for area youth.
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher
There is nothing quite like a youngster that brings his first fish catch to shore. Take a kid fishing today.
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Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher
Local conservation clubs will usually offer free lessons and fishing in their small lakes and ponds for kids and their families. Westfield Fish & Game (716-326-2289) is among such local clubs that provide occasional outdoor education programs for area youth.
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher
There is nothing quite like a youngster that brings his first fish catch to shore. Take a kid fishing today.
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New York’s next Free Fishing Day will be next Saturday, Sept. 26, which coincides with the annual National Hunting and Fishing Day. During New York State Free Fishing Days residents and nonresidents can fish the freshwaters of New York without a freshwater fishing license. This is the perfect time of year to get outdoors and cast a line as fish are often more eager to bite and find food before winter arrives. As a reminder, during Free Fishing Days all other freshwater fishing regulations remain in effect. To review the rules, visit https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations.
The Free Fishing Days offer the perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time, to get back into the sport, or to take a friend or the whole family along to fish.
Need fishing gear? Anyone can now borrow a rod and reel for free. If you’re new to fishing or don’t have gear of your own, there are now more than 100 participating locations in DEC’s Fishing Rod Lending Program across the state. Through this program you can borrow a spin-casting rod, bobber, and hooks, along with beginner-friendly fishing guides and informational materials. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of this great resource paired with the free fishing day as noted earlier.
The DEC I FISH NY program is alive and well in Chautauqua County with free rods, reels, line, and a limited amount of fishing gear provided free (free rental, you need to bring them back). Check these locations, a library card may be required, so be smart and please call ahead:
• Dunkirk Public Library, 536 Central Ave., Dunkirk; 716-366-2511; info@dunkirklibrary.org.
• Falconer Public Library, 101 W. Main St., Falconer; 716-665-3504; director@falconerlibrary.org.
• James Prendergast Library Association, 509 Cherry St., Jamestown; 716-484-7135; reference@prendergastlibrary.org.
• Lakewood Memorial Library, 12 W. Summit St., Lakewood; 716-763-6234; programs@lakewoodlibrary.org.
• Mary E. Seymour Memorial Library, 18 Maple Ave., Cassadaga; 716-595-3323; director@stocktonlibraries.org.
• Mayville Library, 92 S. Erie St., Mayville; 716-753-7362; director@mayvillelibrary.com.
• Myers Memorial Library, 6 Falconer St., Frewsburg; 716-569-5515; info@myerslibrary.org.
According to the latest DEC angler survey update for August, the walleye fishing in Lake Erie has continued to be incredible throughout summer. DEC reports that during August, the angler average catch was 13 walleye per boat trip, with two in five anglers getting their limit of six walleye.
“Stellar walleye fishing on Lake Erie is expected to continue into September, so there is still time to get out and catch some fish,” the DEC said in the release.
Everyone can stay in the know on Lake Erie fishing and nearby waters by viewing the Lake Erie and Western New York Fishing Hotline! DEC Fisheries Biologist Mike Todd regularly updates these reports with details on what’s biting and tips on landing a fish. Visit: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/erie-western-new-york-hotline. The fishing hotline can also be heard at 716-855-3474. If you need more fishing information or would like to contribute to the fishing report, please call or email Mike Todd (716-851-7010; fwfish9@dec.ny.gov).
Individuals 16 years or older must have a valid freshwater fishing license; visit https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting/fishing-license for cost and online application. For New York resident adults 16-69 years of age, a one-day license is $5, a seven-day license is $12, and an annual license is $25 — good for 365 days from the date of purchase. For residents 70 and older, the annual fee is just $5. Of course, no license is needed on Free Fishing Days. As mentioned, the next special no-license Free Fishing Day is Sept. 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), followed by Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). Go wet a line.
Gotta love the outdoors.
CALENDAR
Sept. 21-22: NYS Bowhunter Ed Course, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hamburg Rod & Gun Club, 3434 Hickox Road Hamburg, https://decals.events.east.licensing.app/em/events/526/registrations/new, or call 585-226-5463.
Sept. 23-24: NYSDEC Hunter Ed, Westfield Fish & Game Club, 5831 Ogden Road, Westfield, 5:30-9 p.m., taught by: Vincent E. Luce, register at: https://decals.events.east.licensing.app/em/events/545, or call 585-226-5463.
Sept. 23: Fly Tying Class, 6-8 p.m., free, Falconer Rod & Gun Club, 329 Falconer St., Jamestown; info: 716-467-0782.