NEW YORK – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, is a designated annual free fishing day in New York State. No license is required to fish in any of the state's 7,500 lakes and ponds or 70,000 miles of rivers and streams on this date.

"In recognition of Veterans Day, a day to honor and thank United States military personnel, past and present, residents and visitors can fish for free and without a license,” Commissioner Seggos said. "Free fishing days offer a great opportunity for people to learn about this popular sport or invite a friend or relative from out of the state to enjoy the world-class fishing New York has to offer."

Saltwater anglers may also fish in marine waters or for migratory marine fish species without enrolling in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. Anglers are reminded that although the requirement for a license and enrolling in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry has been waived during the free fishing event, all other regulations remain in effect.

The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the thrilling sport at no cost, to introduce people to a new hobby, and to encourage people to support the sport by purchasing a New York State fishing license.