Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that Labor Day weekend will kick off with the addition of a new Free Fishing Day in New York State for the 2024 season. The addition of the Saturday, August 31 Free Fishing Day, for a total of seven Free Fishing Days in 2024 in New York State, complements the Governor’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative launched this summer to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.

“There is no better way to send off summer than adding fishing to your Labor Day weekend plans,” Governor Hochul said. “Reel in the beauty of New York’s extraordinary natural waterbodies and take advantage of this affordable opportunity to enjoy the holiday weekend with family and friends.”

During free fishing days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, introduce people to a new hobby and encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State fishing license.