Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, are 'free fishing' days in New York State ~ Find out more ~ 'We're fortunate to offer great fishing throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions,' said Senator O'Mara.

Elmira, N.Y., June 23—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) today reminded area residents and families that this Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, have been designated as “Free Fishing Days” throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, and statewide.

O’Mara said that residents and visitors to the state can fish for free without a fishing license in any of  the region’s lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

"It’s a great opportunity to introduce a child or anyone else to one of our time-honored pastimes and traditions, and we’re fortunate to offer great fishing throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions,” said O’Mara, chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee and an avid fisherman himself.  “Angling offers an outdoor recreational opportunity that can help bring families together, strengthens a foundation of our tourism-based economy, and enhances appreciation for the outdoors and environmental conservation.”

New York’s sport fishing industry generates an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity annually and supports nearly 17,000 jobs.

O’Mara supported legislation approved by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor two years ago that increased the number of free fishing days that can be authorized in New York State.  As a result, November 11, 2015, Veterans Day, will also be a free fishing day this year.  O’Mara also supported legislation (S.829) approved by the Senate earlier this year to make permanent a 2011 law allowing individual anglers to fish with up to three lines in freshwater.  He continues to sponsor legislation (S.1625), which the Senate approved in April, to incorporate hunting, fishing and outdoor education into high school physical education classes.

The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991. Although a fishing license is not required during the free fishing weekend, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

Read more on WENY-TV, "Free Fishing This Weekend in New York"

For additional information, including a listing of free fishing events statewide, visit the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

See the full announcement HERE.