St. Lawrence County residents can enjoy "Free Fishing Weekend" June 25-26.

This event marks two of the state's six Free Fishing Days offered every year to increase fishing participation and awareness of fishing opportunities in New York and introduce new anglers to the sport of fishing.

"Free fishing days provide an exciting chance for all New Yorkers, from Brooklyn to Buffalo, to try fishing for the first time and encourages experienced anglers to dust off their fishing rods and get outside," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "Fishing opportunities across New York State are second to none, and I encourage New Yorkers to head out on the water this weekend with friends and family to enjoy one of our state's renowned fishing destinations."

For beginning anglers, the I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on fishing basics, including rigging up a fishing rod, identifying catch, and understanding fishing regulations. A fun, interactive version of the guide comprised of a series of brief videos can be found on DEC's YouTube channel. DEC's Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information for those ready to plan their next fishing trip.

"As the school year winds down and summer approaches, the timing of this Free Fishing Weekend couldn't be better. Whether you're interested in getting back into the sport yourself or introducing friends and family to fishing for the first time, New York's Free Fishing Days are a great opportunity to cast a line and get outside," said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos.

Remaining Free Fishing Days in 2022 include National Hunting and Fishing Day (Sept. 24) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11). During these designated Free Fishing Days, New York residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license. Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. For more information about fishing regulations, go to https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html.

DEC also offers free fishing clinics throughout the year. In addition to having fun while fishing, participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics, aquatic ecology, and more. During these clinics no freshwater fishing license or enrollment in the recreational marine fishing registry is required, but all other statewide fishing regulations remain in effect. For a list of fishing clinics, go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html