There is so-called "free fishing" this weekend, fishing without a license required. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced June 24 that this weekend licenses will not be required in any of the state's 7,500 lakes and ponds, or its 70,000 miles of rivers and streams. “New York has some of the best fishing in the nation, and with our Free Fishing Days program, we’re making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to come out and experience all that our waters have to offer,” Cuomo said. November 11, 2016 (Veterans Day) and February 18-19, 2017 will also be "free fishing" days.