The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will host a free fishing event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19^th at the East Greenbush town park for youth and families from Arbor Hill in Albany. The clinic is part of Governor Cuomo's New York Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative and DEC's I FISH NY program.

“Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo’s New York Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative and the DEC I Fish NY program, enhancing fishing opportunities for all is a priority for New York State,” Acting Commissioner Marc Gerstman said. “Offering educational fishing events is a great way to attract newcomers to fish in New York and ensure that citizens of all abilities have an opportunity to enjoy New York’s unmatched natural resources. Working with the Metropolitan New Testament Mission Baptist Church in Albany, DEC is happy to host this special outreach event for youth living in the City of Albany and others wanting to learn how to fish," Acting Commissioner Marc Gerstman said.”

The event is being held in partnership with the Metropolitan New Testament Mission Baptist Church in Albany as a youth event to introduce the sport of fishing to those who may not have had the opportunity to participate.  Governor Cuomo’s Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative creates and encourages opportunities for all New Yorkers to participate in fun outdoor activities.

DEC fisheries staff will be available to teach participants about fish identification, angling equipment and techniques, safety and angling ethics. Fishing rods and fishing equipment, will be available to borrow and bait will be provided. Participants can try their hand at landing sunfish, perch, bass and maybe even a trout. 

The East Greenbush Town Park is located at the end of Town Park Road which is located off of Elliot Rd. between Route 151 and Leslie Circle. It boasts acres of walking trails, two pavilions, a playground and other recreational facilities.  

Free sportfishing clinics allow participants to fish for free where no freshwater fishing license or enrollment in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry is required. Participants should note that all applicable fishing laws and regulations remain in effect during the event. Free sportfishing clinics are held throughout the state. Information on conducting a clinic and the list of current clinics scheduled, is on DEC's website.

Ordinarily, anyone 16 years of age and older who desires to fish in New York must have a New York State fishing license. New York State reduced license fees in 2014 for both resident and non-resident anglers, making fishing in New York more affordable than ever. Buying a license has also been made more convenient. Anglers can purchase their license and print them for immediate use on their home computer from DEC's website.

Anglers can also purchase their license by phone by calling 1-866-933-2257, or from the numerous license issuing agents across the state. Those purchasing by phone will receive a confirmation number that can be used as proof of purchase until they receive their actual license by mail. Annual fishing licenses are now valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. Anglers interested in purchasing a lifetime fishing license should consider a New York State Adventure license which is incorporated on their NY Drivers' License. Additional information can be found at the NY License Center website (leaves DEC website).

Governor Cuomo has expanded recreational opportunities of residents and tourists, positioning New York State as a recreation destination, connecting communicates to state lands, and improving the quality of life. Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing and increasing hunting opportunities in New York State. In support of this initiative, last year $10 million in NY Works funding has been dedicated to fish hatchery repairs and 50 new land and water access projects such as boat launches, hunting blinds, trails and parking areas.

Under the initiative, the 2015-16 Enacted Budget included an additional $8 million for state land access projects and an additional $4 million for the state's hatcheries in NY Works funding. The Budget also creates a new capital account which along with federal Pittman-Robertson funds will be used to manage, protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat, and to improve and develop public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation.

For more information about the event and Free Fishing Program contact event organizer Laurel Remus at 518-402-8051 or email at Laurel.Remus@dec.ny.gov.