Free fishing days offer residents and non-residents who are 16 and older* to fish without a freshwater fishing license (*Kids under 16 can always fish for free!). (Park entrance fee applies).
NYS DEC offers a host of resources for those interested in getting started in fishing. The I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing (PDF) provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod, to identifying your catch and understanding fishing regulations. There’s also a video series on DEC’s YouTube channel that complements the Beginners’ Guide. DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information when planning your next fishing trip. DEC’s official mobile app, HuntFishNY, now features “The Tackle Box,” which provides anglers with one-stop shopping for fishing regulations, boating access, and stocking information within a map-based interface from the convenience of your smart phone.
2026 Free Fishing Days Schedule
- February 14-15 (President’s Day Weekend)
- June 27-28
- September 26 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
- November 11 (Veterans Day)
These days offer the perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time, to get back into the sport, or to take a friend or the whole family along to fish! Even though a license is not needed, all other fishing regulations apply.
Moreau Lake is located within Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County. The lake offers easy access for small boats and good fishing opportunities. The majority of the lake’s shoreline is state park land, so access to the lake is easy.
Physical Features:
Elevation: 340 feet
Area: 122 acres
Shoreline Length: 2.9 miles
Mean Depth: 32 feet
County and Town: Saratoga County, Town of Moreau
Access:
A boat launch is located within the park. To travel to the park take the Northway (I-87) to Exit 17S to South Glens Falls, Then follow the signs to the park. There is a fee to access the park, and no motors are permitted on the lake. There is parking for 10 cars and trailers.
For more information on this launch including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Saratoga County page.
Fish Species:
Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, and rainbow trout.
Fishing:
Moreau Lake has excellent fishing for both largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Because of its depth it provides a refuge for the trout during the hot summer days. On the northern end of the lake, it becomes relatively shallow and weedy, which provides for good largemouth and pickerel habitat.
Ice Fishing:
Permitted.
Regulations:
Statewide Fishing Regulations Apply.
Fisheries Management:
Rainbow trout are stocked annually.
Here are some great links regarding general skills and information:
Fishing Basics (5 simple steps to get started and more)
How to Ice Fish
Using a Ruler to Weigh Fish
Where to Find Fish: Streams and Rivers
Where to Find Fish: Lakes and Ponds
Taking Your Child Fishing
Getting Started Fishing Guides and Brochures