July 13 – Decades ago, when I first moved to Highland, someone told me that when I go to yard sales keep a lookout for some decent fishing equipment to have on hand for my family and visitors to take advantage of a chance to fish our majestic Delaware River.

I followed that wise advice and am glad of it as many of my dear ones had many magical days on the river. The 2026 fishing season is well underway, with reports of some excellent catches of black bass, trout, and salmon across New York State. Most of the freshwater species in the Delaware and in our lakes may be fished year-round, though catch-and-release rules apply to certain prized game fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, during specific periods such as December 1 through November 15. New York State also designates six Free Fishing Days each year, when anyone may fish in freshwater without a license: February 14–15, June 27–28, September 26, and November 11.

To help newcomers get started, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) offers IFISHNY, a free educational resource covering basic regulations, equipment, public fishing locations, and trip-planning tools. DEC’s HuntFishNY mobile app also includes “The Tackle Box,” which provides fishing regulations, access information, and map-based location details. Even on Free Fishing Days, all other rules still apply, including size limits, open seasons, and creel limits—the maximum number of fish of each species that may catch in a day. A standard annual New York State fishing license costs $25 good for one month for residents ages 16–69 and $50 for nonresidents. Residents aged 70 and older pay just $5, while a lifetime NYS resident fishing license costs $460 and is not available to nonresidents. Fishing licenses can be bought from the Town of Highland Clerk during regular business hours or online at the NYS DEC website.

Free Fishing Days are an ideal chance to try fishing for the first time or enjoy a day on the water with family. Fishing also plays a major part of New York’s and our local outdoor economy. The state has about 7,500 lakes and ponds, along with 70,000 miles of rivers, streams, and coastline, making it a natural destination. Freshwater sport fishing, including fly fishing, accounts for a large share of the state’s fishing-related economic activity, with the Catskills and the Adirondacks Mountains playing a central role. Fishing-related tourism in New York State generates an estimated $5 billion to $8 billion in total economic output each year, while direct angler spending contributes about $1.5 billion annually. Another wonderful fishing related activity is visiting the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor with exhibits that showcase the history of fly fishing, the Fly-Fishing Hall of Fame, and the Lee and Joan Wulff Gallery dedicated to their legacy of popularizing fly fishing in America.

A few more notes about next weekends Block Party in Eldred. The Sheriff’s Office has donated the services of their organization’s GEM Car (a super golf cart) with a deputy driver that will run a free shuttle service from the designated parking areas at the high school down to the Eldred Block Party. As previously reported, Chris Tambini will be sponsoring a dunk tank to raise money for the Highland Ambulance Service. Now I have learned that our Town Supervisor John Pizzolato will joining the fundraiser and be a volunteer to be dunked for the Ambulance Service fundraiser as well. Lou Monteleone is still in need of volunteers for his Salute to America 250 celebration event. For additional information about volunteering please contact Lou Monteleone at The Corner Shop in Eldred (845-557-3321). I hope everyone will stop by the Eldred Block Party on Sunday July 19^th rain or shine starting at Noon until 9pm. For the schedule visit the Town of Highland Supervisor’s page.