New York State DEC to Host Third Annual Women’s Fishing Expo

For Release: Friday, August 26, 2022

Presented by Women for Women and Girls

Sept. 17 Expo is a Great Introduction to Fishing, with Emphasis on Fly-Fishing

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will hold the third annual Women’s Fishing Expo at Connetquot River State Park Preserve on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“Women are a vital and fast-growing segment of New York’s fishing and outdoor recreation community,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “DEC’s annual Women’s Fishing Expo gives participants the skills and knowledge necessary to feel confident about getting outdoors and fishing.”

“Fishing is a great way to enjoy the beauty of our great State Parks year-round,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “We’re glad to work with DEC to offer this Women’s Expo again, which opens up opportunities to learn more about a lifelong sport and make it a family experience or simply a quiet getaway.”

“DEC is excited to once again offer this wonderful program,” DEC Regional Director Cathy Haas said. “Long Island has numerous fantastic areas for fly-fishing, and we are eager to introduce this rewarding activity to women who may not have had the opportunity to participate in past fishing expos.”

The Women’s Fishing Expo will provide hands-on instruction and experiential learning in a fun and supportive environment. This event will be run primarily by female anglers and fisheries professionals. There will also be women-owned businesses and fishing clubs present for networking opportunities. Everyone is welcome to attend, although the event is focused on introducing women to fishing.

Expo activities begin at 10 a.m. and are free of charge. Participants will be able to learn about fishing opportunities on Long Island and statewide, fishing basics and intermediate fishing skills, basic knots, fly-tying demonstrations, fly-casting instruction, fisheries management information, a trout hatchery tour, marine fishing information, and free fly-fishing on the renowned Connetquot River. Fly-casting and fly-fishing are limited to those aged 14 and older.

According to the most recent National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, women make up more than 25 percent of all anglers, a number that has increased over the last several decades.

This is a rain or shine event. Seats are limited, and pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register, call the DEC’s I FISH NY Program at (631) 444-0283, or email fwfish1@dec.ny.gov with the subject title ‘Women’s Fishing Expo.’

A vehicle use fee of $8 will be in effect. Parking is free for Empire Passport holders. The 2021 Empire Passport can be purchased for $80 at state park offices, or online at the New York State Parks website (leaves DEC website).

For information about freshwater fishing on Long Island, call the DEC Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0280, e-mail fwfish1@dec.ny.gov or visit DEC’s website.

New York State has expanded recreational opportunities of residents and tourists, positioning New York as a recreation destination, connecting communities to state lands, and improving the quality of life. The 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 the state. In support of this initiative, $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.

To further encourage fishing, legislation was signed in 2012 expanding the opportunity for free fishing clinics, allowing more New Yorkers to experience fishing for the first time by enabling DEC to increase the number of free clinics that can be held throughout the state. The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York has to offer.