New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will hold the fifth annual Women’s Fishing Expo at Connetquot River State Park Preserve on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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 women anglers and fisheries professionals and will also feature women-owned businesses and fishing clubs for networking opportunities. Everyone is welcome to attend, although the event is focused on introducing women and girls to fishing.

Activities are free of charge:

• learn about fishing 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.

This is a rain or shine event. Spots 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 2024 Empire Passport can be purchased online or at State Parks offices for $80.

To further encourage fishing, DEC and partners hold free clinics throughout the state and offer Free Fishing Days since 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York has to offer. Check out the current schedule of Free Fishing Clinics.