Free Fishing Weekend in New York is Saturday and Sunday, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation is encouraging would-be anglers to give it a try.

Residents and visitors new to the sport are invited to sample all that St. Lawrence County has to offer a freshwater angler. Both residents and non-residents can fish for free during the two-day period."

Although a state fishing license is not required during Free Fishing Weekend, all other fishing rules and regulations remain in effect.

Visit DEC's "Places to Fish" page at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7749.html or contact a regional DEC office for recommendations on places to fish. A free I FISH NY Guide to Freshwater Fishing in New York State map can also be ordered by sending an email to fwfish@gw.dec.state.ny.us with a contact name and address (allow three weeks for delivery).

Anglers should also be mindful of the general statewide advisory that recommends eating no more than one meal of fish per week from the state's freshwaters. Consumption advisories also exist for a number of other waters in New York. A full list of waters that have fish consumption advisories can be obtained by calling 1-800-458-1158 or visiting the New York State Department of Health webpage at www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/fish/health_advisories/.