Get an Connecticut Fishing License

CONNECTICUT FISHING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Since fishing regulations help protect and preserve fish our state fish populations, it is important that every angler check the current set of regulations before each fishing trip. All states have a distinct set of regulations, and most are updated by the season or by the month.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Imagine what a lake, pond, stream, river or the ocean would be like if there were no fishing regulations in place. Aside from standard catch and release best practices, deep water fish can require special treatment since they are subject to the effects of decompression. If you are fishing for cod or black sea bass of the coast of Connecticut, you can help with conservation by learning how to release these deep-water species safely.

FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION

In Connecticut, a fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older for fishing, both inland and on marine waters, whether fishing from the shore or a boat.

Those exempt from needed a Connecticut fishing license are the legally blind and mentally disabled, and angler with the loss of a limb or use of a limb.

Residents 65 and older can receive a free lifetime fishing license, which will need to be renewed each year with no cost. Active duty members of the military can receive a fishing license for the resident fee.

Licenses are issued for the calendar year and expire on December 31.

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Connecticut fishing licenses can be purchased online, DEEP offices, and from many stores. Licenses purchased online do not need to be printed and can be displayed on any mobile device.

FISHING RESIDENTS

A resident inland fishing license is $28 for anglers 18 to 64 and $14 for anglers 16 and 17. All water fishing permits are available for $32 and $16 respectively.

Combination hunting and fishing licenses are available.

Trout and salmon stamps are required in addition to the fishing license. For anglers age 18 and older, the stamp is $5. Seniors are required to purchase the stamp. For anglers 16 and 17, the stamp is $3.

For a resident marine fishing permit the cost is $10 for anglers ages 18 to 64 and $5 for anglers 16 and 17. One day marine fishing permits can be purchased for $5 and $3 respectively.

FISHING NONRESIDENTS

For nonresidents to fish in Connecticut waters, the seasonal permit is $55 and the all waters permit is $63.

Nonresidents can purchase a three-day inland fishing permit for $22. Combination fishing and hunting licenses are available.

Marine fishing licenses for nonresidents cost $15. A three-day permit is available for $8 for nonresidents.

For armed forces members, the inland fishing permit is $28 and the all waters permit is $40. A marine permit is available for $10.

NONRESIDENTS

For nonresidents a Connecticut fishing license is $20 annually. Licenses are also available for 7-day tourist fishing for $12.50. To fish from a boat 20 feet or less, the permit cost is $40 for nonresidents. The fee for a boat longer than 20 feet is $50.

Additional licenses available for nonresidents include Head Boat ($600), Charter Boat ($300), and Guide/Fishing Boat ($300.)

The trout fishing license for all nonresidents 12 to 64 is $6.20.

OTHER LICENSES

Personal use lobster licenses are available for $60. Lobsters caught with this permit can not be sold. The limit is 10 pots.

For a personal use Gillnet license, the cost is $100 and comes with a 60-foot limit. Gillnet cannot be resold with this permit.

A commercial license is required to sell any fish, lobsters, blue crabs, squid, sea scallops and bait species from both the inland and marine districts. For further information on commercial fishing contact DEEP Fisheries Division at 860-434-6043 or write to Marine Fisheries Office, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or e-mail at deep.marine.fisheries@ct.gov.

The Youth Fishing Passport is a free printable certificate available through the DEEP Online Sportsmen Licensing System or by phone (860-424-3474) to any person who is under the age of 16. For more information, please visit the Youth Fishing Passport page.