Whether you’re going freshwater or saltwater fishing in the state, learn how to get your New York fishing license!
If you’re 16 or older, you’ll need a valid fishing license in New York if you’re hoping to catch freshwater fish, frogs or freshwater baitfish – or even to help someone else fish. A license gives you the right to take fish by several methods, including angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, nets, traps and tip-ups.
Depending on where you plan to fish, it's useful to know that a New York fishing license also entitles you to fish certain out-of-state bodies of water, like Lake Champlain in Vermont and the Delaware River in Pennsylvania. The full list of the bordering waters you can fish is available in the state’s Freshwater Fishing Guide.
Once you have a license, you’ll need to keep it with you when you’re fishing and show it to any police or peace officer or anyone in control of the waters where you’re fishing if asked.
If you plan to fish along the coast, anyone 16 or older must enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry if you’re fishing certain species listed on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.
Several exceptions exist to New York’s freshwater fishing license requirement. You don’t need a license if you:
New York offers different fishing license options depending on whether you’re a resident. To qualify as a resident, you must live in New York for over 30 days immediately before the date of your license application. For a lifetime license, you’ll need to show proof of residency for one year.
What are the licenses you can purchase and the cost of a New York fishing license?
Residents
Non-residents
Current pricing for New York Fishing Licenses can also be found here.
Certain individuals in New York can get a free fishing license. These include:
These individuals can get their free licenses at any license issuing outlet.
Getting your license in New York is convenient, with three different options for purchasing one:
NY FISHING LAWS & REGULATIONS
New York has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that need to be followed in order to protect their fish populations
NY FRESHWATER FISHING REGULATIONS NY SALTWATER FISHING REGULATIONSRESPONSIBLE FISHING STARTS WITH YOU
Learn how you can start protecting our aquatic natural resources.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CONSERVATION THE IMPORTANCE OF FISHING REGULATIONS CATCH AND RELEASE BEST PRACTICESNY FISHING RESOURCES/INFO
Additional resources and information can be found directly on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
FISHING TYPES & LICENSE FEES BUY YOUR NEW YORK FISHING LICENSE ONLINE