A free New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Public Access Permit is required to fish New York City reservoirs. In addition, all anglers must possess a valid New York State fishing license. All DEP permits issued prior to 2002 are no longer valid and a new permit must be obtained. For those 18 years of age or older, permits can be obtained online at nyc.gov/dep/html/recreation/recreation_rules.shtm. Permits can also be obtained by completing an application and mailing to: NYCDEP—Access Permits, 71 Smith Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401. Guest passes are also available for those who would like to accompany an access permit holder onto water supply lands but do not want to obtain their own access permit. Access permits and applications can be obtained online or by visiting a DEP office or police precinct, town hall or sports/tackle shop within the watershed. In New York City, applications are available during normal business hours at:
- DEP’s One-Stop Center in Queens
96-05 Horace Harding Expressway
Corona, NY
(718) 595-4820 - DEP’s Bureau of Customer Conservation Services in Manhattan
1250 Broadway, 8th Floor
New York, NY
(212) 643-2215
Boating for the purposes of fishing is allowed on NYC reservoirs to those with the appropriate DEP permits. Anglers must store their fishing boats at designated storage areas. All boats must be approved and registered with DEP. Some of the over 240 boat storage areas may at times be closed to the placement of new boats due to overcrowding and maintenance needs; several are currently closed. People who want to register a new boat must first obtain a valid Access Permit and then call the DEP Office near the reservoir of interest to make a steam-cleaning and registration appointment. There is no cost for this service, which must be performed by DEP.
DEP Offices
- Ashokan Reservoir
(845) 657-2663 - Schoharie Reservoir
(607) 588-6231 - Rondout and Neversink Reservoirs
(845) 985-0386 - Cannonsville and Pepacton Reservoirs
(607) 363-7009 - East of Hudson Reservoirs
(914) 232-1309
For additional information, contact DEP at:
recreation@dep.nyc.gov or call 1-800-575-LAND (5263)
