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New York

Fishing

Fishing

License Information & Fees

Most people fishing in New York need a New York State Fishing License. There are three ways to get a fishing license in New York. You can visit an official License Issuing Agent, order over the phone, or order online through the link below.

Purchase Your Fishing License

  • At a License Issuing Agent Location
  • Online or by Phone

Types & Fees

General Fishing Licenses (View residency qualifications)

TypeResident FeeNonresident Fee
Annual
valid one full year (365 days)
from the date of purchase
$25 (ages 16-69)$50
$5 (ages 70+)
7-day$12$28
1-day$5$10

Free/Reduced Fee & Lifetime Licenses

License Requirements

You need a fishing license if you are 16 years and older and fishing for:

  • Freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups.
  • Frog species by spearing, catching with the hands or by use of a club or hook.
  • Freshwater baitfish for personal use.

Note: You need a marine fishing registration if fishing for migratory fish of the sea and saltwater fish species.

You do not need a fishing license if you are:

  • Fishing on a licensed fishing preserve
  • Fishing during the free fishing weekend
  • Fishing at a free fishing clinic
  • A resident landowner primarily engaged in farming (including lessees and members of their immediate families) when fishing on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.
  • A farm fish pond license holder (including members of their immediate families) fishing on waters covered by the license.
  • A Native American living and fishing on reservation land.
  • A patient residing at a qualifying U.S. Veterans Administration hospital or facility in New York State.

License Requirements for Border Waters

Can I fish the non-NY portion of border waters with a New York State Fishing License?

WaterState or Province BorderingYes/No
Lake OntarioOntarioNo
Lake ErieOntario, PennsylvaniaNo
St. Lawrence RiverOntario, QuebecNo
Niagara RiverOntarioNo
Lake ChamplainQuebec, VermontView information and map on reciprocal Fishing License for Lake Champlain
Delaware River & West Branch Delaware River (along boundary)PennsylvaniaYes
Greenwood LakeNew JerseyYes, from boat or ice only
Indian LakeConnecticutYes, from boat or ice only