Fishing Licenses

Purchase Your Fishing License

Sporting License Issuing Agent Locations

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)
$5 (ages 70+)<
$50
7-day $12 $28
1-day $5 $10

Free/Reduced Fee & Lifetime Licenses

Free/Reduced Fee Licenses

You may qualify for a free/reduced fee annual fishing license if you are:

For information on required documents and qualifications click the links below. In most instances, you must be a New York resident

Who Needs a Fishing License?

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

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.

 More information can be found at The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

Fishing Regulations:

Click here for updated information on New York Fresh Water Fishing Regulations.