Fishing Preserve License

Statutory Authority: ECL 11-1913

The Department may issue a Fishing Preserve License to a landowner if the pond or ponds qualify. The purpose of a Fishing Preserve License is to allow operation of qualifying water "to provide fishing facilities to fishermen."

If you wish to stock fish in a natural body of water please refer to Stocking Permits.

Please note.

The pond must be man-made but can be any size.
They must be within the boundaries of lands possessed by a single landowner. If holdings are in separate parcels, separate licenses are required.
The licensee and members of his immediate family may fish in their licensed waters without a fishing license. They may take fish of any size, number, manner or time permitted by the license.
A licensee may sell fish taken from his waters, and may charge others for fishing or for fish taken from such waters. If under club ownership, dues may be charged allowing fishing by members of the club.
A person paying for fishing, or otherwise permitted to fish in such waters, may do so without a fishing license.
Within limitations which may be set by terms of the license, the license holder may regulate fishing (size and catch limits, seasons and manner of takings) in licensed ponds as he sees fit.
The fee for this license is $50.00.
This license expires annually on December 31.

If you currently possess a Fishing Preserve License the following links will supply you with some needed documents.

Fishing Preserve Report Form (PDF 172 kb)

Please contact the Special Licenses Unit with any questions or concerns about qualifying or applying for this license. To apply for this license complete the Fishing Preserve License Application (PDF 495 kb), and send with a map of the property to be licensed, along with a check or money order for the appropriate amount, to the Department of Environmental Conservation Special Licenses Unit.

NYSDEC
Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4752
518-402-8985

List of applicable Laws and Regulations

New York Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) to read visit Department of State website at http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menuf.cgi
- 11-1913