Fishing
SCAM ALERT: It has come to our attention that fraudulent websites claiming to sell NYS Freshwater Fishing Licenses are scamming users into providing personal information. While we work to resolve this issue, please be advised that the ONLY legitimate method to purchase your NYS fishing license online is through the official DECALS website.
See our guidance on social distancing while fishing at bottom of this page.
New York State has some of the finest fishing in the country. There is world class fishing for a wide variety of coldwater and warmwater fish species. Whether it's smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie, brook trout fishing on a crystal clear Adirondack lake, Pacific salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, fishing for stripers on the Hudson River, brown trout fishing on the Beaver Kill or fishing for bluefish in Montauk's surf, there's something special here for everyone. With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, and hundreds of miles of coastline, fishing opportunities are always nearby!
Find your next adventure using DECinfo Locator - an interactive map featuring public fishing rights, parking areas, boat launches, wildlife management areas, and other information to help you plan your fishing trip.
Fishing Licenses
Purchase a license:
- At a License Issuing Agent Location
- Online or by Phone
Freshwater Fishing Regulations
Freshwater Fishing Regulations
Saltwater Fishing Regulations
Saltwater Fishing Regulations
Learn more about Saltwater Fishing in New York
Places to Fish
Fishing Hotlines
Freshwater Places to Fish
Great Lakes Fishing
Public Fishing Stream maps
Lake Contour Maps
Public boat launch sites
Get Maps: Google Maps locations to Public fishing streams, boat launches and lake contour maps.
Saltwater Places to Fish The I FISH NY NYC Fishing Map will help shore anglers find a good fresh- or saltwater fishing spot in NYC.
Fishing Reefs
Stocking Information
Review the planned spring stockings by DEC Fish Hatcheries or last year's actual stockings (by DEC and County Hatcheries).
Publications
Fisheries Management in New York
Bureau of Fisheries Annual Reports
Where to Fish/Fishing Skills
Fishing Skills
Free Fishing Clinics offer anglers a chance to learn about the sport of fishing for free!
I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing
Taking a child fishing: tips for making your trip enjoyable for your child!
Angler Achievement Awards
Caught a big fish? See if it qualifies for the New York Freshwater Angler Achievement Awards Program.
Protect Your Waters
Anglers and boaters can spread invasive species. Learn what you can do to stop aquatic hitchhikers.
More about Fishing:
- Saltwater Fishing - The marine waters of New York host varied and exciting fishing opportunities.
- Ice Fishing - Ice fishing opportunities abound in New York State. Winter anglers catch a variety of fish.
- Public Input on Fishing Regulations - Information on formally proposed freshwater fishing regulations and fishing regulations the DEC is considering to formally propose.
- Freshwater Fishing Regulations - Information on New York State's Freshwater Fishing Regulations.
- Fishing Hotlines/News - The fishing hotlines provide weekly updates on information such as fishing locations, fishing conditions, and types of fish found in the waters of New York State.
- Places to Fish - Fishing information on numerous great fishing spots located around the state, including PDFs of lake contour maps and Publish Fishing rights maps.
- Fisheries Publications - PDF links for fisheries publications.
- Learn to Fish - Learn how to fish in NY.
- Fish Stocking - Information on where DEC stocks the over one million pounds of fish it raises in the hatchery system.
- Fish Hatcheries - DEC operates 12 fish hatcheries where numerous fish species are reared for stocking into more than 1,200 public waters across the State.
- Fisheries Management and Reports - Summary and final reports of fisheries reseach that has been conducted in New York.
- Fish Health Advisories - A summary of information regarding fish consumption advisories issued by the Department of Health.
- New York Angler Achievement Awards Program - Information about New York's Angler Achievement Awards program.
- Contact DEC Fisheries/ Regional Information - Information for contacting the Bureau of Fisheries.
