Fishing Preserve License
License Details
This license authorizes an individual to operate a commercial fishing facility on a privately-owned artificial or man-made waterbody of any size.
Fee
The fee for this license is $50.
Duration
The duration of this license is 1 year (from January 1 to December 31).
What This License Allows:
- Stocking and rearing fish in the licensed artificial or man-made waterbody.
- Having others fish on the preserve without a valid NYS fishing license.
- Charging others to fish on the preserve.
- Selling fish taken from the preserve.
What This License Does Not Allow:
- Stocking fish into a natural body of water such as streams and ponds, or waters impounded by damming of natural streams. (Requires a Stocking Permit)
Other Pertinent Information
- Posting Signs: Must have appropriate land posting signs to mark the boundaries of the preserve as specified in ECL 11-2111 (link available below)
- Fish Health Certification Report: Prior to stocking fish or selling fish for stocking the licensee must have a valid fish health certification report to indicate that the fish are free of diseases. More details can be found in the regulations link below (Part 188: Fish Health Inspections).
- Requirements to transport and sell black bass
How to Apply
- Have a copy of a map showing the location/pond(s) to be licensed. (Example maps: topographic, road/highway, internet/Google, etc.)
- Complete and submit the Fishing Preserve License Application (PDF)
Renewing & Reporting
License Renewal
Licenses expire on December 31 each year. A renewal form will be sent by mail prior to the license expiration date noted on the license. If a license renewal form is not received at least 2-weeks prior to the expiration date, please contact us.
Annual Reporting
Complete the Annual Report and Continuous Record of Operations Form (PDF). Forms do not need to be submitted to DEC and may be kept on the licensed premises.
Carcass Identification Form
A Carcass Identification Form (PDF) is required to complete when any of the following fish or carcass(es) leave the licensed premises:
- Black bass
- All trout and lake trout
- Landlocked Atlantic salmon
- Muskellunge
- Pike
- Pickerel
- Walleye
Laws & Regulations
Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)
Please visit New York State Legislature Website (Leaves DEC website)
- 11-1913: Fishing Preserves
- 11-2111: Posting; Service of Notice
New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)
- Part 175: Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures (Leaves DEC website)
- Part 188: Fish Health Inspections (Leaves DEC website)
Contact Information
DEC Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233
SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov
(518) 402-8985
Additional Resources and Information
Commercial Fish Hatcheries - list of licensed fish hatcheries from which fish can be purchased.
Other Related or Similar Licenses
Farm Fish Pond License: authorizes an individual to stock fish in privately owned man-made ponds 10 acres or smaller in size.
