Fishing Licenses
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.
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.
Purchase Your Fishing License
Types & Fees
General Fishing Licenses (View residency qualifications)
| Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual valid one full year (365 days) from the date of purchase or renewal |
$25 (ages 16-69) | $50 |
| $5 (ages 70+) | ||
| 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): - Lifetime Licenses: Fish for life with a lifetime license! Available to residents only.
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 learn to fish 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?
| Water | State or Province Bordering | Yes/No |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Ontario | Ontario | No |
| Lake Erie | Ontario, Pennsylvania | No |
| St. Lawrence River | Ontario, Quebec | No |
| Niagara River | Ontario | No |
| Lake Champlain | Quebec, Vermont | View information and map on reciprocal Fishing License for Lake Champlain |
| Delaware River & West Branch Delaware River (along boundary) | Pennsylvania | Yes |
| Greenwood Lake | New Jersey | Yes, from boat or ice only |
| Indian Lake | Connecticut | Yes, from boat or ice only |
General License Information
Other Helpful Links/Resources
- Freshwater Fishing Regulations
- Boat Registration (link leaves DEC website) (Issued by NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles)
- Access Permits: Some state and municipal lands require a special access permit for fishing, hunting and trapping. Details on how to get the permit can be found in the links below:
New York City Watershed Recreation Access Permit (link leaves DEC website) (Issued by NYC DEP)
Long Island State Land Access Permit (Issued by DEC)
More about fishing in New York State
More about Fishing Licenses:
- Lake Champlain Reciprocal Fishing License - Lake Champlain Reciprocal Fishing License information.
