New York State Fishing Regulations

This is, by no means, meant to be construed as a complete set of Regulations. These are just excerpts from the guide which is available in its entirety from any Dept. of Environmental Conservation Office or where you Purchase your Fishing license.

Please obtain a full copy and Obey our Conservation Laws.

Fishing License Requirements

• Everyone, except persons under 16 years of age, must have a valid fishing license in their possession while fishing.

License Privileges & Requirements

A Fishing License or Combined Hunting/Fishing License entitles the Holder to;

• Take fish by angling, spearing, hooking, long bow and tip-ups; take frogs by spearing, catching with the hands or by use of a club or hook; and take Bait fish for personal use, all as provided by the Laws and Regulations of the DEC.
• The holder of a License, Tag or Stamp shall have such License, Tag or Stamp on the holders person while exercising any privilege of that license.
• The holder of a License, Tag or Stamp shall exhibit it on demand to any Police Officer, Peace Officer or the Owner, Lessee or other person in control of the lands or waters on which the License holder is present.
• No License or Stamp authorizes the holder to Trespass upon private lands or waters or interfere with property belonging to another person.

Resident Fishing License

To qualify for a Resident Fishing License, One must;

• Be domiciled in New York State for more than 30 days immediately preceeding the date of application for a License ( Property Ownership is not required).
• Residency is that place where a person maintains a fixed, permanent and principle home and to which such person always intends to return, evidence of which includes that such person votes or is registered to vote in that place in elections for any Public office.

Purchasing a License

• Fishing licenses may be purchased Statewide from license issuing agents (town and county clerks, some major discount stores, and many sporting goods stores).
• Licenses may be obtained by mail using applications available from license issuing agents and submitted to: NYSDEC License Sales, Room 151, 50 Wolf Road, Albany, New York 12233-4790.

Everyone, except persons under 16 years of age, must have a valid fishing license in their possession while Fishing and Hunting.

New York Resident

Senior Sportsman $5
Seven-day Fishing $12
Fishing $19
Small & Big Game ¹ $19
Small Game $16
Trapping $16
Jr. Trapping $6
Sportsman $37
Bowhunting $16
Muzzleloading $16
Super Sportsman ² $68
Turkey Permit $5
Conservation Legacy  ³ $76

Nonresident

Fishing $40
Hunting $55
Big Game $110
Seven-day Fishing $25
Muzzleloading $110
Bowhunting $110
Bear Tag $30
Turkey Permit $30
Super Sportsman $250
Trapping $255

Resident & Nonresident

Jr. Small Game $5
Jr. Archery $9
One-day Fishing $15
Conservation Patron ⁴  $12
Habitat & Access Stamp ⁵  $5

Resident Lifetime Licenses

Sportsman ⁶
child under 5 yrs old $300
child 5-11 yrs old $420
12-64 yrs old $600
65 yrs and older $50
Small and Big Game $350
Fishing $350
Trapping $300
Bowhunting $180
Muzzleloading $180