Fishing License Types & Fees

General Fishing Licenses (View residency qualifications)

Annual valid one full year (365 days) from the date of purchase or renewal

  • $25 (ages 16-69)
  • $5 (ages 70+)

7-day

1-day

Free/Reduced Fee & Lifetime Licenses

(For information on required documents and qualifications click the links below. In most instances, you must be a New York resident)

Fishing 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 designated Free Fishing Days
  • 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.

Documents

Fishing Guide 2024

HuntFishNY Mobile App