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.
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 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.
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 (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 (Issued by NYC DEP)
Long Island State Land Access Permit (Issued by DEC)
