What will it cost? Calculator
Pick your trip and we'll work out the cheapest licenses to buy, including any required stamps.
Licenses and prices
Checked Nov 4, 2026Prices for 2026. Listed prices are DEEP license fees. No online or agent fee was listed.
How long annual licenses last: All licenses are valid for the calendar year and expire December 31. Official source
Non-residents (visitors)
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Non-resident all waters fishing license Ages 16+ | FreshSalt | Annual | $63 | Official source |
| Non-resident inland fishing license Ages 16+ | Fresh | Annual | $55 | Official source |
| Non-resident 3-day inland fishing license Ages 16+ | Fresh | 3 days | $22 |
Three consecutive days. Official source |
| Non-resident marine waters fishing license Ages 16+ | Salt | Annual | $15 | Official source |
| Non-resident 3-day marine fishing license Ages 16+ | Salt | 3 days | $8 |
Three consecutive days. Official source |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Non-resident firearms hunting and all waters fishing combination | FreshSalt | Annual | $120 |
Only for: Hunting combination; shown for hunters. Official source |
Residents
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Resident all waters fishing license (18-64) Ages 18–64 | FreshSalt | Annual | $32 | Official source |
| Resident all waters fishing license (16-17) Ages 16–17 | FreshSalt | Annual | $16 | Official source |
| Resident inland fishing license (18-64) Ages 18–64 | Fresh | Annual | $28 | Official source |
| Resident inland fishing license (16-17) Ages 16–17 | Fresh | Annual | $14 | Official source |
| Resident inland fishing license (65+, free) Ages 65+ | Fresh | Annual | Free |
Free but must be obtained each year. Requires at least one year's Connecticut residence. Official source |
| Resident marine waters fishing license (18-64) Ages 18–64 | Salt | Annual | $10 | Official source |
| Resident marine waters fishing license (16-17) Ages 16–17 | Salt | Annual | $5 | Official source |
| Resident marine waters fishing license (65+, free) Ages 65+ | Salt | Annual | Free |
Free but must be obtained each year. Official source |
| Resident one-day marine fishing license (18-64) Ages 18–64 | Salt | 1 day | $5 | Official source |
| Resident one-day marine fishing license (16-17) Ages 16–17 | Salt | 1 day | $3 | Official source |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Resident firearms hunting and all waters fishing combination (18-64) | FreshSalt | Annual | $40 |
Only for: Hunting combination; shown for hunters. 16-17: $20. Official source |
| Free fishing license (blind, intellectual disability or limb loss) | FreshSalt | Annual | Free |
Only for: Residents who are blind or intellectually disabled (doctor's certificate) or who have lost one or more limbs. Non-residents may qualify for limb loss if their state reciprocates. Stamps and permits not included. Official source |
Extra stamps and permits
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Trout and Salmon Stamp (resident)
Annual $5
Age 16 17 $3Needed (16+) to keep trout or salmon, or to fish Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management Areas, Trout Parks or Atlantic Salmon Management Areas. $3 for ages 16-17.
Residents · fresh water Official source2
-
Trout and Salmon Stamp (non-resident)
$5Needed (16+) to keep trout or salmon, or to fish Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management Areas, Trout Parks or Atlantic Salmon Management Areas.
Non-residents · fresh water Official source2
Who doesn't need a license
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Anyone under 16
FreshSalt Everyone Official source2
-
Passengers on a DEEP-registered party or charter fishing vessel in the marine district
Salt Everyone · check this applies to you Official source2
-
Holders of a valid Maine, Massachusetts, New York or Rhode Island marine fishing license (Connecticut's marine district)
Salt Non-residents · check this applies to you Official source2
-
Connecticut-domiciled landowners (and spouse and lineal descendants) fishing on land they own or lease and live on, if not used for club, fishing or hunting purposes
FreshSalt Residents · check this applies to you Official source2
-
A person rowing or running the motor of a boat others are fishing from
FreshSalt Everyone · check this applies to you Official source2
-
Connecticut secondary school students at a Commissioner-authorized school fishing event
FreshSalt Everyone Official source
-
Everyone, on free fishing days (one day with no license; two days with a free one-day license)
FreshSalt Everyone Official source
Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in Connecticut, except under the border-water agreements below.
Free fishing days
Checked Nov 4, 2026Dates can move, and some free days are for residents only. Confirm with CT DEEP before you go.
Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.
On the two Free Fishing License Days you must get a free one-day All Waters license from the licensing system (available three weeks before). All other rules apply. 2027 dates not yet announced.
Residents and visitors
Checked Nov 4, 2026- Who counts as a resident
- Connecticut residents pay resident fees; DEEP does not publish a fuller definition. The free 65+ license needs at least one year's residence. By statute, residents of other New England states or New York can pay resident fees if their state gives Connecticut residents the same privilege.
- Military
- Active full-time armed forces members can buy fishing licenses at the resident fee; carry proof of service.
How to buy a Connecticut fishing license
Checked Nov 4, 2026Sold online through the DEEP Online Outdoor Licensing System (24/7), at many town halls, some DEEP offices and outdoor retailers.
- Online
- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection license sales
- Phone
- 860-424-3474
- License on your phone
- Accepted
Licenses bought online are signed electronically and can be kept on a smartphone. Licenses bought from an agent must be printed and signed. The phone number is the Fisheries Division for questions, not sales.
Secondary source: Connecticut Hunting & Trapping Guide (eRegulations)2
A Connecticut marine license exempts you from the federal saltwater angler registry. Taking tunas, sharks, swordfish or billfish also needs a federal Highly Migratory Species permit.
River herring may not be taken in any Connecticut waters. Sharks other than smooth and spiny dogfish need a federal HMS permit; burbot and sturgeon may not be taken.
Charters, guides and piers
Checked Nov 4, 2026Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers.
Passengers on a DEEP-registered party or charter vessel fishing in the marine district don't need a license. Shore and pier anglers 16+ need a marine license. Inland guides must register ($100); guided inland anglers need their own license.
Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check CT DEEP's rules before you book.
Border waters
Long Island Sound and Connecticut's marine district
Valid marine fishing licenses from Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island are accepted in Connecticut's marine district. Connecticut residents need a Connecticut license. Official source
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 5, 2026Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check CT DEEP's current rules before you keep a fish.
Statewide inland limits (freshwater guide, December 2025) and Connecticut marine limits for 2026 (state waters and shore). Many lakes, rivers and Trout Management Areas have their own rules. Limits shown are daily limits per angler.
| Species | Where | Size | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout Fresh | Statewide | 9" minimum (from January 1, 2026) | 5 | Catch and release only statewide from March 1 to the second Saturday in April |
| Includes brook, brown, rainbow, tiger and lake trout. Trout and Salmon Stamp needed to keep trout. Many Trout Management Areas have special rules. Official source Trout limits in other states | ||||
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass Fresh | Lakes, ponds and Connecticut River | 12" minimum | 6 in total | – |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | Other rivers and streams | No minimum | 6 in total | – |
| Housatonic River from the Massachusetts line to Bleachery Dam is catch and release only. Official source Largemouth bass limits in other states | ||||
| Walleye Fresh | Statewide | 18" minimum | 2 | – |
| Official source Walleye limits in other states | ||||
| Northern pike and tiger muskie Fresh | Statewide | 26" minimum | 2 | – |
| Bantam Lake, Little Pond, the Connecticut River and Lake Lillinonah have their own rules. Official source Northern pike limits in other states | ||||
| Chain pickerel Fresh | Lakes and ponds | 15" minimum | 6 | – |
| Chain pickerel | Rivers and streams | No minimum | No limit | – |
| Official source | ||||
| Channel and white catfish Fresh | Statewide | – | 6 in total | – |
| Channel and white catfish | Community Fishing Waters | – | 3 in total | – |
| Official source Catfish limits in other states | ||||
| Panfish Fresh Also: sunfish, yellow perch, black crappie (calico bass), rock bass |
Statewide | No minimum | No limit | – |
| Official source Crappie limits in other states | ||||
| Kokanee Fresh | Lakes and ponds | – | 5 | – |
| Catch and release only during the trout catch-and-release period. A Trout and Salmon Stamp may be needed. Official source Salmon limits in other states | ||||
| Atlantic salmon Fresh | Naugatuck, Shetucket and Housatonic rivers and stocked lakes and ponds only | – | 1 | – |
| Taking Atlantic salmon is banned everywhere else. Trout and Salmon Stamp needed. Official source Salmon limits in other states | ||||
| American and hickory shad Fresh | Connecticut River system only | – | 6 in total | – |
| American shad may not be taken outside the Connecticut River system. Official source | ||||
| Striped bass Salt | Statewide | 28" to under 31" (slot) | 1 | Open all year |
| Inline circle hooks required when fishing with bait. The same slot and limit apply in inland waters. Official source Striped bass limits in other states | ||||
| Bluefish Salt | Statewide | No minimum | 5 (snappers included) Boat: Paying passengers on party and charter boats: 7 |
Open all year |
| Official source | ||||
| Summer flounder (fluke) Salt | Statewide | 19" (May 4 to Aug 1); 19.5" (Aug 2 to Oct 15) | 3 | May 4 to October 15 |
| Summer flounder (fluke) | Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Sites | 17" minimum | 3 | May 4 to October 15 |
| Seasons and sizes are set each year with neighboring states; check before fishing. Official source Flounder limits in other states | ||||
| Winter flounder Salt | Statewide | 12" minimum | 2 | April 1 to December 31 |
| Official source Flounder limits in other states | ||||
| Black sea bass Salt | Statewide | 15.5" minimum (tail filament not measured) | 4 | May 16 to November 25 |
| Black sea bass | Party and charter boat passengers | 15.5" minimum | 4 (May 16 to Aug 31); 6 (Sept 1 to Dec 31) | May 16 to December 31 |
| Size and limit changed for 2026; set each year with neighboring states. Official source Black sea bass limits in other states | ||||
| Scup (porgy) Salt Also: porgy |
Statewide | 11" from a boat; 9.5" from shore | 30 | May 1 to December 31 |
| Scup (porgy) | Party and charter boat passengers | 11" minimum | 30 (40 from Sept 1 to Oct 31) | May 1 to December 31 |
| Official source | ||||
| Tautog (blackfish) Salt Also: blackfish |
Statewide | 16" minimum | 2 (April and July-August); 3 (October 10 to November 28) | April 1 to 30, July 1 to August 31, October 10 to November 28 |
| Official source | ||||
| Weakfish Salt Also: sea trout |
Statewide | 16" minimum | 1 | Open all year |
| Official source | ||||
| Blue crab Salt | Statewide | 5" hard shell; 3.5" soft shell (spike to spike) | No limit | May 1 to November 30 |
| No license needed for blue crabs. Egg-bearing females may not be kept. Official source | ||||
| Atlantic cod and haddock Salt | Set each year: check here. Managed under federal rules that change each year; DEEP links to NOAA Fisheries for current sizes, limits and seasons. Check before fishing. | |||
Compare Connecticut with other states
Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.
Questions
Do I need a fishing license in Connecticut?
Yes, if you are 16 or older and fish public waters in Connecticut, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone under 16.
How much is a non-resident fishing license in Connecticut?
For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026 are $22 for one day (Non-resident 3-day inland fishing license); $55 for seven days (Non-resident inland fishing license); $55 for a year (Non-resident inland fishing license). Listed prices are DEEP license fees. No online or agent fee was listed.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Connecticut?
Senior options for residents: Resident inland fishing license (65+, free): Free (ages 65+); Resident marine waters fishing license (65+, free): Free (ages 65+). Non-resident seniors pay the normal non-resident prices.
How do I get a fishing license in Connecticut?
Buy it from Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: Sold online through the DEEP Online Outdoor Licensing System (24/7), at many town halls, some DEEP offices and outdoor retailers.
Do I need a license to fish on a charter in Connecticut?
Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers. Passengers on a DEEP-registered party or charter vessel fishing in the marine district don't need a license. Shore and pier anglers 16+ need a marine license. Inland guides must register ($100); guided inland anglers need their own license.
Sources and checks
Every fact on this page comes from Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection unless it's marked secondary. We use a secondary source only when the official site doesn't show something, and we name it.
- Licenses and prices
- Checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices for 2026)
- Free fishing days
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
- Seasons and limits
- Checked Nov 5, 2026
All 10 source pages
- cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_490.htm
- law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/2020/title-26/chapter-490/section-26-27/
- law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-26/chapter-490/section-26-28/
- portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/Freshwater-Fishing-Guide/Species-Regulations
- portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/General-Information/About-Connecticut-Fishing-Licenses
- portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/General-Information/Fisheries-Licenses-and-Permits
- portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/Saltwater-Fishing-Guide/Species-Regulations
- portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/saltwater/saltwater-license-frequently-asked-questions
- www.eregulations.com/connecticut/hunting/licenses-permits
- Connecticut Hunting & Trapping Guide (eRegulations) secondary
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