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 DEC license fees. Agents may charge $1 to print; online or phone orders printed and mailed cost $2 (emailed copies are free).
How long annual licenses last: Annual freshwater licenses last 365 days from purchase (or from renewal). The marine registry also lasts 365 days. Official source2
Non-residents (visitors)
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-resident annual freshwater fishing license | Fresh | Annual | $50 | Official source |
| Non-resident 7-day freshwater fishing license | Fresh | 7 days | $28 | Official source |
| Non-resident 1-day freshwater fishing license | Fresh | 1 day | $10 | Official source |
| Recreational Marine Fishing Registry (free) | Salt | Annual | Free |
Not a license: a no-fee registration valid 365 days. Connecticut and Rhode Island residents with their home state's license or registration do not need it; New Jersey and other states' residents do. Official source2 |
Residents
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident 7-day freshwater fishing license | Fresh | 7 days | $12 | Official source |
| Resident 1-day freshwater fishing license | Fresh | 1 day | $5 | Official source |
| Recreational Marine Fishing Registry (free) | Salt | Annual | Free |
Not a license: a no-fee registration valid 365 days, needed by anglers 16 and over in the marine and coastal district and for migratory sea fish in the tidal Hudson, Delaware and Mohawk rivers. There is no lifetime registration. Printing or mailing fees ($1 to $2) may apply. Official source2 |
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Resident annual freshwater fishing license (16 to 69) Ages 16–69 | Fresh | Annual | $25 | Official source |
| Resident annual freshwater fishing license (70 and over) Ages 70+ | Fresh | Annual | $5 | Official source |
| Resident lifetime freshwater fishing license (under 70) Under 70 | Fresh | Lifetime | $460 |
New York residents for at least one year before applying. Official source |
| Resident lifetime freshwater fishing license (70 and over) Ages 70+ | Fresh | Lifetime | $65 |
New York residents for at least one year before applying. Official source |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Resident fishing license, disabled veteran (40% or more) | Fresh | Annual | $5 |
Only for: For New York residents with a 40% or greater military disability. The first of fishing, hunting or trapping costs $5; the other two are free that year. Other free licenses exist for legally blind residents and National Guard and Reserve members. Secondary source: New York fishing guide (eRegulations, 2021 page) |
| Resident lifetime hunting, fishing and turkey license Ages 12–69 | Fresh | Lifetime | $765 |
Only for: Includes hunting. Also $380 under 5, $535 ages 5 to 11 and $65 at 70 and over. Shown for hunters; the calculator quotes the fishing-only license. Official source |
Who doesn't need a license
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Anyone under 16
FreshSalt Everyone Official source2
-
Connecticut or Rhode Island residents with a valid marine fishing license or registration from their home state
Salt Non-residents · check this applies to you Official source
-
Resident owners of farm land, and their immediate family, fishing on that farm land
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you Official source
-
Holders of a farm fish pond license fishing the waters it covers
Fresh Everyone · check this applies to you Official source
-
Anyone fishing at a licensed fishing preserve, or at a free DEC learn-to-fish clinic
Fresh Everyone · check this applies to you Official source
-
Native Americans fishing on reservation land
Fresh Everyone · check this applies to you Official source
-
Qualifying patients of VA hospitals in New York State
Fresh Everyone · check this applies to you Official source
-
Anglers on a licensed party or charter boat in the marine and coastal district (no registry enrollment needed)
Salt Everyone Official source
-
Anglers only taking lobsters, crabs, clams, mussels, scallops or oysters (separate rules; lobster needs a resident-only permit)
Salt Everyone Official source
-
Anyone on New York's Free Fishing Days (freshwater license only)
Fresh Everyone Official source
Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in New York, 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 NYSDEC before you go.
- Wed, Nov 11, 2026 Veterans Day Fresh
Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.
2027 dates not yet announced.
Six free days in 2026, announced by DEC. Only the freshwater license is waived; all other rules apply. 2027 dates not yet announced.
Residents and visitors
Checked Nov 4, 2026- Who counts as a resident
- You must have lived in New York (your fixed, permanent and principal home) for more than 30 days immediately before applying. Owning land in New York does not make you a resident. Lifetime licenses need one year's residence. (at least 31 days)
- Military
- Active members of the US Armed Forces stationed in New York qualify for annual resident licenses.
- Students
- Full-time students enrolled at a New York school during the academic year qualify for annual resident licenses, with proof.
Secondary source: New York hunting and trapping guide 2026 (eRegulations)2
How to buy a New York fishing license
Checked Nov 4, 2026Freshwater licenses and the free marine registry are available online (DECALS), by phone on 1-866-933-2257 and at license issuing agents.
- Online
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation license sales
- Phone
- 1-866-933-2257
- App
- HuntFishNY
- License on your phone
- Accepted
Accepted proof includes the paper license, the HuntFishNY app or a printed online license, your 12-digit DEC ID number, a lifetime card or an Adventure license. You must carry it and show it to an officer or the landowner on request. Printing ($1 at agents) or mailing ($2) fees may apply.
Secondary source: New York fishing guide (eRegulations)2
A New York registry covers Connecticut, Rhode Island and federal waters, but not New Jersey waters, which need New Jersey's own free registry.
Tuna fishing in state waters also needs a federal NOAA Highly Migratory Species permit.
Charters, guides and piers
Checked Nov 4, 2026Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers.
Anglers on an appropriately licensed party or charter boat in the marine and coastal district do not need to enroll in the marine registry. Shore and pier anglers 16 and over must enroll.
Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check NYSDEC's rules before you book.
Border waters
Delaware River and West Branch (Pennsylvania)
A New York license is valid on the Pennsylvania portion. Official source
Greenwood Lake (New Jersey)
A New York license is valid on the New Jersey portion from a boat or the ice only. Official source
Indian Lake (Connecticut)
A New York license is valid on the Connecticut portion from a boat or the ice only. Official source
Lake Champlain (Vermont and Quebec)
Separate reciprocal license rules apply with Vermont; check DEC. Not valid in Quebec waters. Official source
Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, St. Lawrence and Niagara rivers
A New York license is not valid on the Ontario, Quebec or Pennsylvania portions. Official source
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 4, 2026Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check NYSDEC's current rules before you keep a fish.
Statewide freshwater rules (effective April 1, 2026) and marine district limits (revised May 12, 2026). Many waters have special regulations. Figures are daily limits per angler.
| Species | Where | Size | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout in inland streams (brook, brown, rainbow, splake) Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 5 (no more than 2 over 12") | April 1 to October 15 |
| Trout in inland streams (brook, brown, rainbow, splake) | Statewide | n/a | Catch and release only, artificial lures only | October 16 to March 31 |
| Official source Trout limits in other states | ||||
| Trout in lakes and ponds Fresh | Brook trout | No minimum | 5 | April 1 to October 15 |
| Trout in lakes and ponds | Brown trout, rainbow trout, splake | No minimum | 5 (no more than 2 over 12") | All year |
| Official source Trout limits in other states | ||||
| Lake trout Fresh | Statewide | 21" minimum | 3 | April 1 to October 15 |
| Official source Trout limits in other states | ||||
| Landlocked Atlantic salmon Fresh | Statewide | 15" minimum | 3 | All year |
| Coho and Chinook salmon rules are in the Great Lakes and tributaries special regulations. Official source Salmon limits in other states | ||||
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass Fresh | Statewide | 12" minimum | 5 | June 15 to November 30 |
| Largemouth and smallmouth bass | Statewide | n/a | Catch and release only, artificial lures only | December 1 to June 14 |
| Official source Largemouth bass limits in other states | ||||
| Walleye Fresh | Statewide | 15" minimum | 5 | May 1 to March 15 |
| Official source Walleye limits in other states | ||||
| Northern pike Fresh | Statewide | 18" minimum | 5 | May 1 to March 15 |
| Official source Northern pike limits in other states | ||||
| Chain pickerel Fresh | Statewide | 15" minimum | 5 | May 1 to March 15 |
| Official source | ||||
| Muskellunge and tiger muskellunge Fresh | Muskellunge | 40" minimum | 1 | June 1 to November 30 |
| Muskellunge and tiger muskellunge | Tiger muskellunge | 30" minimum | 1 | May 1 to March 15 |
| Official source Muskellunge (muskie) limits in other states | ||||
| Crappie (black and white) Fresh | Statewide | 10" minimum | 25 | All year |
| Official source Crappie limits in other states | ||||
| Yellow perch Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 50 | All year |
| Official source Yellow perch limits in other states | ||||
| Sunfish (bluegill, redbreast, pumpkinseed) Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 25 | All year |
| Official source | ||||
| American shad Fresh | Hudson River and tributaries | n/a | Possession prohibited | – |
| American shad | Other inland waters, including the Delaware River | No minimum | 2 | All year |
| Official source | ||||
| Sturgeon and paddlefish Fresh | Statewide | n/a | Closed: no fishing, even catch and release | – |
| Sauger are also closed. Official source | ||||
| Striped bass Salt | Hudson River north of the George Washington Bridge | 23" to 28" slot | 1 | April 1 to November 30 |
| Striped bass | Marine district (south of the George Washington Bridge) | 28" to 31" slot | 1 | April 15 to December 15 |
| Registry enrollment needed (16 and over). Rules revised May 12, 2026; check DEC for changes. Official source Striped bass limits in other states | ||||
| Summer flounder (fluke) Salt | Set each year: check here. Set each year with neighboring states (2026: 3 fish, 19" to 19.5" minimum depending on the period, open May 4 to October 15). Check DEC before fishing. | |||
| Black sea bass Salt | Set each year: check here. Set each year (2026: 16" minimum, 3 to 6 fish depending on the period, May 16 to December 31). Check DEC before fishing. | |||
| Scup (porgy) Salt | Set each year: check here. Set each year (2026: 9.5" from shore, 11" from boats; 30 fish, 40 on party and charter boats in part of the season; open May 1 to December 31). Check DEC before fishing. | |||
| Tautog (blackfish) Salt | Set each year: check here. Set each year by region (Long Island Sound and NY Bight); 2026: 16" minimum, 2 to 4 fish, open in April and from mid-October to December. Check DEC before fishing. | |||
| Bluefish Salt | Marine district | No minimum | 5 (7 for party and charter boat anglers) | All year |
| Official source | ||||
| Weakfish Salt | Marine district | 16" minimum | 1 | All year |
| Official source | ||||
| Winter flounder Salt | Marine district | 12" minimum | 2 | April 1 to May 30 |
| Official source Flounder limits in other states | ||||
| Cobia Salt | Marine district | 43" minimum | 1 Boat: 2 per boat |
All year |
| Official source Cobia limits in other states | ||||
| Spanish mackerel Salt | Marine district | 14" minimum | 15 | All year |
| Official source | ||||
Compare New York with other states
Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.
Questions
Do I need a fishing license in New York?
Yes, if you are 16 or older and fish public waters in New York, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone under 16.
How much is a non-resident fishing license in New York?
For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026 are $10 for one day (Non-resident 1-day freshwater fishing license); $28 for seven days (Non-resident 7-day freshwater fishing license); $50 for a year (Non-resident annual freshwater fishing license). Listed prices are DEC license fees. Agents may charge $1 to print; online or phone orders printed and mailed cost $2 (emailed copies are free).
Do seniors need a fishing license in New York?
Senior options for residents: Resident annual freshwater fishing license (70 and over): $5 (ages 70+); Resident lifetime freshwater fishing license (70 and over): $65 (ages 70+). Non-resident seniors pay the normal non-resident prices.
When is the next free fishing day in New York?
Wed, Nov 11, 2026 (Veterans Day). Six free days in 2026, announced by DEC. Only the freshwater license is waived; all other rules apply. 2027 dates not yet announced.
How do I get a fishing license in New York?
Buy it from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Freshwater licenses and the free marine registry are available online (DECALS), by phone on 1-866-933-2257 and at license issuing agents.
Do I need a license to fish on a charter in New York?
Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers. Anglers on an appropriately licensed party or charter boat in the marine and coastal district do not need to enroll in the marine registry. Shore and pier anglers 16 and over must enroll.
Sources and checks
Every fact on this page comes from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 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 4, 2026
All 10 source pages
- content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYSDEC/bulletins/af2881
- dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/2/governor-hochul-and-dec-announce-2026-free-freshwater-fishing-days-in-new-york
- dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting/fishing-license
- dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting/lifetime
- dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/sporting-and-use/sporting/recreational-marine-fishing-registry
- dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/regulations/statewide-season-sizes-catch-limits
- www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6091.html
- www.dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/recreationalsaltwaterfishinglimits.pdf
- New York fishing guide (eRegulations) secondary
- New York hunting and trapping guide 2026 (eRegulations) secondary
Spotted something out of date? Tell us.