Can I Use a Connecticut Fishing License in New York in 2024?

As an avid angler, you may be wondering if you can use your Connecticut fishing license to fish in New York waters. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on the type of fishing license you hold and the specific waters you plan to fish in. In this article, we’ll explore the reciprocity agreements between Connecticut and New York, as well as the requirements for fishing in each state’s waters.

Freshwater Fishing in New York

If you hold a Connecticut fishing license and plan to fish in New York’s freshwater bodies, you will need to purchase a New York State Fishing License. Connecticut licenses are not valid for freshwater fishing in New York.

New York offers various types of fishing licenses, including annual, 7-day, and 1-day licenses for both residents and non-residents. Prices range from $5 for a 1-day non-resident license to $50 for an annual non-resident license.

Saltwater Fishing in New York

The situation is different when it comes to saltwater fishing. Under a reciprocity agreement between Connecticut and New York, anglers holding a valid Marine Waters Fishing License in either state may fish in the marine district and land marine fish in the other state.

This means that if you have a valid Connecticut Marine Waters Fishing License, you can fish in New York’s marine waters without needing to register with New York’s Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.

However, it’s important to note that this reciprocity agreement only applies to Connecticut residents. If you are a New York resident, you must hold a valid New York Marine Waters Fishing License to fish in New York’s marine waters, even if you also have a Connecticut license.

Fishing in Specific Waterbodies

When it comes to fishing in specific waterbodies that border both Connecticut and New York, the rules can vary. For example:

• In Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, and other marine waters, Connecticut and New York have a reciprocal agreement that allows anglers with a valid license from either state to fish in the other state’s waters.
• In the Delaware River and the West Branch Delaware River along the New York-Pennsylvania border, anglers with a New York fishing license can fish from the shore or a boat.
• In Lake Champlain, which borders New York, Vermont, and Quebec, anglers should refer to the specific information and map on reciprocal fishing licenses for Lake Champlain.

It’s always a good idea to check with the specific state or province you plan to fish in for the latest licensing requirements and reciprocity agreements.

Other Considerations

In addition to fishing licenses, there are a few other things to keep in mind when fishing in New York:

• Some state and municipal lands may require a special access permit for fishing, such as the New York City Watershed Recreation Access Permit or the Long Island State Land Access Permit.
• Certain fishing methods, such as spearing or using longbows, may require additional permits or have specific regulations.
• Anglers targeting migratory fish of the sea or fishing in federal waters may need additional permits or registrations.

Before heading out to fish in New York, be sure to familiarize yourself with the state’s fishing regulations, which can be found on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

In conclusion, while Connecticut and New York have some reciprocity agreements when it comes to saltwater fishing, anglers will need to purchase a New York fishing license to fish in the state’s freshwater bodies. It’s essential to understand the specific requirements for the type of fishing you plan to do and the waters you intend to fish in.