In New York, most people aged 16 and older need a valid fishing license to fish for freshwater fish species, frogs, and freshwater baitfish. Fortunately, there are several convenient ways to obtain a fishing license in 2024, including visiting an official License Issuing Agent, ordering over the phone, or purchasing one online.
Using Your Phone as a Fishing License in New York
One of the most convenient ways to carry your fishing license in New York in 2024 is by using the Hunt Fish NY mobile app. This app allows you to download and store your license on your smartphone, making it easily accessible whenever you need it. Simply present your phone to any police officer, peace officer, or person in control of the waters where you are fishing if asked to show your license.
However, it’s important to note that while the Hunt Fish NY app allows you to display your license on your phone, it is not considered a valid proof of license on its own. You must still purchase a valid fishing license, which can be done through the app or other methods.
Other Ways to Carry Your Fishing License
In addition to using the Hunt Fish NY app, there are several other ways to carry your fishing license in New York in 2024:
- License on official license paper (Valeron)
- Online printable license
- 12-digit DEC ID number
- Plastic lifetime card
- Adventure license
It’s important to keep your license with you at all times while fishing and to be prepared to show it to any authorized personnel upon request.
Exceptions to the Fishing License Requirement
While most people aged 16 and older need a fishing license in New York, there are some exceptions:
- Persons under 16 years of age
- NYS-resident owners, lessees, and members of their immediate families occupying and cultivating farmlands, when fishing on their own lands
- Persons holding farm fish pond licenses and members of their immediate families, when fishing on waters covered by their licenses
- Resident patients at Dept. of Mental Health institutions and Dept. of Health rehabilitation hospitals, and inmates at Division of Youth rehabilitation centers
- When fishing on licensed fishing preserves
- During designated Free Fishing Days
- At a free learn to fish clinic
Additionally, certain individuals may be eligible for free or reduced-fee fishing licenses, such as residents who are legally blind, active service members of the NYS Organized Militia or U.S. Reserve Forces, and Native Americans who are members of the Shinnecock and Poospatuck tribes or the Six Nations residing on reservations in New York State.
Fishing License Requirements for Border Waters
If you plan to fish in border waters, it’s important to be aware of the specific license requirements for each location:
- Lake Champlain: A New York fishing license is valid in the Vermont portion of the lake but not the Quebec portion.
- Delaware River and West Branch Delaware River: A New York fishing license is valid for fishing along the Pennsylvania border.
- Greenwood Lake: A New York fishing license is valid for fishing from a boat or ice in the New Jersey portion of the lake.
- Indian Lake: A New York fishing license is valid for fishing from a boat or ice in the Connecticut portion of the lake.
For all other border waters, such as Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the St. Lawrence River, and the Niagara River, a New York fishing license is not valid in the bordering state or province.
Recreational Marine Fishing Registry
In addition to a freshwater fishing license, anglers 16 years of age and older who fish in the Marine and Coastal District of New York or for migratory marine species, such as striped bass, hickory shad, and river herring from all waters of the state, including the Hudson River and Delaware River, must enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.
The Recreational Marine Fishing Registry is free and can be obtained wherever fishing licenses are sold.