Fishing is a popular pastime in New York, with numerous lakes, rivers, and streams teeming with a variety of fish species. To legally fish in the state, anglers 16 years of age and older are required to possess a valid fishing license. While there are several ways to obtain a fishing license in New York, one convenient option is to purchase it from a Walmart store.
Walmart Stores Offering Fishing Licenses in New York
Not all Walmart stores in New York sell fishing licenses, but many of the locations with a Sports & Outdoors section do. Here are a few examples of Walmart stores in New York that offer this service:
Walmart Store #2844 in Clifton Park, NY: 1549 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065 – Phone: 518-373-8457
Walmart Store #2370 in Troy, NY: 760 Hoosick Rd, Troy, NY 12180 – Phone: 518-279-0685
Walmart Store #2264 in Schenectady, NY: 1320 Altamont Ave, Schenectady, NY 12303 – Phone: 518-355-2596
To find out if your local Walmart store sells fishing licenses, it’s best to call ahead and speak with a knowledgeable associate who can provide you with the necessary information.
Types of Fishing Licenses Available at Walmart
When you visit a Walmart store to purchase a fishing license, you’ll typically find the following types of licenses available:
Annual Fishing License (Resident): $25 for ages 16-69, $5 for ages 70
Annual Fishing License (Non-Resident): $50
7-Day Fishing License (Resident): $12
7-Day Fishing License (Non-Resident): $28
1-Day Fishing License (Resident): $5
1-Day Fishing License (Non-Resident): $10
In addition to these standard licenses, Walmart may also offer free or reduced-fee licenses for certain individuals, such as disabled veterans, Native Americans living on reservation land, and patients residing at qualifying U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals or facilities in New York State.
Fishing License Requirements in New York
To fish in New York, anglers 16 years of age and older must possess a valid fishing license, with some exceptions. You need a fishing license if you are 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
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
It’s important to note that if you are fishing for migratory fish of the sea and saltwater fish species, you will need a marine fishing registration in addition to your fishing license.
Purchasing a Fishing License at Walmart
Purchasing a fishing license at Walmart is a straightforward process. Here’s what you can expect:
Visit a Walmart store in New York that offers fishing licenses.
Head to the Sports & Outdoors section or the Sporting Goods counter.
Inform the associate that you would like to purchase a fishing license.
Provide the necessary information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and proof of residency (if applicable).
Pay the appropriate fee for the type of license you need.
Receive your fishing license, which will include a unique identification number.
Remember to keep your fishing license with you while fishing, as it is required by law. Failure to possess a valid license can result in fines and penalties.
Alternatives to Purchasing a Fishing License at Walmart
While Walmart is a convenient option for purchasing fishing licenses, it’s not the only way to obtain one in New York. Here are a few other alternatives:
Online: You can purchase a fishing license online through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website.
By Phone: You can order a fishing license over the phone by calling a DEC license sales center.
License Issuing Agents: Many bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and town halls throughout New York serve as license issuing agents and can sell you a fishing license.
When choosing an alternative method, keep in mind that some options may have additional fees or processing times that differ from purchasing a license at Walmart.
Fishing License Reciprocity for Border Waters
New York has specific rules regarding fishing license reciprocity for border waters. In most cases, a New York fishing license is not valid for fishing in the non-New York portion of border waters. However, there are a few exceptions:
Delaware River & West Branch Delaware River (along boundary): A New York fishing license is valid for fishing in the Pennsylvania portion of these waters.
Greenwood Lake: A New York fishing license is valid for fishing from a boat or ice only in the New Jersey portion of this lake.
Indian Lake: A New York fishing license is valid for fishing from a boat or ice only in the Connecticut portion of this lake.
For other border waters, such as Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, St. Lawrence River, Niagara River, and Lake Champlain, a separate fishing license from the bordering state or province is required to fish in the non-New York portion of these waters.
Conclusion
Purchasing a fishing license at Walmart is a convenient option for anglers in New York. With many Walmart stores offering this service, it’s easy to obtain a license before heading out on your fishing adventure. Remember to familiarize yourself with the fishing license requirements, types of licenses available, and any special rules for border waters. By following the proper procedures and obtaining a valid fishing license, you can enjoy fishing in New York’s abundant waterways while staying within the law.