If you’re planning to fish in New York’s freshwaters in 2024, it’s important to understand the state’s fishing license requirements. Whether you’re a resident or non-resident, anyone 16 years of age or older needs a valid fishing license to catch freshwater fish, frogs, or baitfish, or even to help someone else fish.
A New York fishing license allows you to take fish by various methods, including angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, nets, traps, and tip-ups. The license fees vary depending on your residency status and the type of license you choose.
Types of New York Fishing Licenses
New York offers several types of fishing licenses to cater to different needs and preferences:
- Annual License: Valid for one full year (365 days) from the date of purchase or renewal. Residents pay $25 for ages 16-69 and $5 for ages 70 , while non-residents pay $50.
- 7-Day License: Valid for 7 consecutive days. Residents pay $12, and non-residents pay $28.
- 1-Day License: Valid for one day only. Residents pay $5, and non-residents pay $10.
- Lifetime License: Available to residents only. The fee is $460 for ages 0-69.
In addition to these standard licenses, New York also offers free or reduced-fee licenses to certain individuals, such as legally blind residents, active service members of the New York State Organized Militia or U.S. Reserve Forces, resident patients at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals or state-funded facilities, and Native Americans who are members of the Shinnecock and Poospatuck tribes or the Six Nations residing on reservations in New York State.
Exceptions to the Fishing License Requirement
While most anglers 16 and older need a fishing license, there are some exceptions:
- Individuals fishing on a licensed fishing preserve.
- Individuals fishing during free fishing days.
- Individuals fishing at a free fishing clinic approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
- Resident landowners primarily engaged in farming (including lessees and members of their immediate families) when fishing on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.
- Farm fish pond license holders (including members of their immediate families) fishing on waters covered by the license.
- Native Americans living and fishing on reservation land.
- Patients residing at qualifying U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals or facilities in New York State.
It’s important to note that a New York fishing license does not always entitle the holder to fish the out-of-state portion of border waters. For example, a New York fishing license does not allow you to fish the Ontario portion of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the St. Lawrence River, or the Niagara River.
How to Get a New York Fishing License
There are three convenient ways to purchase a New York fishing license in 2024:
- Online: Visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s website and complete the online form. Make sure to have proof of residency (for resident fee), a credit/debit card, and a printer to print your license.
- By Phone: Call 1-866-933-2257 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) and provide the necessary information.
- In Person: Visit an official License Issuing Agent and purchase your license at a local sporting goods store or other authorized location.
Once you have your fishing license, keep it with you while fishing and be prepared to show it to any police or peace officer or anyone in control of the waters where you’re fishing if asked.
If you plan to fish along the New York coast, anyone 16 or older must also enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry if fishing for certain species listed on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.
New York offers a wealth of fishing opportunities, from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River. By understanding the state’s fishing license requirements and obtaining the appropriate license, you can enjoy these incredible waters while staying compliant with the law.