Connecticut sells a marine licence at ten dollars for a resident adult, which makes Long Island Sound one of the better-value saltwater fisheries in the Northeast. The state also sells an All Waters licence at thirty-two dollars covering the marine and inland districts together, only four dollars more than the inland licence alone: for anyone who might fish both, it is the obvious buy.
What it costs
Set your situation for the exact saltwater figure. Switching to fresh water here shows what the other licence would cost instead.
Every Connecticut saltwater fee
| Licence | Who | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine waters, one day, ages 16-17 | Resident | 1 day | $3.00 |
| Marine waters, one day, ages 18-64 | Resident | 1 day | $5.00 |
| Marine waters, three days | Visitor | 3 days | $8.00 |
| Free licence, blind or disabled | Resident | Annual | Free |
| Marine waters, ages 16-17 | Resident | Annual | $5.00 |
| Marine waters, ages 18-64 | Resident | Annual | $10.00 |
| Marine waters | Visitor | Annual | $15.00 |
| All waters, ages 16-17 | Resident | Annual | $16.00 |
| All waters, ages 18-64 Covers the inland and marine districts in one. | Resident | Annual | $32.00 |
| Firearms and all waters fishing | Resident | Annual | $40.00 |
| All waters | Visitor | Annual | $63.00 |
| Archery and all waters fishing | Resident | Annual | $65.00 |
| Firearms and all waters fishing | Visitor | Annual | $120.00 |
Fees verified against CT DEEP on 2026-09-11.
What it covers, and what it does not
The marine licence covers Long Island Sound and the tidal rivers. It does not cover the inland lakes and rivers, and it does nothing in a Trout Management Area, which needs the inland licence plus the trout and salmon stamp. The All Waters licence covers both districts.
For the freshwater side of the state, and for the combination options where they exist, see the full Connecticut licence page.
Where to use it
We track 1 saltwater water in Connecticut daily, with live tides and conditions:
- Thames River — New London County
Questions
How much is a saltwater fishing licence in Connecticut?
$10.00 for a resident and $15.00 for a visitor, for an annual licence. Short-term options cost less and are listed in the table above.
Does a Connecticut freshwater licence cover salt water?
No. Connecticut sells them as separate licences, so a freshwater licence gives you no cover on the coast. Fishing both means two licences, or the combined option where the state offers one.
Should I buy the Connecticut All Waters licence?
Almost certainly, if there is any chance you fish both. It is $32.00 against $28.00 for inland alone and $10.00 for marine alone, so it costs four dollars more than one and covers both.
Is the Connecticut marine licence cheap for a reason?
It is priced to keep Long Island Sound accessible. At $10.00 for a resident adult and $15.00 for a visitor it is among the cheapest coastal licences on the eastern seaboard.