New York handles its two fisheries in completely different ways. Fresh water needs a paid licence from 16; the marine district needs the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, which is free but still compulsory. Anglers who fish both sides of the state need both, and the registry catches out visitors who assume the licence covers the salt. Like California, the annual runs 365 days from purchase rather than to a fixed date.
What it costs you
Set your situation and the figure below is the one you will actually pay at checkout.
Every New York fishing fee
The annual licence is valid 365 days from the date of purchase or renewal.
| Licence | Who | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater, one day | Resident | 1 day | $5.00 |
| Freshwater, one day | Visitor | 1 day | $10.00 |
| Freshwater, seven days | Resident | 7 days | $12.00 |
| Freshwater, seven days | Visitor | 7 days | $28.00 |
| Freshwater, annual, ages 16-69 | Resident | Annual | $25.00 |
| Freshwater, annual | Visitor | Annual | $50.00 |
These fees cover freshwater. Saltwater fishing in the marine district needs the free Recreational Marine Fishing Registry instead, which is separate from this licence.
Still to verify: Faltan la tarifa senior de 70 o mas, la vitalicia y el detalle del registro marino. We publish what we have checked and leave the rest blank rather than guess.
Who fishes free in New York
- Anglers 15 and under.
- Everyone on the state free fishing days.
Exemptions are narrower than they sound and the burden of proof is on you. Carry whatever document the exemption rests on.
How to buy it
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sells online, by phone and through licence agents: tackle shops, sporting goods stores and county offices. Buying online takes about ten minutes and you can print or screenshot the confirmation immediately.
We link the agency and never resell licences. If a site charges you a "processing fee" on top of the state fee, you are not on the state's own system.
Where to use it
We track 30 New York waters daily, with live flow, tides and conditions. A sample of what your licence covers:
- Oneida Lake — Oswego County
- Montauk — Suffolk County
- Cayuga Lake — Cayuga County
- Niagara River — Niagara County
- Fire Island — Suffolk County
- Lake Ontario — Monroe County
- Chautauqua Lake — Chautauqua County
- Cattaraugus Creek — Erie County
- Oak Orchard Creek — Orleans County
- Long Island Sound — Suffolk County
- Ausable River — Essex County
- Oswego River — Oswego County
Questions
How much is a fishing licence in New York?
$25.00 for a resident annual freshwater licence and $50.00 for a non-resident. Short-term licences cost less and are listed in full above.
What age do you need a fishing licence in New York?
From age 16. Anglers under 16 fish without one, though some states still require a catch record card.
Can I buy a New York fishing licence online?
Yes. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sells online and through licence agents. These fees cover freshwater. Saltwater fishing in the marine district needs the free Recreational Marine Fishing Registry instead, which is separate from this licence.
Do I need separate freshwater and saltwater licences in New York?
Yes. New York sells them separately, so fishing both sides means either two licences or the combined option listed in the fee table.
Do I need a licence to fish in salt water in New York?
Not a paid licence, but you must enrol in the free Recreational Marine Fishing Registry before fishing the marine and coastal district. It is separate from the freshwater licence and neither covers the other.
Does a New York licence cover border waters?
On several border waters a New York licence alone is enough, and on others there is a reciprocal arrangement. Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the St. Lawrence and the Niagara all need a New York licence; the Delaware and Greenwood Lake have reciprocity with the neighbouring state. Check the specific water.