Get hooked…
Planning a fishing trip? You’ll need to keep the following in mind:
Who needs a license?
Everyone must have a valid fishing license in his or her possession while fishing, except:
- Persons under 16 years of age.
- When fishing on licensed fishing preserves.
- Citizen-resident owners, lessees and citizen members of their immediate families occupying and cultivating farm lands, when fishing on their own lands.
- Persons holding farm fishpond licenses and members of their immediate families, when fishing on waters covered by their licenses.
- Resident parties at United States Veterans Administration hospitals, Department of Mental Hygiene institutions, and Department of Health rehabilitation hospitals, and inmates at Division of Youth Rehabilitation centers.
What’s available?
Resident License
To qualify for a resident license, an individual must have resided in New York State for more than 30 days immediately preceding the date of their application. Active members of the United States Armed Forces
stationed in the state, and full-time college students (citizen) in residence in the state during the school year (proof required) also qualify for resident licenses.
Lifetime Fishing License
Get a child or grandchild hooked on the outdoors with the gift of a lifetime hunting, fishing or sporting license. Everything the licensee needs (back
tags, regulations guides, etc.) is automatically mailed each July. Lifetime licenses are available only to New York State residents, but remain valid even if you move out of state.
More information, and an application form, may be obtained from any DEC office or license agent. You may also write to: Lifetime Licenses, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Program CW, Albany, NY 12233-4790.
Free Fishing License
The following individuals are eligible for a free fishing license and may obtain a license at any license issuing outlet:
- Citizen residents who are blind.
- Active members of the U.S. Armed Forces who provide proof that they are New York State residents and are in the state for a maximum of 30 days.
- Resident patients at U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals or facilities can obtain a free fishing license through their hospital or facility.
- Native Americans who are members of the Shinnecock and Poospatuck tribes or the Six Nations residing on reservations in New York State.
Are there exceptions?
Each year, the last full weekend in June is designated as Free Fishing Days in New York State. During those two days, anyone can fish New York State waters, and no fishing license is required. This event
started in 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York State has to offer. Since no license is required, it is the perfect time to take a friend or relative fishing. In
2008, New York State's Free Fishing Days are Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29.
In addition to the June Free Fishing Days weekend, there are a number of “Free Fishing Events” held in various locations across the state. Free Fishing Events are DEC sponsored events (such as family fishing clinics) where participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology. Each of DEC's nine regions can sponsor up to four free fishing events per year. Most free fishing events occur during the period from April through October. For more information on fishing licenses, requirements or scheduling, visit www.dec.ny.gov.