New York State Fishing License Information

Information gathered here is from the NYDEC. www.ny.dec.com

Who Needs a License?
Everyone must have a valid fishing license in their possession while fishing, except:
Persons under 16 years of age.
When fishing waters of the Marine District or in the Hudson River south of the Troy Barrier Dam.
Note: A fishing license is required on the entire length of all Hudson River tributaries south of the Troy Dam to the Tappan Zee Bridge even if the tributary is subject to tidal flow.

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.

Active members of the United States Armed Forces who are New York State residents and are in the State for a maximum of 30 days. When fishing, such persons must carry their service identification cards and furlough papers.

Persons holding farm fish pond 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. A free permit is available from: NYSDEC License Sales, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4790.

Persons holding a fishing license or combination hunting and fishing license (including those entitled to fish without a license) may take fish by angling, spears, longbow, nets, or traps where permitted by law or DEC.

New York State Fishing License Fees


License Type – Resident Fee
Senior (65+/Military Disability) $ 5.00
Fishing – Season 14.00
Fishing – 3 day 6.00


License Type – Non-Resident Fee
Fishing – Season $35.00
Fishing – 5 day 20.00
Combination -
Hunting, Fishing, Deer Hunting, Bowhunting and Muzzleloading 225.00


Special Stamps – Resident & Non-Resident Fee
One day fishing license-
Call 1-518-457-8862 for additional information $11.00

Where Should I Fish?

Almost all the lakes and small ponds throughout the state are good potential ice fishing spots. The larger ponds where depths average 10′ – 15′ are prime spots for pickerel, yellow perch, sunfish and northern pike. For those who which to fish for northern pike, walleye and lake trout, lakes where depths exceed 20′ – 30′ or more, need to be scrutinized more closely. Learning this type of water can produce world class fish. Where permitted, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout and brown trout that in the hot summer months generally stay deep where the water temperature is cooler, can generally be caught just a few feet below the ice in winter time.