Get a Freshwater Fishing License
Buy your fishing license online now to enjoy New York’s great freshwater fishing opportunities.
Average Time of Transaction 5 - 10 Minutes
Overview
WYSIWYG
We offer many exciting opportunities to fish with more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, and hundreds of miles of coastline. To enjoy the State’s many fishing locations, you may need to purchase a fishing license.
Guidance
WYSIWYG
A freshwater fishing license allows you to:
- Catch freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, long bow and tip ups.
- Collect certain baitfish for personal use with specified gear types.
- Catch frogs by hand or by spear, club or hook.
Who needs a license?
- Anyone 16 years of age or older.
Who doesn’t need a license?
- 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.
- A resident landowner primarily engaged in farming (including lessees and members of their immediate families) when fishing on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.
- A farm fish pond license holder (including members of their immediate families) fishing on waters covered by the license.
- A Native American living and fishing on reservation land.
- A patient residing at a qualifying U.S. Veterans Administration hospital or facility in New York State.
How To
WYSIWYG
Refer to this step by step process to get a fishing license online:
- Sign in or register.
- Complete the form.
- Get a screen confirmation.
- Print the license and/or have it sent to your home by mail.
Ready? Make sure you have:
- Proof of residency (for resident fee)
- Credit / debit card
- A printer to print your license
Fees
WYSIWYG
Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee |
Annual | $25 (ages 16-69) $5 (ages 70+) | $50 |
7-day | $12 | $28 |
1-day | $5 | $10 |
Lifetime | $460 | NA |
Buy
WYSIWYG
OR
Call us at 1-866-933-2257 (M-F from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
OR
Find a Sporting License Issuing Location near you.
Was this article helpful to you?
We need your feedback to improve NY.gov.