Complete Guide to New York Fishing Licenses

Fishing is fantastic in New York, but before you drop a line, it’s essential you have the right type of valid fishing permit. Not only are you satisfying your legal requirement when you purchase a fishing permit, but the money raised from fees contributes to fishing conservation, research, fish stocking, and habitat improvement.

Part of being a responsible angler isn’t just purchasing a license. It’s also about fishing responsibly, only keeping the fish you need, and leaving your local fishing area how you found it, if not cleaner. By being responsible anglers, we’re all ensuring that future generations of anglers get to enjoy the same fantastic fishing opportunities we enjoy today.

In the following guide to New York fishing licenses, we’ll cover:

Have you been thinking about trying surf fishing from the beach or rocks yourself? Then be sure to check out A General Overview of Surf Fishing! It covers everything you need to know about catching big fish from the surf.

Even the best angler, with a lot of experience, will need a little bit of help finding the best fishing spots, especially those who are trying new areas while on destination fishing trips or vacations. Thanks to the premium Fishing Forecasting App, you’ll know the best time to hit the water and go fishing in New York or when you’re better off staying home and relaxing.

Types of New York Fishing Licenses

New York offers a variety of fishing license options for both resident and non-resident anglers. 

If you want to qualify as a resident for the purpose of obtaining a fishing permit, you must have lived in New York for 30 days before the date of your license application.

If you plan on purchasing a lifetime fishing license, you’ll need to show proof of residency for a minimum of one year.

New York Resident Fishing Licenses:

• 1-Day Permit.
• 7-Day Permit.
• Annual Permit (16-69).
• Annual Permit (70+).
• Lifetime Permit (0-69).
• Lifetime Permit (70+).
• Military/Disabled Permit.

New York Non-Resident Fishing Licenses:

• 1-Day Permit.
• 7-Day Permit.
• Annual Permit.

Cost of New York Fishing Licenses

Purchasing a fishing license in New York isn’t just a legal obligation if you’re planning on going fishing. Still, it also ensures that future generations of anglers will be able to enjoy the same fantastic fishing opportunities we enjoy today.

Money raised from license fees goes back into fishery management, conservation, education, fish stocks, improved access, and habitat improvements. By buying a fishing license, taking only the fish you need, and following all season, bag, and size limits, you’re doing your part to protect New York’s fantastic fishery for many years to come.

Below, we’ll break down the costs of a New York fishing license. Please note prices are subject to change. To find the latest updates on New York angling permits, please visit the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website.

New York Resident Fishing License Costs

• 1-Day Permit – $5.
• 7-Day Permit – $12.
• Annual Permit (16-69) – $25.
• Annual Permit (70+) – $5.
• Lifetime Permit (0-69) – $460.
• Lifetime Permit (70+) – $65.
• Military/Disabled Permit – $5.

New York Non-Resident Fishing License Costs

• 1-Day Permit – $10.
• 7-Day Permit – $28.
• Annual Permit – $50.

Age Requirements for New York Fishing License

Anyone who is aged 16 years or older must possess a valid New York fishing license if they plan on catching any freshwater fish or assisting someone else in fishing. Your license also grants you the opportunity to fish some out-of-state waters, including Lake Champlain in Vermont and the Delaware River in Pennsylvania.

While fishing, you must carry proof of your fishing license with you at all times. 

If your intention is to fish along the coast, anglers 16 and older must enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. The same applies if you’re planning on targeting specific species listed on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

Where to Obtain a New York Fishing License

Getting a fishing license in New York is easy, and they offer three convenient ways to purchase your angling permit:

1. Online – If you visit the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website, you can quickly and easily purchase your permit online.
2. Phone – Call 1-866-933-2257 to purchase your license over the phone.
3. In-Person – Visit one of the many authorized vendors located throughout New York.

Complete Guide to New York Fishing Licenses – Conclusion

Now, you’ll know everything there is to know about New York fishing licenses, including how much they cost, the different types available, and where to purchase one.

Thanks to the latest, state-of-the-art forecasting technology in the Fishbox App, anglers will be able to track all weather conditions accurately and predict the best time to go fishing. Fishbox App uses in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go fishing and when you’re better off just staying at home. However, even a bad day on the water is still a great day outdoors doing something you love.

If you have any questions about fishing licenses or permits in New York, drop a comment below! We’re always happy and will do our best to answer any fishing questions, and we love to read feedback from our readers.