The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) manages the fishing license CT system. Wondering how much is fishing license in CT? Connecticut has a unique split system: inland (rivers/lakes) and marine (Long Island Sound) require separate licenses, or you can get an "All Waters" license covering both.
2026 Fishing License CT Price — Resident
The fishing license CT price breakdown (source: CT DEEP Official):
| License Type | Age 18-64 | Youth 16-17 | 65+ | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT Freshwater Fishing License (Inland) | $28.00 | $14.00 | FREE | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| CT Marine Fishing License (Saltwater) | $10.00 | $5.00 | FREE | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| All Waters Fishing (Inland + Marine) | $32.00 | $16.00 | FREE | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| 1-Day Marine Fishing | $5.00 | $3.00 | FREE | 1 day |
| Trout and Salmon Stamp | $5.00 | $3.00 | $5.00 | Annual add-on |
CT Out of State Fishing License — Non-Resident
The CT out of state fishing license options:
| License Type | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Inland Season | $55.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Marine Season | $15.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| All Waters | $63.00 | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| 3-Day Inland | $22.00 | 3 consecutive days |
| 3-Day Marine | $8.00 | 3 consecutive days |
| Trout/Salmon Stamp | $5.00 | Annual |
Compare Connecticut With Neighboring States
| State | Resident Inland | NR Season | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $25.00 | $50.00 | 70+ FREE |
| Massachusetts | $37.50 | $47.50 | 65+ $12.50 |
| Rhode Island | $18.00 | $35.00 | 65+ $8.00 |
Connecticut's $28 inland rate is mid-range for New England. Rhode Island at $18 is cheapest, while Massachusetts at $37.50 is priciest. CT's 65+ FREE is the most generous senior policy among its neighbors.
FAQ
How much is fishing license in CT for saltwater?
A CT marine (saltwater) fishing license costs $10.00 for residents and $15.00 for non-residents per season. Seniors 65+ are FREE. This covers all Long Island Sound fishing. A 1-day marine option is $5 res / $8 NR. See CT fishing spots for Sound hotspots.
Are CT fishing licenses for seniors really free?
Yes! CT fishing license for seniors aged 65 and older are completely FREE for both inland and marine — but you must still obtain the license (annual renewal required through CT DEEP). This is one of the most generous senior policies in New England. Compare: New York = 70+ FREE, Rhode Island = 65+ $8.