CT Fishing License Exemptions (2026) — Seniors FREE, Youth $14, Age & Military

CT fishing license age: under 16 free, youth 16-17 $14 inland, seniors 65+ FREE all waters. Disabled and military free.

The CT fishing license age exemptions and special categories (source: CT DEEP Official):

Which CT Fishing License Do You Need?Where will you fish?Rivers / LakesInland: $28 resLong Island SoundMarine: $10 resBoth Fresh + SaltAll Waters: $32+ Trout/Salmon Stamp: $5 (if targeting trout)65+: ALL licenses FREE (renew annually)Jan 1 – Dec 31 calendar year • CT DEEP Online Licensing System
CategoryInlandMarineNotes
Under 16 (CT fishing license age exempt)FREE — no licenseFREE — no licenseNo documentation needed
Youth 16-17 (resident)$14.00$5.00All Waters: $16.00
Adult 18-64 (resident)$28.00$10.00All Waters: $32.00
CT Fishing License for Seniors (65+)FREEFREEAnnual renewal required at CT DEEP
Disabled (resident)FREEFREEDocumentation required
Active military (CT resident)FREEFREEMilitary ID required

CT Fishing License Age Requirements

The CT fishing license age starts at 16 for all water types. Under 16 = free everywhere. Youth 16-17 get significantly reduced rates. At 65+, the CT fishing license for seniors is completely FREE for both inland and marine — one of the most generous senior policies in the Northeast.

Trout and Salmon Stamp

A separate $5 Trout and Salmon Stamp ($3 for youth 16-17) is required if you plan to:

  • Harvest trout or salmon, OR
  • Fish in designated Trout Management Areas (TMAs) like the Housatonic TMA

Seniors 65+ still need the $5 trout stamp — it's the only fishing fee seniors pay in CT.

See license types or costs for full details.

Apply for your fishing license CT →