FishKillFlea The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) manages the NYS fishing license. For $25 annually, your freshwater license covers everything from the Great Lakes to the Catskills — and saltwater fishing is completely free to register!
Last verified for the 2026 fishing season. Regulations subject to change.
2026 NY Fishing License Cost — Freshwater
| License | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater | $25.00 | 365 Days | Trout/Salmon INCLUDED! |
| 7-Day Freshwater | $12.00 | 7 days | — |
| 1-Day Freshwater | $5.00 | 1 day | Great value for weekends |
| Senior (70+) Annual | $5.00 | 365 Days | Reduced fee |
| Senior (70+) Lifetime | $65.00 | Lifetime | Buy it once and be done! |
| Lifetime (Age 0-69) | $460.00 | Lifetime | — |
NY Non-Resident Fishing License
| License | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NR Annual | $50.00 | 365 Days |
| NR 7-Day | $28.00 | 7 consecutive days |
| NR 1-Day | $10.00 | 1 day |
Saltwater: The FREE Marine Registry
If you are fishing in the Marine and Coastal District (Long Island, NYC, Hudson River below Tappan Zee Bridge), you do not need a freshwater license. Instead, you need the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. This registry is 100% FREE for both residents and non-residents! You just have to sign up for it so the state can track angler numbers.
Compare NY With Neighboring States
| State | Res Annual | NR Annual | Saltwater (Ocean) | Trout Stamp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $22.97 | $52.97 | N/A | +$9.97 |
| New Jersey | $22.50 | $34.00 | FREE Registry | +$10.50 |
| Connecticut | $28.00 | $55.00 | +$10 (Res) | +$5 (Res) |
| Massachusetts | $26.00 | $36.00 | +$10 (Res) | N/A |
New York's $25 resident license is highly competitive. More importantly, New York DOES NOT charge for a trout stamp (it's included) and New York DOES NOT charge for saltwater fishing (it's a free registry). Compared to Connecticut, where you have to pay $28 for freshwater + $10 for saltwater + $5 for trout, NY is an absolute bargain for diverse anglers!
FAQ
Do I need a Trout Stamp in New York?
No! NY does not charge extra for a trout stamp. Your $25 freshwater base license allows you to fish for Rainbow, Brown, and Brook trout anywhere they are stocked or wild. Explore the best trout streams in our guide to New York's top fishing spots.