Connecticut · Fishing license · Age
What age do you need a fishing license in Connecticut?
From 16 on, with no upper limit.
The ages that matter
Under 16
No license needed
Children can fish without one. Everything else still applies though — limits, sizes and seasons do not change with age.
16 and up
License required
Carry it with you while fishing.
65 and up
Free, still required
From 65 a Connecticut resident pays nothing for the inland license or the marine license. It stays a license all the same, and DEEP requires it to be renewed every year.
How DEEP words it
DEEP states that fishing licences are "required for all persons age 16 and older", "discounted by 50% for Connecticut residents who are age 16 or 17" and "free for Connecticut residents age 65 or older". The free senior licence covers inland and marine waters but has to be renewed each year, and the Trout and Salmon Stamp is charged separately from age 16 regardless.
Quoted rather than paraphrased. With rules that carry a fine, the exact wording is the point.
Other ways to be exempt
Age is one route. DEEP lists these as well.
- Connecticut residents 65 and over — free for inland and for marine waters, renewed annually online, at participating town halls or at DEEP offices
- Connecticut residents who are blind or intellectually disabled — free, against a certificate from a physician licensed in the state
- People who have lost one or more limbs or the permanent use of them — free licence, stamps and permits excluded, and only if their own state grants Connecticut residents the same
- Active-duty service members stationed in Connecticut pay resident rates
