New York · Fishing license · Age
What age do you need a fishing license in New York?
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.
70 and up
Cheaper, not free
New York cuts the price at 70 rather than exempting anyone: a resident of 70 or over pays $5 for the annual licence, against $25 at ages 16 to 69. It stays a licence you have to carry.
How DEC words it
DEC: "You need a fishing license if you are 16 years and older." From 70 a resident still needs one but pays $5 instead of $25. Salt water works differently again: instead of a licence, the marine district asks for a free entry in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.
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. DEC lists these as well.
- Everyone on DEC’s designated free fishing days
- Active duty military, and veterans with a service-connected disability rated 40 percent or more, qualify for free or reduced licences
- Residents 70 and over, and legally blind residents, qualify for reduced-fee licences
- Non-resident students at New York colleges may buy at resident rates
