New York Fishing Compliance Checklist
Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Fees verified for 2026. Generated by FishFig — informational only, not legal advice.
1 · What license do you need?
| Angler | Annual fee |
|---|---|
| Resident | $25.00 |
| Non-resident | $50.00 |
Source: New York State DEC — 2026 fishing license fees (dec.ny.gov/permits/6091.html). (2026). Verify the exact product and any one-day or short-term options with the agency.
2 · Size & bag limits
| Species | Min size | Bag limit | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass | 12 in | 5 | NY Env. Conserv. Law §11-0701; 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations (harvest Jun 15–Nov 30). |
| Brook / Brown / Rainbow Trout | — | 5 | NY 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations. |
| Walleye | 15 in | 5 | NY 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations. |
3 · Required stamps & report cards
NYS DEC annual freshwater license (365 days): resident ages 16–69 $25, ages 70+ $5; nonresident $50. Saltwater anglers use the free Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.
4 · Legal citations
- NY Env. Conserv. Law §11-0701; 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations (harvest Jun 15–Nov 30).
- NY 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations.
- NY 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations.
- New York State DEC — 2026 fishing license fees (dec.ny.gov/permits/6091.html). (2026)
Always confirm current fees, seasons, and closures with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) before fishing. This checklist is a planning aid and may not reflect in-season changes.