Fishing

Sport Fishing

Recreational fishing is one of Connecticut’s oldest and most popular pastimes for both freshwater and marine anglers alike! With approximately 170,000 Fishing licenses issued in 2024*, CT is full of opportunities for fishing enthusiasts year-round! Whether you’re looking to scout for some trout at your local lake or catch some flounder on the Sound, getting your fishing license has never been easier.

Looking to catch in on the fun? Click here to visit DEEP’s 24/7 Online Sportsmen Licensing Registration page to obtain or renew your fishing license in 2025!

Freshwater Fishing FAQ

  • Do I need a fishing license in CT?

Yes! All Persons aged 16 years or older must have a fishing license in order to partake in any type of fishing or fishing-related activity in Connecticut.

  • Do I need a fishing license if I am not a Connecticut resident?

Yes! Even if you are not a resident of the State of Connecticut, you MUST obtain a State fishing license in order to fish recreationally.

  • How much does a freshwater fishing license cost?

That depends, to fish in all waters in CT, the prices are as follows*:

  • CT Residents aged 16-17: $16
  • CT Residents aged 18-64: $32
  • CT Residents aged 65+: FREE
  • Non-Residents: $63

*to see the full list of types of fishing licenses and prices, visit the 2024 CT DEEP Freshwater Fishing Guide

  • Does my fishing license expire?

Yes! CT fishing licenses expire on December 31 of the given year and must be renewed at the start of the calendar year.

  • Can I get a discount on my fishing license?

Yes! Residents who are aged 16 or 17 will receive a 50% discount on their licenses, and CT Residents aged 65+ are eligible for FREE fishing licenses!

  • Where can I purchase my fishing license?

Fishing licenses can be purchased online 24/7 at https://portal.ct.gov/CTOutdoorLicenses

Still have questions?

Still have questions? For the full list of rules and regulations pertaining to freshwater fishing in CT, please visit the 2024 CT DEEP Freshwater Fishing Guide.

Marine/Saltwater Fishing FAQ

  • Do I need a fishing license to marine fish in CT?

Yes! According to CT DEEP, “Anyone age 16 or older, fishing (taking or attempting to take fish or bait species) from shore or from a boat in the marine district of this state or landing marine fish or bait species in Connecticut taken from offshore waters is required to have one [A Marine Fishing license].”

  • How Much Does a Marine Fishing License Cost?

The pricing of Connecticut’s marine fishing license is as follows:

  • Residents aged 16-64: $10
  • Residents aged 65+: FREE
  • Non-Residents aged 16+: $15

  • Is my Connecticut marine fishing license valid in any other state?

Yes! Connecticut marine fishing licenses are valid in the following states:

  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • Rhode Island

  • I have a marine fishing license in another state, is my license valid in CT?

That depends! Connecticut will accept out-of-state licenses from the following states:

  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • Rhode Island
  • States without a marine or saltwater fishing license

  • I am enrolled in the federal registry with the National Saltwater Angler Registry Program, do I still need to obtain a Connecticut marine fishing license?

Yes! Simply enrolling in the federal registry is NOT enough to satisfy the requirements for recreational marine fishing in Connecticut. Residents MUST obtain a Connecticut marine fishing license, and non-residents from MA, ME, NY, or RI may use their existing license.

  • Does my Connecticut marine fishing license expire?

Yes! CT marine fishing licenses expire on December 31 and must be renewed yearly.

  • Does the Connecticut marine fishing license cover commercial Marine Fishing?

No, commercial marine fishing licenses are obtained separately. For more information on commercial fishing licenses, please contact one of the following:

  • The DEEP Fisheries Division (860-434-6043) OR
  • The Marine Fisheries Office, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 OR
  • E-mail marine.fisheries@ct.gov

Helpful Links:

Freshwater Fishing:

Marine Fishing:

References

CT DEEP. (n.d.). Fisheries Licenses and Permits. CT.gov. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/general-information/fisheries-licenses-and-permits#Permits

CT DEEP. (n.d.). Freshwater Record Fish. Fresh Water Fishing Guide. https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/freshwater-fishing-guide/freshwater-record-fish

CT DEEP. (n.d.). Marine Waters Fishing License. Saltwater Licence FAQ. https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/saltwater/saltwater-license-frequently-asked-questions

*Leavenworth, J. (2024, September 27). Connecticut sees decline in hunting, fishing licenses in recent years. CT Insider. Retrieved December 3, 2024, from https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/ct-hunting-and-fishing-day-conservation-19797129.php