Fisheries Licenses, Permits, and Related Products
Freshwater Licenses and Permits OR Saltwater Licenses and Permits OR Commercial Fishing Licenses
Inland Fishing Licenses | Marine Fishing Licenses | Youth Fishing Passport | Hunting and Fishing Guide Registration | Personal Use Marine Licenses | Vessel Permits/Registrations | Dealer Licenses | Tournament/Derby Permit | Importation Permits for Bait Dealers, General Use and Stocking | Other | DEEP Offices
Thank you for your purchase. Fishing fuels conservation! 100% of your investment comes to the Bureau of Natural Resources to support DEEP's programs that feed your passion. Examples include; trout rearing and stocking, purchase of pike, walleye, and channel catfish, land acquisition for conservation and fishing access, maintenance of boat ramps, restoration of migratory fish species, monitoring of resident fish populations (marine and freshwater), and education to share the many benefits fishing has to offer. Looking for more information visit this link- Fishing fuels conservation.
Dates for FREE fishing:
Saturday May 11, 2024 is Free Fishing Day. No fishing license is required.
Sunday June 16, 2024 is Free Fishing License Day 1. Must get a free 1-day license from the licensing system. The free 1-day license is available starting 3 weeks prior to the date.
Saturday August 10, 2024, is Free Fishing License Day 2. Must get a free 1-day license from the licensing system. The free 1-day license is available starting 3 weeks prior to the date.
New to fishing licenses? Get help with our simple summary.
Inland fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age or older fishing in the Inland District . Licenses are issued on a calendar year basis and expire on December 31st.
| License Type | Fee (as of 1/1/15) | Where to Purchase |
|---|---|---|
|
Resident Inland Fishing
Age 18-64 Age 16 and 17 |
$28.00 $14.00 |
- Online - Designated vendor - DEEP Offices |
|
Resident All Waters Fishing
Age 18-64 Age 16 and 17 |
$32.00 $16.00 |
- Online - Designated vendor - DEEP Offices |
|
Resident Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting
Age 18-64 Age 16 and 17 |
$38.00 $19.00 |
- Online - Designated vendor - DEEP Offices - DEEP Store |
|
Resident All Waters Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting Age 18-64 Age 16 and 17 |
$20.00 |
|
|
Resident All Waters Fishing and Bow and Arrow Permit to Hunt Deer and Small Game Age 18-64 Age 16 and 17 |
$65.00 $33.00 |
|
|
Age 18-64 Age 65 and Older Age 16 and 17 |
$5.00 $5.00 $3.00 |
|
| Resident Senior Citizen (65 and older) - Inland Fishing | Free (Requires Annual Renewal) | |
| Nonresident Season-Inland Fishing | $55.00 | |
| Nonresident Season-All Waters Fishing |
$63.00 |
|
| Nonresident Three Day Inland Fishing | $22.00 |
|
| Nonresident Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting | $110.00 |
|
| Nonresident All Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting |
$120.00 |
|
| Armed Forces Members* Inland Fishing | $28.00 | |
| Armed Forces Members* All Waters Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting |
$40.00 |
|
| Armed Forces Members* Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting | $38.00 | |
| Intellectually Disabled or Blind** - Inland Fishing | Free | - Participating Town Halls - DEEP Offices |
| Physically Disabled Persons*** - Inland Fishing | Free | - Participating Town Halls - DEEP Offices |
| Physically Disabled Persons *** - Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting | Free | - Participating Town Halls - DEEP Offices |
*Any active, full-time member of the armed forces may be issued a fishing and/or small game firearms license for the resident fee. Credentials indicating active full-time membership or separation subsequent to the issuance of the license and prior to its expiration date must be carried while fishing or hunting.
** Issuance of a free license to the blind or intellectually disabled requires proof of disability in the form of a certificate provided by any person licensed to practice medicine in this state.
*** A resident who has loss of one or more limbs or has permanently lost the use of one or more limbs may be issued a fishing or hunting license free-of-charge (permits and stamps not included). Qualified non-residents are eligible for this free license if their state provides the same privilege to Connecticut residents. Verification of the disability, signed by a licensed physician, must be presented. These licenses are available at select DEEP offices, along with participating town clerk offices.
Lost License
If you purchased your license through the Online Sportsmen Licensing System, you can reprint your license at any time by logging on with your CT Conservation ID, last name, and date of birth. After logging in, there is a link for reprinting your license on the top right of the page. If you purchased your license at a participating license vendor or DEEP Office, you can ask for them to reprint your license.
Free Lifetime License for Seniors (Age 65 and older)
The free LIFETIME RESIDENT INLAND FISHING LICENSE-AGE 65+ and LIFETIME RESIDENT FIREARM LICENSE-AGE 65+ became ANNUAL licenses effective October 1, 2009. All age 65+ licenses will need to be renewed at no cost each year.
Group Fishing License
Fee $125
Available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations wishing to conduct up to 50 fishing programs/events for up to 50 individuals who are:
- Veterans with a service-related or other disability.
- Persons receiving mental health or addiction services from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and associated programs and facilities.
- Individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities receiving services from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) or a facility licensed by DDS.
- Persons receiving care from the Department of Children and Families (DCF), DCF receiving home, or certain DCF-licensed childcare facilities or programs.
No fee may be charged to participate in the events and the individuals must be supervised by an individual with a fishing license.
Contact the Fisheries Division for more information at deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov or 860-424-3474.
Marine Waters Fishing Licenses
Marine Waters Fishing Licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age or older fishing from shore or from a boat in the marine district or landing marine fish or bait species in Connecticut taken from offshore waters. Licenses are issued on a calendar year basis and expire on December 31st. Please see Marine Waters Fishing License FAQ page for more information.
| License Type | Fee | Where to Purchase |
|---|---|---|
|
Resident Marine Waters Fishing Age 18-64 Age 16 and 17 |
$10.00 $5.00 |
|
|
Resident One Day Marine Waters Fishing Age 18-64 Age 16 and 17 |
$5.00 $3.00 |
- Online - Designated vendor - DEEP Offices |
|
Resident All Waters Fishing Age 18-64 Age 16 and 17 |
$32.00 $16.00 |
- Online - Designated vendor - DEEP Offices |
| Resident Senior Citizen (65 or older) - Marine Waters Fishing |
Free (Requires Annual Renewal) |
|
|
Resident Marine Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting Age 18-64 Age 16 and 17 |
$25.00 $13.00 |
|
|
Resident All Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting Age 18-64 Age 16 and 17 |
$40.00 $20.00 |
|
| Nonresident Marine Waters Fishing | $15.00 |
|
| Nonresident Season-All Waters Fishing |
$63.00 |
|
| Nonresident Marine Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting |
$94.00 |
|
| Nonresident All Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting |
$120.00 |
|
| Nonresident Three Day Marine Waters Fishing |
$8.00 |
|
| Armed Forces Members* Marine Waters Fishing | $10.00 |
|
| Intellectually Disabled or Blind** - Marine Waters Fishing | Free |
|
| Physically Disabled Persons*** - Marine Waters Fishing | Free |
|
*Any active, full-time member of the armed forces may be issued a fishing and/or small game firearms license for the resident fee. Credentials indicating active full-time membership or separation subsequent to the issuance of the license and prior to its expiration date must be carried while fishing or hunting.
** Issuance of a free license to the blind or intellectually disabled requires proof of disability in the form of a certificate provided by any person licensed to practice medicine in this state.
*** Any resident with the loss of a limb or the loss of the use of a limb and a doctor’s certificate may be issued a free license. Qualified nonresidents who are residents of states which allow CT residents the same privileges are also eligible.
Personal Use (not for sale) Marine Licenses
A Personal Use Lobster License is required for taking lobsters by the use of up to 10 pots or SCUBA diving, for personal use (not for sale). Guidelines for Personal Use Lobster Fishing in Connecticut. Recreational License Application (Fillable PDF). Reports required. Fee $60.00
Lobster Reporting Form (Fillable PDF)
Request for Replacement of Personal Use Trap Tags Form
A Personal Use Gillnet License is required to take menhaden with a single gillnet, not more than 60 feet in length, for personal use (not for sale), from marine waters only. Guidelines for Personal Use Gill Net for Menhaden in Connecticut. Recreational License Application (Fillable PDF) Reports required. Fee $100.00
Gillnet Reporting Form (Fillable PDF)
Commercial Licenses
A commercial license is required to take and land (regardless where taken) for sale, fish, lobsters, blue crabs, squid, sea scallops and bait species from both the inland and marine districts. For further information on commercial fishing contact DEEP Fisheries Division at 860-434-6043 or write to Marine Fisheries Office, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or e-mail at deep.marine.fisheries@ct.gov.
For Marine and Inland Commercial Bait Fishing License, Commercial Shad Fishing License, Commercial Blue Crab Fishing License, Commercial Landing Vessel Operator’s License (Landing License), Restricted Commercial Fishing License (New), Restricted Commercial Lobster Pot Fishing License (New) and Commercial Whelk (Conch) Fishing License use the:
Open-Access License Application (Fillable PDF)
For Principal Commercial Fishing License, Commercial Lobster Pot Fishing License, and General Commercial (Finfish) Fishing License and for Endorsements to take summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass:
Limited Access License Application (Fillable PDF)
Multi-State Flounder Possession Limit Application (Fillable PDF)
Commercial Tautog Tag Request Form (Fillable PDF)
Tautog Tagging Program Report Form
Request for Commercial Plate Replacement Form
For a Fishing Guide Registration see: Hunting and Fishing Guide Registration.
Vessel Permits / Registrations
A Commercial Fishing Vessel Permit is required for all vessels used for activities authorized under commercial fishing licenses (e.g. use of commercial fishing gear, even if for personal use purposes). This permit is not required for vessels used only for activities associated with the Restricted Commercial Fishing License, Restricted Lobster Pot Fishing License, Commercial Whelk Fishing License, Inland Commercial Bait Fishing License, Marine Commercial Bait Fishing License, Commercial Blue Crab Fishing License, or Commercial Shad Fishing License. Vessel Permit Application (Fillable PDF)
A Party / Charter Vessel Registration is required for the operation of a vessel for a fee for the purpose of transporting and providing a fishing platform for sport fishermen in the marine district or for marine species in the inland district. Vessel Permit Application (Fillable PDF)
Dealer Licenses
A Seafood Dealer License is required to purchase, for resale, fish, lobsters, blue crabs, squid, and sea scallops from Connecticut Licensed Commercial Fishermen. Dealer License Application (Fillable PDF). For further information contact DEEP Fisheries Division at 860-434-6043 or write to Marine Fisheries Office, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or e-mail at deep.marine.fisheries@ct.gov.
A Bait Dealer License is required to sell Bait Species. Dealer License Application (Fillable PDF). For further information contact DEEP Inland Fisheries Division at 860-424-3474 or write to Inland Fisheries Office, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106 or e-mail at deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov.
For information on Connecticut regulations governing the taking of lobsters, marine and anadromous finfish, and crabs by commercial and recreational fishermen, see Marine Fisheries Information Circular
Other Permits and Products
Youth Fishing Passport - The Youth Fishing Passport is a free printable certificate available through the DEEP Online Sportsmen Licensing System or by phone (860-424-3474) to any person who is under the age of 16. For more information, please visit the Youth Fishing Passport page.
Hunting and Fishing Guide Registration - Individuals providing fishing and hunting guide services in Connecticut must register annually with the DEEP. The registration is valid for the calendar year. The registration fee is $100 and can be purchased through the Online Outdoor Licensing System or in person at DEEP offices and other vendors where hunting and fishing licenses are available.
Please note: Any hunting or fishing guide carrying paying passengers on a vessel on marine waters, or on the Thames River, Connecticut River south of the Bulkeley Bridge (Route 84) in Hartford, or on the Housatonic River below the Derby Dam is required to hold a current passenger-for-hire license issued by the United States Coast Guard. Operators and crew of vessels registered in Connecticut as a charter, party or head boat are exempt from the guide registration when providing guide services on the registered vessel. Please refer to the Marine Fisheries Information Circular
Environmental Tourism Cruise Vessel Permit is required to use a vessel for the temporary collection of marine fish and invertebrates for educational and or tourism purposes. All animals must be returned to the water safely prior to completion of the daily tour.
For an Environmental Tourism Cruise Vessel Permit use the:
Environmental Tourism Cruise Vessel Permit Application
Inland Fishing Tournament/Derby Permit
Apply online using 
What is ezFile?
(Traditional paper applications will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.)
Required to conduct a fishing tournament or derby on waters open to public fishing involving anglers 16 years of age and older. Open water catch-and-release-only tournaments can be granted an exemption from Bass Management Area special regulations (exemptions available for all Bass Management lakes from September 1 through June 30, exemptions granted only for Gardner Lake and Mansfield Hollow Reservoir from July 1 to August 31).
A Marine Fishing Tournament/Derby Registration is required to conduct a marine fishing tournament or derby in Connecticut that is open to persons 16 years of age and older as described under section 26-159a-26 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. There is no charge for the permit.
Apply online using What is ezFile?
(Traditional paper applications will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.)
Import Live Fish - For Bait Dealers Only
Apply online using What is ezFile?
(Traditional paper applications - Word/ PDF - will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.)
(Bait Dealers Reporting Form - must be submitted annually by licensed bait dealers)
Required for commercial fish hatcheries and bait dealers to import live fish or live fish eggs into the state.
- No permit is required to import common aquarium species.
- It is illegal to release any aquarium fish into public or private waters.
- Possession or importation of a number of fish species is prohibited. These prohibited species include piranha, walking catfish, black, silver and bighead carp, gizzard shad and all species of the family Channidae (snakeheads).
- For further information and a complete listing, contact Inland Fisheries at 860-424-3474.
Importation Permit (General)
Apply online using What is ezFile?
(Traditional paper applications - Word Form / PDF- will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.)
Authorizes the importation of live fish or live fish eggs from out-of-state.
- An importation permit is required for the importation into Connecticut of live fish or fish eggs.
- List of Private Hatcheries (PDF)
Liberation (Stocking) Permit
Apply online using What is ezFile?
(Traditional paper applications - Word Form / PDF - will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.)
Authorizes the liberation (stocking) of live fish or live fish eggs into Connecticut waters.
- A liberation permit is necessary whenever an individual or organization stocks live fish or fish eggs into any pond, lake or stream in Connecticut.
- List of Private Hatcheries
Importation and/or Liberation Permit for Triploid Grass Carp
Authorizes the importation, possession and liberation of triploid grass carp into inspected/approved ponds for the control of nuisance aquatic vegetation.
Private Waters Designation Word Form/ PDF
The registration of private waters is required for any owner of private waters who desires to remove fish from such waters.
Scientific Collector's Permit Word Form / PDF
This permit allows individuals to collect fish and crustaceans for scientific & educational purposes.
Special Regulations on Association Controlled Waters
Apply online using What is ezFile?
(Traditional paper applications - Word Form / PDF - will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.)
A permit for any association owning or controlling the fishing rights in any stream or pond to have special open and closed seasons, daily creel and season limits, and legal lengths of species taken from such waters.
Sportsmen and women are able to purchase licenses, permits, and stamps online 24/7 through Connecticut's Online Outdoor Licensing System. If you do not have a way to print your license after purchase, you can display your license on a mobile device (be sure to have it with you while out in the field). Licenses and permits can also be purchased directly from many town clerks and retail agents.
DEEP Offices where licenses can be purchased:
| Location | Hours | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEEP Field Offices: | |||
| Marine District Headquarters, Old Lyme | M-F 8:30 AM-4:00 PM | 860-434-6043 | |
| Eastern District Headquarters, Marlborough | M-F 8:00 AM-3:30 PM | 860-295-9523 | |
| Western District Headquarters Watertown (Black Rock State Park) |
M-F 8:30 AM-4:00 PM | 860-485-0226 | |
| Franklin WMA, Franklin | M-F 8:30 AM-4:00 PM | 860-424-3011 | |
| Sessions Woods WMA, Burlington | M-F 8:30 AM-4:00 PM | 860-424-3011 | |
| DEEP Main Office, 79 Elm St, Hartford | |||
| License and Revenue | M-F 9:00 AM-4:00 PM | 860-424-3105 |
Please contact the Fisheries Division with any questions.
Phone: 860-424-FISH (3474)
E-mail: deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov
Content last updated in March 2024.