Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Fisheries Licenses, Permits, and Related Products

Buy your fishing license online

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.

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Days to Fish for Free

Saturday May 9, 2026 is Free Fishing Day. No fishing license is required.

Sunday June 21, 2026 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 8, 2026, 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.

Questions about your fishing license? Call 860-424-3105  or email sportsmen.licensing@ct.gov

Purchasing a Recreational Fishing License

Licenses may be purchased online, at DEEP Offices, or at a designated vendor

Hunting and fishing licenses purchased through CT's Online Outdoor Licensing System are signed electronically at the time of purchase, allowing you to keep a digitally signed copy on your smartphone instead of needing to have a signed, printed copy! Licenses purchased through a license agent location must still be printed and signed to be valid. 

Types of Recreational Fishing Licenses and Associated Fee

All Waters (Person may fish in both Inland and Marine Districts)

  • CT resident age 16 or 17 is $16.00
  • CT resident age 18 to 64 is $32.00
  • Non resident age 16 or older is $63.00
  • Non resident three consecutive days age 16 or older $22.00

Combination Firearms and All Waters Fishing and Archery and All Waters Fishing

  • CT resident age 16 or 17 firearms and all waters fishing is $20.00
  • CT resident age 18 to 64 firearms and all waters fishing is $40.00
  • Non-Resident age 16 and older firearms and all waters fish $120.00  
  • CT resident age 16 or 17 all waters fishing and archery is $33.00
  • CT resident age 18 to 64 all waters fishing and archery is $65.00

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.

Inland Waters Only

  • CT resident age 16 or 17 is $14.00
  • CT resident age 18 to 64 is $28.00
  • CT resident age 65 and older is FREE (requires annual renewal)
  • Non resident age 16 or older is $55.00

Combination Firearms and Inland Fishing

  • CT resident age 16 or 17 firearms and inland fishing is $19.00
  • CT resident age 18 to 64 firearms and inland fishing is $38.00
  • Non-Resident age 16 and older firearms and inland fishing is $110.00

Trout and Salmon Stamp

Frequently Asked Questions

  • CT resident age 16 or 17 is $3.00
  • CT resident age 18 to 64 is $5.00
  • Non resident age 16 or older is $5.00

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 Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

Under reciprocity agreements with Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York, anglers holding a valid Marine Waters Fishing License in any of these states may fish in the marine district and land marine fish in this state (CT). CT residents holding a valid Marine Waters Fishing License for CT may also fish in the marine district of Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York.

  • CT resident age 16 or 17 is $5.00
  • CT resident age 18 to 64 is $10.00
  • CT resident age 65 and older is FREE (requires annual renewal)
  • Non resident age 16 or older is $15.00
  • Resident one day age 16 or 17 is $3.00
  • Resident one day age 18 to 64 is $5.00
  • Non resident three consecutive days age 16 and older is $8.00

Combination Firearms and Marine Fishing

  • CT resident age 16 or 17 firearms and marine fishing is $13.00
  • CT resident age 18 to 64 firearms and marine fishing $25.00
  • Non-Resident age 16 and older firearms and marine fishing is $94.00
Personal Use Licenses in the Marine District

Personal Use Lobster License: Fee is $60.00. Required for taking lobsters by the use of up to 10 pots or SCUBA diving, for personal use (not for sale). Annual catch report required.

Personal Use Gillnet License: Fee $100.00. 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. Annual catch report required. 

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

Free Licenses - Blind, Intellectually Disabled, or Loss of Limbs

A free recreational fishing license may be granted to persons meeting the following and are available at DEEP Offices or at a designated vendor

  • 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.
License Information for Armed Forces Members

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.

Lost License

If you purchased your license through the Online Outdoor 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.

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.

High School Fishing License Waiver

No Fee

Available to secondary schools in Connecticut who incorporate instruction about fish and/or fishing. No fishing license shall be required for any student who attends a secondary school located in this state when such student is participating in a fishing event or field trip authorized, in writing, by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection provided (1) such fishing event or field trip is conducted by such secondary school, (2) the purpose of such fishing event or field trip is to provide instruction in fishing techniques, and (3) the fishing event or field trip is a component of a course of instruction conducted by such secondary school.

Any secondary school that seeks to conduct such a fishing event or field trip shall apply for authorization at least 1 month in advance of the intended fishing trip. The request shall include the following:

  • Name of the school
  • Name of the instructor for the course
  • Name of the course
  • Description of the course
  • Approximate number of students who will participate.

Email the information to DEEP.Inland.Fisheries@ct.gov.
This waiver is permissible under CTGS 26-27.

Commercial Fishing Licenses

A commercial license (fees vary by 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 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

Open-Access License Application (Fillable PDF) must be used for the following commercial licenses:

  • 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)
  • Commercial Whelk (Conch) Fishing License

Limited Access License Application (Fillable PDF)

  • Principal Commercial Fishing License
  • Commercial Lobster Pot Fishing License
  • General Commercial (Finfish) Fishing License
  • Endorsements to take summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass

Multi-State Flounder Possession Limit Application (Fillable PDF)

Commercial Tautog Tag Request Form (Fillable PDF)

Tautog Tagging Instructions

Request for Commercial Plate Replacement Form

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.

Vessel Permits / Registrations

A Commercial Fishing Vessel Permit Vessel Permit Application (Fillable PDF)

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
  • Commercial Shad Fishing License

A Party / Charter Vessel Registration Vessel Permit Application (Fillable PDF)

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.  

Environmental Tourism Cruise Vessel Permit Environmental Tourism Cruise Vessel Permit Application

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.

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.

For a Fishing Guide Registration see above.

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

Tournament/Derby Permits

Inland Waters: 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).

Apply online.    

(Traditional paper applications will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.) What is ezFile?

Marine Tournament Registration: 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.

(Traditional paper applications will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.) What is ezFile? 

Import Live Fish or Live Fish Eggs

For Bait Dealers Only:

Required for commercial fish hatcheries and bait dealers to import live fish or live fish eggs into the state.

Apply online.   

(Traditional paper applications - Word/ PDF - will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.) What is ezFile?

Importations other than for hatcheries or bait dealers:

Authorizes the importation of live fish or live fish eggs from out-of-state.

Apply online.   

(Traditional paper applications - Word Form / PDF- will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.) What is ezFile? 

Liberation (Stocking) Permit - all species except grass carp

Authorizes the liberation (stocking) of live fish or live fish eggs into Connecticut waters.

Apply online.    

(Traditional paper applications - Word Form / PDF - will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.) What is ezFile?  

Importation and/or Liberation of Triploid Grass Carp 

Authorizes the importation, possession and liberation of triploid grass carp into inspected/approved ponds for the control of nuisance aquatic vegetation.

Triploid Grass Carp Information

Application for Triploid Grass Carp

Private Waters Designation

The registration of private waters is required for any owner of private waters who desires to remove fish from such waters.

Apply online.  Fee is $70 and is non-refundable.

(Traditional paper applications -Word Form/ PDF  - will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.) What is ezFile?

Scientific Collector's Permit 

The scientific collectors permit allows individuals to collect fish and crustaceans for scientific and educational purposes. Fee varies. Apply with Word Form / PDF

Special Recreational Fishing Regulations on Association Controlled Waters

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 water.

Apply online.

(Traditional paper applications - Word Form / PDF - will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.) What is ezFile?

 

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Please contact the Fisheries Division with any questions. 

Phone: 860-424-FISH (3474)
E-mail: deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov

Content last updated October 2025