Connecticut Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
How much is a fishing license in Connecticut?
A resident annual Connecticut fishing license costs $28.00, and a non-resident annual license is $55.00. Saltwater fishing also needs a separate stamp ($10.00). Connecticut also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
🎫 Buy a Connecticut Fishing License →Fishing in Connecticut
Connecticut fishing centers on Long Island Sound and a web of New England lakes and rivers. The Sound produces striped bass, bluefish, fluke, scup and blackfish through the warm months, and surfcasters work the beaches hard. Inland, the Farmington River is a renowned wild-trout tailwater and the Housatonic offers both trout and smallmouth, while ponds statewide hold largemouth and panfish. Saltwater anglers register with the state rather than buying a separate stamp.
Connecticut Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$28.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$55.00
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$22.00
Senior (65+)
FreeCT resident 65+: free inland AND marine license
Youth (under 16)
Free🌊 Saltwater stamp: Connecticut requires a separate saltwater stamp ($10.00) for saltwater fishing. Separate CT Saltwater Fishing License required (free for residents 65+)
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Connecticut fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Connecticut. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. A license is required at 16 and older; anglers under 16 fish free (an optional free Youth Fishing Passport is available). Connecticut sells a combined inland+marine "All Waters" license and separate Inland and Marine licenses.
- Seniors (65+)
- Connecticut residents 65 and older receive a FREE fishing license — both the Inland and the Marine license are free (annual renewal required). A Trout & Salmon Stamp, where applicable, must still be purchased.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Free Inland Fishing License for Connecticut residents who are legally blind or intellectually disabled (proof from a CT-licensed specialist), and for residents who have lost, or permanently lost the use of, one or more limbs (physician-verified). Stamps and permits are not included.
- Veterans & military
- Any active, full-time member of the U.S. armed forces may buy a fishing license at the resident fee with military credentials; resident service members home on leave fish free.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Connecticut has one truly license-free day — Saturday, May 9, 2026 — when no license is required at all. It also runs two "Free Fishing License" days, Sunday, June 21 and Saturday, August 8, 2026, on which fishing is free but a no-cost 1-day license must first be obtained from the DEEP licensing system. All other regulations still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Connecticut Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Connecticut species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| TroutNew statewide 9-inch minimum effective Jan 1 2026; Trout Management Areas have reduced limits | 5 | 9" | Year-round (varies by area) |
| Largemouth/Smallmouth BassSome bass management lakes differ | 6 | 12" | Year-round |
| Striped BassSaltwater slot 28–31 inches; confirm current coastal rule | 1 | 28" | Varies |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Connecticut Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Connecticut?
A resident annual fishing license in Connecticut costs $28.00, and a non-resident annual license costs $55.00. Connecticut also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Do you need a fishing license in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Connecticut residents 65 and older receive a FREE fishing license — both the Inland and the Marine license are free (annual renewal required). A Trout & Salmon Stamp, where applicable, must still be purchased. Always confirm current rules with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection before you fish.
Do you need a saltwater stamp to fish in Connecticut?
Yes — Connecticut requires a separate saltwater stamp or endorsement for saltwater fishing, which costs $10.00 on top of the regular license. Separate CT Saltwater Fishing License required (free for residents 65+)
Where do you buy a Connecticut fishing license?
Buy directly from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Connecticut.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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