For 2026, a Connecticut resident age 18–64 pays $28 for inland fishing, $10 for marine fishing, or $32 for an all-waters license. A nonresident age 16 or older pays $55, $15, or $63, respectively. Your price depends on residency, age, and where you fish; a Trout and Salmon Stamp may add to the total.
2026 Connecticut fishing license prices
Connecticut DEEP’s 2026 fee schedule separates licenses by water type and residency. Resident youth rates apply at ages 16–17; the listed nonresident rates apply to anglers age 16 or older.
| License type | CT resident, age 16–17 | CT resident, age 18–64 | CT resident, age 65+ | Nonresident, age 16+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inland waters only | $14 | $28 | Free; annual renewal required | $55 |
| Marine waters only | $5 | $10 | Free; annual renewal required | $15 |
| All waters | $16 | $32 | Separate senior all-waters fee not shown in the official fee excerpts | $63 |
| Three consecutive days, inland | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | $22 |
| Three consecutive days, marine | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | $8 |
Prices are from the Connecticut DEEP license and permit fee page and its 2026 Fishing Guide. DEEP also lists one-day marine licenses at $3 for resident anglers age 16–17 and $5 for residents age 18–64. The guide table specifies the three-day options for nonresidents; check DEEP’s live licensing system for any limited-duration option not shown there.
Which license do you need?
Inland freshwater
Choose an inland license if you are fishing Connecticut inland waters. For a resident age 18–64, the 2026 annual fee is $28; for a nonresident age 16 or older, it is $55.
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Marine or saltwater
A marine license covers marine fishing. A separate marine license is not necessary if you buy an all-waters license. Resident anglers age 18–64 pay $10 for marine-only or $32 for all waters; nonresidents age 16 or older pay $15 or $63.
All waters
An all-waters license combines inland and marine fishing privileges. It costs $32 for a Connecticut resident age 18–64, $16 for a resident age 16–17, and $63 for a nonresident age 16 or older. The official fee excerpts consulted do not state a separate all-waters price for residents age 65 and older, so confirm with DEEP rather than assuming the free inland and marine licenses combine into a free all-waters license.
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Account for the Trout and Salmon Stamp
The stamp is separate from the base license fee. DEEP charges $3 for Connecticut residents age 16–17 and $5 for Connecticut residents age 18 or older and nonresidents age 16 or older. Anglers over age 16 need the stamp if they keep trout or salmon, or fish in a designated Trout Management Area, Wild Trout Management Area, Trout Park, or Atlantic Salmon Management Area. See DEEP’s license information for details.
Age, eligibility, and license requirement
A general fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older. Connecticut residents age 65 or older can obtain free inland and marine licenses, but must renew them every year. DEEP also provides free licenses for certain qualified Connecticut residents with disabilities; requirements and issuance locations vary, and some stamps or permits are not included. Check the agency’s saltwater license FAQ and current licensing information for eligibility details.
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When licenses are valid and where to buy
Connecticut fishing licenses are issued for the calendar year and expire December 31. You can buy one through DEEP’s Online Outdoor Licensing System, selected DEEP offices, participating town clerks, or retail license vendors. A license bought online is electronically signed and may be kept digitally. A license bought from an agent must be printed and signed to be valid.
Nonresident short-term licenses and reciprocity
For 2026, the listed nonresident options include three consecutive days of inland fishing for $22 or marine fishing for $8. These are useful for visitors who do not need an annual license.
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Connecticut has marine-license reciprocity with Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York, subject to DEEP’s terms. Connecticut residents must hold a valid Connecticut marine license to fish in Connecticut waters; they cannot use another state’s license for that purpose. Confirm the rules for the specific state and situation with DEEP before traveling.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Free fishing dates in 2026
DEEP lists May 9, 2026, as a Free Fishing Day, when no fishing license is required. June 21 and August 8, 2026, are Free Fishing License Days: anglers need a free one-day license from DEEP’s licensing system. The agency says these free licenses become available three weeks before each date. These dates are specific to 2026; check DEEP’s current calendar for later years.
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What license fees support
DEEP says fishing license revenue supports its Bureau of Natural Resources, including work such as trout stocking, fishing access, boat-ramp maintenance, migratory fish restoration, monitoring, and education. The agency describes these programs on its Connecticut fishing license information page.
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