Connecticut Fishing License: How To Get One in 2023

A valid Connecticut fishing license is required for anglers to fish legally in state waters both inland an off the coast. To get a CT license to fish, you must apply through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). State fishing permits are categorized based on factors such as the applicant’s age, residency status, and how long they would like the fishing license to be valid for. Novice anglers can gain experience by taking advantage of the education opportunities offered by DEEP. Additionally, experienced anglers are encouraged to join one of the many fishing organizations in the state to meet with other fishing enthusiasts. Find out more about how to get fishing licenses in Connecticut by reading the sections outlined below

Types of Connecticut Fishing Licenses

Connecticut fishing licenses are required for all individuals ages 16 and older who would like to fish in state waters. Factors that influence the type of fishing license you need include the applicant’s age, whether or not they are a resident of Connecticut as well as the length of the license’s validity. Two main categories of fishing permits include:

• Inland/Freshwater fishing licenses
• Marine/Saltwater fishing licenses

To buy a CT fishing license, use one of the many purchase offered offered by DEEP:

• Buy a fishing license online through the DEEP Online Sportsmen Licensing System.
• Buy a fishing license in person at participating Connecticut Town Halls.
• Buy a fishing license in person at an authorized licensing vendor/tackle shop.
• Buy a fishing license in person at any DEEP office or store.

Depending on whether or not you are a resident, your fishing permit fees will vary.

Freshwater Fishing Licenses in Connecticut

Connecticut freshwater fishing licenses – also known as inland fishing licenses – can be used for sport fishing in the various state lakes, rivers and streams. Fees for freshwater fishing permits vary depending on the applicant’s residency status. Prior to buying a fishing license, decide which of the below fishing licenses interest you:

• Inland Residential Fishing License: $28
• Junior Inland Residential Fishing License: $14
• All Waters Residential Fishing License: $32
• Junior All Waters Residential Fishing License (ages 16 and 17): $16
• Resident Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting: $38
• Junior Resident Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting: $19
• Resident All Waters Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting: $40
• Junior Resident All Waters Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting: $20
• Resident All Waters Fishing and Bow and Arrow Permit to Hunt Deer and Small Game: $65
• Junior Resident All Waters Fishing and Bow and Arrow Permit to Hunt Deer and Small Game: $33
• Resident Firearms Supersport License to Fish in All Waters, and Firearms Hunt, Firearms Private Land Shotgun or Rifle Deer Permit, Muzzleloader Private land deer Permit, and Permit to Hunt Wild Turkey During Spring: $84
• Junior Resident Firearms Supersport License to Fish in All Waters, and Firearms Hunt, Firearms Private Land Shotgun or Rifle Deer Permit, Muzzleloader Private land deer Permit, and Permit to Hunt Wild Turkey During Spring: $42
• Resident Archery Supersport License to Fish in All Waters, Bow and Arrow Permit to Hunt Deer and Small Game, Permit to Hunt Wild Turkey During Spring: $82

Note: Fishing permit fees are subject to change without notice.

Saltwater Fishing Licenses in Connecticut

Anglers are required to get a saltwater fishing license – also known as a marine fishing license – to fish off the coast of Connecticut. Saltwater fishing licenses can be obtained through DEEP and are categorized by certain factors such as age and residency status. Before buying a fishing license, decide on the appropriate license for your purposes:

• Resident Marine Waters Fishing: $10
• Junior Resident Marine Waters Fishing: $5
• Resident One Day Marine Waters Fishing: $5
• Junior Resident One Day Marine Waters Fishing: $3
• Resident All Waters Fishing: $32
• Junior Resident All Waters Fishing: $16
• Resident Senior Citizen Marine Waters Fishing: Free
• Nonresident Marine Waters Fishing: $15
• Nonresident Season-All Waters Fishing: $63
• Nonresident Marine Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting: $94
• Nonresident All Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting: $120
• Nonresident Three Day Marine Waters Fishing: $8
• Armed Forces Members Marine Waters Fishing: $10
• Intellectually Disabled or Blind Marine Waters Fishing: Free
• Physically Disabled Persons Marine Waters Fishing: Free

Note: Saltwater fishing license fees are subject to change without notice.

Connecticut Fishing Education

Novice anglers can gain experience through the Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program administered by DEEP. Through CARE, children and adults can both learn the basics of fishing, as well as proper fishing ethics and wildlife conservation techniques. The program offers family fishing courses through the CARE Center, along with ice fishing classes and summer fishing classes. A schedule of courses is available on the DEEP website.

Connecticut Fishing Organizations

Experienced anglers who would like to connect with other fishing enthusiasts in Connecticut are encouraged to consider joining a local fishing organization. The most popular fishing organizations in the state have particular focuses on promoting the sport of fishing while also promoting wildlife conservation and fishing ethics:

• Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation
• The Bass Federation of Connecticut
• Connecticut Fly Fisherman’s Association Inc.

The Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation is a subsidiary of the larger B.A.S.S. Nation and brings together people with a common passion for angling of all types. Founded in 1974, the group has grown to include over 300 members of all ages and genders. The group encourages catch and release techniques while also holding regular meetings, tournaments and other fishing-related events.

The Bass Federation of Connecticut is a social organization that maintains a main focus on fishing tournaments. In addition, the group also holds regular events where members promote safe and ethical fishing techniques as well as discuss future tournament options.

The Connecticut Fly Fisherman’s Association Inc. was founded in 1967 in Hartford and continues to be the premier fly fisherman organization in the area. In addition to promoting fly fishing throughout the state, the group raises funds and awareness for protecting game-fish and the waters they live in.