Connecticut offers exceptional fishing opportunities across its inland lakes, rivers, and Long Island Sound — from trophy largemouth bass in Candlewood Lake to wild brown trout in the Farmington River and striped bass along the coast at the mouth of the Connecticut River. Whether you’re a year-round freshwater angler or a seasonal saltwater enthusiast, here’s exactly what you’ll pay for a 2026 Connecticut fishing license.
2026 Connecticut Fishing License Costs at a Glance
Connecticut uses a split system — you can buy an inland license, a marine license, or an all-waters license that covers both. All licenses follow the calendar year (January 1 – December 31).
Resident License Fees
| License Type | Ages 18–64 | Ages 16–17 |
|---|---|---|
| Inland Fishing | $28.00 | $14.00 |
| Marine Fishing | $10.00 | $5.00 |
| All Waters (Inland + Marine) | $32.00 | $16.00 |
| Marine One-Day Permit | $5.00 | $3.00 |
Non-Resident License Fees
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Inland Fishing (Seasonal) | $55.00 |
| Inland Fishing (3-Day) | $22.00 |
| Marine Fishing (Seasonal) | $15.00 |
| Marine Fishing (3-Day) | $8.00 |
| All Waters (Seasonal) | $63.00 |
Trout & Salmon Stamp
| Stamp Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Age 18+ | $5.00 |
| Age 16–17 (Resident) | $3.00 |
Required for any angler who keeps trout or salmon, or fishes in designated Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management Areas, Trout Parks, or Atlantic Salmon Management Areas.
Source: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), current as of March 2026.
Who Needs a Connecticut Fishing License?
- Residents and non-residents age 16+: Required for both inland and marine waters
- Under 16: Free — no license required (but need a free Conservation ID if participating in DEEP programs)
- Residents 65+: Free annual license — must apply/renew each year
- Legally blind or disabled: Free license available with documentation
- Active duty military: Can purchase at resident rates regardless of home state
Understanding the Split System: Inland vs. Marine vs. All Waters
Connecticut’s license system can be confusing. Here’s which one you need:
| If You’re Fishing In… | You Need… |
|---|---|
| Lakes, ponds, rivers, streams (freshwater) | Inland Fishing License |
| Long Island Sound, saltwater bays, tidal rivers | Marine Fishing License |
| Both freshwater AND saltwater | All Waters License ($32 R / $63 NR) |
Pro Tip: The All Waters license costs only $4 more than the inland license alone for residents. If there’s any chance you’ll fish the coast, get the combo and save yourself the hassle.
Cost Comparison: What You’ll Actually Pay
| Scenario | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater only (no trout) | $28.00 | $55.00 |
| Freshwater + Trout Stamp | $33.00 | $60.00 |
| Marine only | $10.00 | $15.00 |
| All Waters (no trout) | $32.00 | $63.00 |
| All Waters + Trout Stamp | $37.00 | $68.00 |
| 3-Day trip (inland only) | N/A | $22.00 |
| 3-Day trip (marine only) | N/A | $8.00 |
Where to Buy
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | CT DEEP Online Licensing — instant digital |
| In Person | DEEP offices, sporting goods stores, bait shops, town clerks |
| By Phone | Contact CT DEEP Licensing at (860) 424-3105 |
2026 Free Fishing Days
Connecticut offers three free fishing days in 2026:
| Date | Type |
|---|---|
| Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Free Fishing Day — no license required |
| Sunday, June 21, 2026 | Free Fishing License Day — free 1-day license required |
| Saturday, August 8, 2026 | Free Fishing License Day — free 1-day license required |
On all free fishing days, regulations including bag limits and size limits still apply. The June and August dates require obtaining a free one-day license through the DEEP system.
Where Your License Fees Go
Connecticut fishing license revenue directly supports:
- Fish hatcheries — trout stocking across 100+ Connecticut waters annually
- Habitat restoration — stream bank stabilization, dam removals, and fish passage projects
- Research — fish population surveys, water quality monitoring, and invasive species control
- Public access — boat launches, fishing piers, and handicap-accessible facilities
- Enforcement — Environmental Conservation Police officers patrol statewide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Connecticut fishing license in 2026?
A resident inland fishing license costs $28.00. Non-residents pay $55.00 (seasonal) or $22.00 (3-day). The All Waters combo is $32.00 resident / $63.00 non-resident.
Do seniors get a free fishing license in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut residents 65 and older qualify for a free annual fishing license. You must apply or renew each year through DEEP.
Do I need a trout stamp in Connecticut?
Only if you plan to keep trout or salmon, or fish in designated Trout Management Areas. The stamp costs $5.00 (adults) or $3.00 (ages 16–17).
Do kids need a fishing license in Connecticut?
No. Anyone under 16 can fish without a license in Connecticut.
Does Connecticut have free fishing days?
Yes — three in 2026: May 9, June 21, and August 8. The May date requires no license at all; the June and August dates require obtaining a free one-day license.
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