Everyone must have a valid fishing license in their possession while fishing, except:

• Persons under 16 years of age.
  
  
• When fishing waters of the Marine District or in the Hudson River south of the Troy Barrier Dam.
  
  Note: A fishing license is required on the entire length of all Hudson River tributaries south of the Troy Dam to the Tappan Zee Bridge even if the tributary is subject to tidal flow.
  
  
• When fishing on licensed fishing preserves.
  
  
• Citizen-resident owners, lessees and citizen members of their immediate families occupying and cultivating farm lands, when fishing on their own lands.
  
  
• Persons holding farm fish pond licenses and members of their immediate families, when fishing on waters covered by their licenses.
  
  
• Resident parties at United States Veterans Administration hospitals, Department of Mental Hygiene institutions, and Department of Health rehabilitation hospitals, and inmates at Division of Youth rehabilitation centers. A free permit is available from: NYSDEC License Sales, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4790.

A fishing license or combined hunting and fishing license entitles the holder to: take fish by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip ups; take frogs by spearing, catching with the hands or by use of a club or hook; and take bait fish for personal use, all as provided by the laws and regulations of the Department of Environmental Conservation:

• The holder of a license shall have such license on the holder's person while exercising any privilege of that license..
  
  
• The holder of a license shall exhibit it on demand to any police officer, peace office, or the owner, lessee, or other person in control of the lands or waters on which the license holder is present.