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New York’s border waters offer some of the most exceptional fishing opportunities in the Northeast, made even more accessible through strategic reciprocity agreements with neighboring states. These agreements allow anglers to fish across state boundaries without purchasing multiple licenses, providing significant cost savings and convenience for those who enjoy exploring diverse fisheries. As we enter 2025, understanding the precise boundaries, regulations, and requirements for fishing New York’s shared waters has become more crucial than ever, with several important updates to reciprocity zones and reporting requirements.
Understanding Fishing License Reciprocity
Fishing license reciprocity represents a formal arrangement between neighboring states that allows anglers with a valid fishing license from one state to legally fish in designated border waters of another state without purchasing an additional license. These agreements primarily exist to simplify fishing regulations in shared waters and promote recreational opportunities while ensuring proper fisheries management.
Why reciprocity matters: Border waters create natural jurisdictional challenges, as state boundaries often cut through the middle of lakes and rivers. Without reciprocity agreements, anglers would need to constantly monitor their exact location while fishing, creating enforcement difficulties and potentially limiting recreational enjoyment.
New York maintains specific reciprocity arrangements with:
- Vermont (primarily for Lake Champlain)
- New Jersey (for Greenwood Lake and portions of the Delaware River)
- Pennsylvania (for the Delaware River and its West Branch)
- Connecticut and Rhode Island (for marine waters)
Each agreement has distinct boundaries, covered water bodies, and special regulations that anglers must understand to fish legally.
NY-VT Reciprocity: Lake Champlain and Beyond
The New York-Vermont reciprocity agreement for Lake Champlain is one of the most comprehensive interstate fishing arrangements in the Northeast, covering approximately 120 miles of shared waters.
2025 Lake Champlain Reciprocal License Coverage
According to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, anglers holding a valid fishing license from either New York or Vermont can legally fish throughout most of Lake Champlain without purchasing a second license. This includes what’s officially designated as the “Main Lake” and “South Lake” sections.
Important boundary details: The 2025 agreement specifically defines the geographical boundaries as follows:
- Vermont license holders may fish Lake Champlain west of the Vermont/New York border to the New York shore
- New York license holders can fish the Vermont portion of Lake Champlain as far east as a line starting on the north shore of the Poultney River where it empties into East Bay, proceeding generally northerly along coordinates defined in the NY DEC regulations
For a visual representation of these boundaries, check out the interactive map of Lake Champlain fishing zones.
Exceptions to General Lake Champlain Reciprocity
Several important exceptions to the general reciprocity agreement exist for Lake Champlain:
| Area | License Required |
|---|---|
| South Bay (NY) | New York State Fishing License only |
| The “Four Bays” | License of the state within whose borders they fall |
| Inland Sea (VT) | Vermont Fishing License only |
| Mallett’s Bay (VT) | Vermont Fishing License only |
| Missisquoi Bay (VT) | Vermont Fishing License only |
| “The Gut” (VT) | Vermont Fishing License only |
2025 Lake Champlain regulation update: Beginning January 1, 2025, all Lake Champlain anglers must now report lake trout catches over 24″ within 48 hours through the NY DEC FishNY mobile app or the Vermont Fish & Wildlife online portal.
Following State-Specific Regulations
A critical aspect of the Lake Champlain reciprocity agreement is that anglers must follow the fishing regulations of the state in whose waters they are fishing, regardless of which license they hold.
For example, 2025 Lake Champlain regulations for trout differ between states:
- New York waters: 12″ minimum length for trout with a daily limit of 3
- Vermont waters: 15″ minimum length for trout with a daily limit of 2
For additional species-specific regulations across border waters, see our comprehensive cross-state fishing regulations guide.
NY-NJ Reciprocity: Greenwood Lake & Delaware River
New York and New Jersey share two significant border waters with reciprocity agreements: Greenwood Lake and portions of the Delaware River.
Greenwood Lake Full Reciprocity
Greenwood Lake spans seven miles along the New York-New Jersey border and features a straightforward reciprocity arrangement. According to the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, both New York and New Jersey fishing licenses are recognized anywhere on Greenwood Lake, regardless of which side of the state line you’re fishing from.
This means anglers can fish throughout Greenwood Lake with either a valid New York or New Jersey fishing license. This simplified approach eliminates the need to track precise state boundaries while on the water.
Village of Greenwood Lake permit requirement: While state fishing licenses enjoy reciprocity, the Village of Greenwood Lake in New York has established additional local permit requirements for non-residents approaching the water from village shorelines. These permits:
- Must be obtained in person
- Are valid for a single calendar day
- Cannot be transferred
- Require payment of a fee set by the Village Board of Trustees
Village residents are exempt from these additional requirements. For more information, visit the Village of Greenwood Lake website.
Delaware River NY-NJ Section
The Delaware River serves as a boundary between multiple states, including New York and New Jersey in its upper reaches. The reciprocal agreement allows anglers to fish from shoreline to shoreline using either state’s fishing license.
2025 Delaware River update: As of March 1, 2025, all New York and New Jersey anglers fishing the Delaware River must use certified lead-free tackle when targeting striped bass, as part of the interstate conservation initiative.
NY-PA Reciprocity: Delaware River System
The New York-Pennsylvania border shares significant portions of the Delaware River system, including the main stem and the West Branch of the Delaware River.
Delaware River Main Stem Reciprocity
The main stem Delaware River reciprocity agreement between New York and Pennsylvania allows anglers with a license from either state to fish from shore to shore without purchasing a second license. According to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, this applies to the entire length of the river where it forms the boundary between the two states.
Special regulation areas: Several sections of the Delaware River have special regulations that differ from general state rules. The most notable is the catch-and-release-only section near Hancock, NY, which is detailed in our Pennsylvania fishing seasons guide.
West Branch Delaware River
The West Branch Delaware River also falls under the NY-PA reciprocity agreement, allowing anglers with either a New York or Pennsylvania license to fish the entire river. However, specific tributaries entering the West Branch are not covered by reciprocity and require a license from the state in which they’re located.
2025 regulation update: Beginning April 1, 2025, the West Branch Delaware River will have modified trout regulations with a delayed harvest period. For details, see the full Delaware River fishing regulations.
Delaware River Fishing Regulations Table
The Delaware River has unique regulations that differ from general state regulations:
| Species | Season | Size Limit | Daily Limit | Special Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout | April 1 – Oct 15 | No minimum | 1 | Catch and release only Oct 16 – Mar 31 with artificial lures only |
| Black Bass | First Sat after June 11 – Day before first Sat after April 11 | 12″ | 5 | Catch and release only during closed season |
| Walleye | First Sat in May – Mar 14 | 18″ | 3 | |
| Muskellunge | Open all year | 40″ | 1 | |
| Striped Bass | Open all year | 28″ | 1 | Lead-free tackle required as of March 2025 |
Marine Waters Reciprocity
New York also participates in reciprocity agreements for marine waters fishing with neighboring coastal states.
NY-CT-RI Marine Reciprocity
According to Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, anglers holding a valid Marine Waters Fishing License from Connecticut, Rhode Island, or New York may fish in the marine districts of any of these states and land marine fish under that license.
This means that anglers with a valid marine fishing license from Connecticut or Rhode Island can legally fish in New York’s marine waters without needing to purchase a separate New York marine fishing license.
Marine registry requirement: While reciprocity exists, New York requires registration with the recreational marine fishing registry to fish in the marine waters of New York. This registry is incorporated into the National Marine Fishing Service nationwide database of recreational marine anglers. Fortunately, this registry has no fee, making it an easy additional step for anglers planning to fish New York’s marine waters.
For complete details on marine registry requirements, visit the NY DEC Marine Registry page.
Long Island Sound Boundary Clarification
For 2025, the New York-Connecticut reciprocity boundary in Long Island Sound has been clarified to follow the “Connecticut Line” rather than the state boundary line. This means the reciprocity boundary extends from:
- The southwestern corner of Connecticut
- South to a point offshore from Port Jefferson, NY
- East along a series of coordinates to the Rhode Island state line
A detailed map of this boundary is available through the NY DEC interactive boundary map tool.
Obtaining Fishing Licenses for Border Waters
Understanding how to obtain the appropriate fishing license is essential before taking advantage of reciprocity agreements.
New York Resident Fishing Licenses
New York residents can purchase annual freshwater fishing licenses for $25 as of 2025. These licenses are available through:
- Online through the NY DEC license portal
- In-person at authorized license issuing agents (including many sporting goods stores)
- Town and county clerk offices
- By phone at 1-866-933-2257
Residents must provide proof of residency, typically a valid New York driver’s license or non-driver ID, when purchasing a license.
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Non-residents planning to fish in New York waters can purchase annual freshwater fishing licenses for $50 as of 2025. For shorter trips, New York offers:
- 7-day licenses for $28
- 1-day licenses for $10
For complete details on license options and fees, visit our guide to fishing license fees for non-residents.
Mobile Licensing Options
As of 2025, New York offers enhanced mobile licensing options through:
- NY DEC FishNY app: Available for iOS and Android devices, allowing instant license purchase and digital storage
- Digital wallet integration: Licenses can be added to Apple Wallet or Google Pay for easy access
- QR verification: Conservation officers can verify licenses via QR code scanning
For help with the digital licensing system, see our guide to renewing your fishing license.
2025 Updates to Border Waters Regulations
Several important regulatory changes have been implemented for 2025 that affect border waters fishing in New York:
Lake Champlain Updates
- New West Bay Access: Three new public access points have been added on the New York side of Lake Champlain’s West Bay
- Lake Trout Reporting: Mandatory reporting of all lake trout over 24 inches
- Baitfish Regulations: Stricter baitfish transportation rules to prevent invasive species spread
Delaware River Changes
- Lead Tackle Ban: Prohibition on lead tackle when targeting striped bass
- Extended Walleye Season: The walleye season has been extended by two weeks in the spring
- Artificial Lure Requirement: Expanded sections requiring artificial lures only
Greenwood Lake Modifications
- Bass Season Adjustment: The catch-and-release period for bass has been extended by two weeks
- Crappie Size Limit: Increased minimum size for crappie from 8″ to 9″
- Village Access Permits: New online purchasing option for village shoreline permits
For more information on these and other regulatory changes, see our free fishing days guide which includes updates on special regulations.
Conservation and Compliance in Border Waters
Border waters represent unique ecological systems that require cooperative management between states. Understanding conservation initiatives and ensuring compliance with regulations helps protect these valuable resources.
Invasive Species Prevention
Border waters are particularly vulnerable to invasive species, with transmission possible between watersheds. To protect these waters:
- Clean, Drain, Dry: Always clean and dry all equipment between water bodies
- Certified Baitfish: Only use certified virus-free baitfish as required by regulations
- Report Invasive Sightings: Use the iMapInvasives portal to report suspect species
Learn more about invasive species prevention in our guide to fishing regulations in Maryland.
Enforcement and Penalties
Both New York and its neighboring states actively enforce fishing regulations in border waters. Conservation officers from any state with jurisdiction can check licenses and compliance. Penalties for fishing without a proper license or violating regulations can include:
- Fines starting at $250 for first offenses
- Possible license revocation for serious or repeat violations
- Confiscation of fishing equipment
- Court appearances and additional fees
For 2025, New York has introduced automated electronic fine processing, allowing penalties to be paid online through the NY DEC violation portal.
Conservation Success Stories
Cooperative management of border waters has led to several conservation success stories:
- Lake Champlain Lake Trout: Recovery from near-extinction to sustainable populations
- Delaware River Shad: Increasing numbers due to dam removal and stocking efforts
- Striped Bass Management: Coordinated regulations leading to healthier populations
These successes demonstrate the value of interstate cooperation in fisheries management. For more inspiring conservation stories, visit our Best Saltwater Fishing Spots in Texas article.
Conclusion: Making the Most of NY Border Waters
New York’s fishing license reciprocity agreements with Vermont, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Rhode Island provide valuable opportunities for anglers to experience diverse fishing without the burden of purchasing multiple licenses. By understanding the specific waters covered, boundary details, and applicable regulations, anglers can fully enjoy these exceptional resources while staying in compliance with the law.
For the most current and detailed information on license requirements and regulations, always check with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the corresponding agencies in neighboring states before planning your fishing trips. Remember that being properly licensed not only keeps you legal but also supports conservation efforts that ensure quality fishing opportunities for future generations.
As you plan your 2025 border waters fishing adventures, take advantage of the resources available through TeenFish.com to stay informed about the latest regulations, access points, and fishing reports. With proper planning and respect for the rules, New York’s border waters can provide some of the most memorable fishing experiences in the Northeast.
