I can't answer questions about other state's laws. Anyone who has a question about what NY, RI, Mass or any other state will do needs to contact them.

As far as fishing in CT's waters with the Federal Registry, the way the regulation was written, the answer is No, you can't do it. If NY doesn't have their saltwater license but relies on the Federal Registry, CT doesn't recognize it for reciprocity. I don't know why....

From the Salt Water License FAQ:

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2696&q=443060&depNav_GID=1630#Reciprocity

If I enroll in the federal registry can I fish in Connecticut's marine waters?
No. Anglers must either have a valid CT, RI or NY marine fishing license to fish in Connecticut's marine waters.
NOTE - this was published prior to NY dropping their saltwater license, so now only the RI and Mass saltwater license holders can fish in CT salt water.

Can I fish in federal waters or in another state’s waters with a Connecticut Marine Waters Fishing License?

Federal waters: Yes. CT MWFL holders will be exempt from the federal registry requirement.

New York: Yes, but only in the waters of Long Island Sound lying between NY and CT (this line has not yet been precisely defined by NY). This may have changed - you need to check with NY to see if they will accept CT's license.

RI: Yes.


NH: Yes in 2010. NO effective January 1, 2011 when NH implements a state Marine Fishing License requirement. There is no reciprocity with CT.


MA: Yes. Based on information provided on the MA DMF web site on October 19, 2010, CT licensed anglers will have full reciprocal fishing privileges in 2011.


OTHER States: No, UNLESS that state does not have a marine or saltwater fishing license requirement. In such cases a valid MWFL (Marine Waters Fishing License) from Connecticut (or any other exempt state) will satisfy the federal registry requirement.

ME: Yes in 2010. NO Effective January 1, 2011 when Maine adopts a state saltwater registry requirement.

Can I fish in Connecticut's marine waters if I hold a marine fishing license in another state?
Yes. Under a reciprocity agreement with Rhode Island and New York, anglers holding a valid resident or non-resident marine fishing license in either of these states may fish in the marine district and land marine fish in this state (CT). Note that Connecticut residents must hold a valid Connecticut marine waters fishing license.