Bowfishing Laws in New York: What You Need to Know Before You Shoot
June 13, 2026
Bowfishing in New York is legal — but only if you know exactly where the lines are drawn. The state’s regulations are specific about which species you can target, what gear you can use, when the season opens and closes, and which waters are off-limits entirely.
Whether you’re a first-time bowfisher or a seasoned archer looking to branch out, understanding New York’s rules before you hit the water will keep you legal, protect the fishery, and help you make the most of every outing. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about bowfishing laws in New York.
Is Bowfishing Legal in New York?
Yes, bowfishing is legal in New York — but it operates under strict rules that differ significantly from standard rod-and-reel fishing. The taking of fish by bow or spear is prohibited in all waters except as specifically permitted under state regulation. That means you cannot simply grab a bow and shoot at any fish in any body of water. The law spells out exactly which species, which waters, and which timeframes are allowed.
Bowfishing has become a popular activity in New York State over recent years, often occurring both during daytime and at night with the use of bright lights, which has generated many questions from the public regarding the legality of bowfishing on New York waters.
The governing regulation is 6 NYCRR Section 10.7, which covers the taking of fish with bows and spears. As long as you comply with that section — and any applicable local ordinances — you can legally bowfish in the state.
Important Note: Local town and county ordinances may impose additional restrictions on discharging a bow, even where state law permits bowfishing. Always check with your local municipality before heading out.
What Fish Can You Bowfish for in New York?
New York keeps its list of bowfishable species short. Carp may be taken by a longbow (recurve or compound) or crossbow in any number or size from May 15 through September 30 from any water where fishing and the discharge of a bow is permitted. That’s a generous bag limit — no size restrictions and no daily cap on carp.
No other fish may be taken with a bow under New York’s freshwater regulations. This means popular bowfishing targets in other states — such as gar, buffalo fish, catfish, and drum — are off-limits in New York. Targeting any game fish or non-permitted species with a bow is a violation of state law.
Some of the most common freshwater fish shot in other states include bighead carp, common carp, grass carp, catfish, buffalo, and several varieties of gar. Many of these fall under the category of rough or “trash” fish — species not commonly eaten and often invasive. In New York, however, only carp (common and grass) are specifically authorized targets.
Pro Tip: Common carp and grass carp are both fair game during the open season. You can expect to pull in plenty of common carp and grass carp during a typical outing, and occasionally you may encounter wild goldfish as well.
Fish permitted to be taken with a bow may be taken at any size and in any number, which makes carp bowfishing one of the few truly unlimited harvest opportunities in the state. That said, you are still required to comply with the Fish Carcass Disposal Law — you cannot simply leave harvested fish on the bank or in the water.
Bowfishing License Requirements in New York
You do need a valid license to bowfish for carp in New York, but the state gives you some flexibility in how you satisfy that requirement. Carp may be taken by a longbow (recurve or compound) or crossbow from May 15 through September 30, and a person must have either a fishing license, a hunting license, or be entitled to fish without a fishing license to take carp with a longbow or crossbow.
That means your existing hunting license is sufficient — you don’t need to purchase a separate fishing license solely for bowfishing if you already hold a valid New York hunting license.
If you are using a freshwater fishing license, you need one if you are 16 years and older and fishing for freshwater fish species by angling, spearing, hooking, longbow, and tip-ups. Longbow is explicitly listed as a covered method, so a standard freshwater fishing license satisfies the requirement for bowfishing.
Here is a summary of license options for bowfishers in New York:
| License Type | Covers Bowfishing? | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishing License | Yes | Residents and non-residents age 16+ |
| Hunting License | Yes (for carp by bow) | Valid license holders |
| No license (exempt) | Yes, if entitled to fish without one | Anglers under 16, qualifying landowners, etc. |
As of the 2026 license year, a New York fishing license costs as little as $5 for a single day and $25 for a full year for state residents, while non-residents pay $10 per day or $50 annually.
You do not need a freshwater fishing license if you are under 16 years old. Additional exemptions apply to qualifying landowners, patients at VA hospitals, and certain active-duty military members. Residents who are active service members of the New York State Organized Militia or U.S. Reserve Forces, residents stationed outside of New York who are on active duty and on leave in New York for only 30 days, resident patients at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, and Native Americans who are members of certain tribes or the Six Nations living on reservations in New York can get free licenses.
You can purchase your license online at dec.ny.gov, by phone, or in person at any authorized license issuing agent such as a sporting goods store or town clerk’s office. An annual license is valid for 365 consecutive days from your purchase date, not based on the calendar year.
For more on related outdoor activity regulations in New York, see bow hunting laws in New York, which covers the broader framework for archery use in the state.
Key Insight: If you already hold a valid New York hunting license, you are covered for carp bowfishing without purchasing an additional fishing license. This is one of the few situations where a hunting license substitutes for a fishing license.
Legal Bowfishing Equipment in New York
New York’s regulations are specific about what types of archery equipment you can use for bowfishing. Carp may be taken by a longbow (recurve or compound) or crossbow. Both traditional recurve bows and modern compound bows are permitted, and crossbows are also explicitly allowed.
Beyond the bow itself, there are important rules about setback distances. Users of longbows or crossbows must adhere to the legal discharge setback distances for each implement as defined under the Discharge of Firearms, Crossbows and Bows regulations. These setback rules restrict how close you can shoot to dwellings, farm buildings, schools, and other occupied structures.
Under New York’s Environmental Conservation Law, you cannot discharge a crossbow within two hundred fifty feet from a dwelling house, farm building or farm structure actually occupied or used, school building, school playground, public structure, or occupied factory or church. Similar setback rules apply to longbows, so always confirm the applicable distances before setting up your shooting position.
Here are the key equipment rules to keep in mind:
- Recurve bows — permitted
- Compound bows — permitted
- Crossbows — permitted
- Arrows must be attached to a retrieval line (standard bowfishing setup)
- Use or possession of gaffs or gaff hooks is permitted while bowfishing in freshwater (an exception to the general prohibition on gaffs)
- Discharge setback distances must be observed at all times
Common Mistake: Many bowfishers assume that because they are on the water, setback distance rules don’t apply. They do. If you are shooting from a boat near a dock, shoreline structure, or private property, you must still maintain the required distance from occupied buildings.
There are no state-level restrictions on arrow type, broadhead style, or retrieval reel specifications for bowfishing in New York, but always verify that your setup complies with any manufacturer safety requirements and general safe archery practices.
Where You Can and Cannot Bowfish in New York
Access and location rules are among the most important — and most misunderstood — aspects of bowfishing law in New York. The general principle is straightforward: barring any local town or county ordinances prohibiting the discharge of bows, all New York waters otherwise open to fishing are legal to bowfish for carp during the open bowfishing season any hour of the day or night.
That said, several important restrictions narrow down where you can legally shoot.
Private Property
Private property exists on the bottom of lakes from land to the low water mark, unless otherwise denoted on a particular property deed. Docks, swim platforms, boat lifts, and boat houses are private property. Persons would need permission to enter private property as defined above. Even if you are on the water, shooting from or toward private structures without permission can put you in legal jeopardy.
Waters Closed to Fishing
If a body of water is closed to fishing entirely — such as a municipal reservoir or a specially designated no-harvest zone — it is also closed to bowfishing. The DEC’s interactive map at dec.ny.gov shows public fishing access points and can help you identify where you are legally permitted to fish.
Special Regulation Waters
Regulations vary by region, waterbody, and species, and special regulations apply to Inland Trout Streams, Great Lakes and Tributaries, Finger Lakes, the Tidal Hudson River, and Border Waters. Some of these designated waters may carry additional restrictions that affect bowfishing access or methods.
NYC Watershed Reservoirs
A NYC Department of Environmental Protection access permit is required to access the city-controlled reservoirs and lakes. Bowfishing in these waters requires that permit in addition to any standard license requirements.
| Water Type | Bowfishing Permitted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public freshwater lakes and ponds | Yes (during season) | Must be open to fishing; observe setbacks |
| Rivers and streams open to fishing | Yes (during season) | Check for special regulation designations |
| Finger Lakes | Yes (during season) | Special regulations may apply to tributaries |
| Waters closed to fishing | No | Bowfishing prohibited if fishing is prohibited |
| NYC watershed reservoirs | Requires DEP access permit | Additional permit required beyond fishing license |
| Private waters without permission | No | Trespass laws apply |
If you are unsure about a specific body of water, the NYSDEC’s HuntFishNY app includes a “Tackle Box” feature where you can enter a specific water body and pull up the exact regulations that apply to it. You can also review wildlife removal laws in New York for additional context on how the state manages its natural resources.
Night Bowfishing Rules in New York
Night bowfishing is one of the most productive and exciting ways to target carp, and New York explicitly permits it. Barring any local town or county ordinances prohibiting the discharge of bows, all New York waters otherwise open to fishing are legal to bowfish for carp during the open bowfishing season any hour of the day or night.
That “any hour” language is significant. Unlike some states that restrict bowfishing to daylight hours or require special night permits, New York imposes no statewide time-of-day restriction on carp bowfishing during the open season (May 15 through September 30).
Night fishing is permitted in many, but not all, public waters. The key qualifier for night bowfishing is the same as for daytime bowfishing: the water must be open to fishing, and the discharge of a bow must be permitted at that location. Some waters that are open to daytime fishing may carry local restrictions on nighttime activity, so always verify the rules for your specific location.
Practical considerations for night bowfishing in New York:
- Bright lights mounted to the boat or bow are standard practice and are not prohibited by state law
- All setback distance requirements from occupied structures still apply at night
- Local ordinances may restrict noise or lighting near residential areas — check with your municipality
- Your license (fishing or hunting) must still be in your possession while bowfishing at night
- The Fish Carcass Disposal Law applies to any fish you harvest, regardless of the time of day
Pro Tip: Carp are highly active in shallow, warm water during summer nights — exactly when the New York bowfishing season is open. The combination of warm temperatures, calm conditions, and bright bowfishing lights makes late-evening and overnight sessions on the Finger Lakes and other shallow lakes particularly productive.
Night fishing is permitted in many, but not all, public waters, so doing your homework on the specific lake or river before your night session is essential. When in doubt, contact the NYSDEC regional office for your area or call the DEC’s general information line before heading out after dark.
Saltwater Bowfishing Rules in New York
Saltwater bowfishing in New York exists in a legal gray area — and for practical purposes, it is extremely limited. The state’s bowfishing regulation under 6 NYCRR Section 10.7 applies to freshwater species and specifically authorizes carp by longbow. Longbows may be used to take carp from May 15th through September 30th from any waters of the State where fishing, the harvest of carp, and the discharge of a bow is permitted. Carp are a freshwater species, so the primary bowfishing authorization is freshwater-focused.
In New York’s saltwater and marine coastal district, the regulatory framework is entirely different. Fishing for saltwater fish species in the marine and coastal district is governed separately. Marine and coastal district waters include ocean waters that are within three miles from the state’s coastline, including the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, and embayments.
There is no explicit NYSDEC authorization for bowfishing saltwater species in the marine and coastal district. Because the taking of fish by bow or spear is prohibited in all waters except as specifically permitted, the absence of a saltwater bowfishing authorization means it is effectively prohibited for marine fish species.
If you plan to fish in saltwater or tidal waters, you also need to be aware of the registration requirement. A separate saltwater (marine) fishing license is not required, but persons 16 and older must enroll in the free Recreational Marine Fishing Registry for saltwater fishing. This registry is free and can be completed online through the NYSDEC website.
North of the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, anglers fishing for freshwater species need a freshwater fishing license, while those targeting migratory marine species need a Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. South of the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in the Marine and Coastal District, all species require a Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.
Important Note: Do not attempt to bowfish for saltwater species — including striped bass, bluefish, or any marine fish — in New York’s tidal or coastal waters. No specific authorization exists for this activity, and taking fish by bow in unpermitted waters is a violation of state law.
For bowfishers who want to explore coastal areas, your best approach is to stick to freshwater carp during the authorized season and consult the NYSDEC’s Division of Marine Resources directly if you have questions about specific tidal or brackish water locations. You can reach the saltwater fishing line at (631) 444-0430.
Understanding the full picture of New York’s animal and outdoor activity laws can help you stay compliant across all your pursuits. You may also find it useful to review pet laws in New York, animal cruelty laws in New York, and roadkill laws in New York for a broader understanding of how the state regulates interactions with animals.
Final Thoughts on Bowfishing Laws in New York
Bowfishing in New York is a rewarding and legal activity — as long as you follow the rules. The state permits carp bowfishing from May 15 through September 30 on any waters open to fishing where a bow discharge is allowed. You need either a valid fishing license or a hunting license, and you must observe all setback distances, respect private property boundaries, and comply with any local ordinances in your area.
Night bowfishing is fully permitted under state law during the open season, making New York a genuinely attractive destination for bowfishers who prefer after-dark action. Saltwater bowfishing, however, is not authorized for marine species, so keep your bow in the boat when you’re targeting saltwater fish.
Always verify the specific rules for the water body you plan to fish using the NYSDEC’s official resources at dec.ny.gov or the HuntFishNY app before heading out. Regulations can change, and staying informed is the best way to protect both yourself and New York’s fisheries for future generations.