The City Clerk's Office issues fishing permits for the Tomhannock Reservoir. You must show a valid driver's license and a current NYS fishing license. The City Clerk's Office does not issue fishing licenses. You can purchase a NYS fishing license online or at a local store; see the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for more information.
The permit is $10 for 2 years. Persons 70 years of age and older are eligible for a free permit with proof of age. Children under the age of 16 and accompanied by an adult do not require a permit.
Purchase Permit
- By mail: Send photocopies of your driver's license and fishing license (showing expiration date) and a $10 check (persons 70 years of age and older are eligible for a free permit with proof of age) made out to Troy City Clerk to:
City Clerk's Office
433 River Street
Troy, NY 12180 - In person: Bring your driver's license, fishing license, and $10 cash or check to the City Clerk's Office at City Hall during regular business hours 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Monday through Friday. City Hall is located at 433 River Street, 5th floor, Troy, NY 12180.
About the Tomhannock Reservoir
The Tomhannock Reservoir provides a variety of sport fishing. During the open water season, yellow perch, black crappie, and bluegill comprise the biggest share of the panfish catch, while smallmouth bass are the most important game fish. Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and walleye are also available. During the ice fishing season, the action centers around yellow perch, black crappie, and chain pickerel. Bluegill and walleye round out the catch.
Tomhannock Reservoir, a 1700-acre public water supply, services Troy and surrounding communities. For this reason, special rules and regulations apply to protect its water quality. Boating and wading are prohibited. Except as otherwise provided, the Environmental Conservation Law and the Department of Environmental Conservation rules about open seasons, size limits, and catch limits are in effect.
The ice fishing season runs from January 1 through March 15 during daylight hours only. Ice fishing is permitted only on that part of the reservoir from the dam southerly to a continuous line extending between two orange markers and on that part from the south end of the reservoir northerly to a continuous line between two orange markers.
Troy's Department of Public Utilities and DEC reserve the right to eject anyone from the area for disorderly conduct, intoxication or any behavior that endangers the general safety or health of people in the area. Tickets are issued at the discretion of the DEC Officer on duty. These tickets are non-disputable and should not be brought to the City Clerk's Office.
Guidelines
Please refer to the DEC website for further information on rules and guidelines at the reservoir or refer to this printable Guidelines Brochure (PDF).