in most states if the body of water is privately owned then no state permit is required, still that depends upon the state. In several of the plains states if the pond, lake, or other body of water is privately owned then no license is required to fish. Check with the state department of wildlife and they should be able to answer your question. It must be stated in this manner, "If a body of water such as a pond or lake is privately owned, is a permit required before fishing." They always want their questions precise or they will give you a vague answer like most political factions do.