• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Inspiring Moms
  • For Moms
  • Parenting
  • Outdoors
  • Pregnancy
  • Gift Ideas

Mommy High Five

Celebrating Mothers One Story at a Time

You are here: Home / Outdoors / State Fishing License Info

State Fishing License Info

February 17, 2021 By Jason

Fishing can be a fantastic way to get outside and enjoy nature. What could be better than dropping a line in? Whether you are fishing in your own state or traveling within the United States, we have the info you need below. Just click on a state on the map (or scroll down) and you can find basic fishing info by state as well as what it costs to buy a license in each state.


Table of Contents

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Alabama

Resident Freshwater: $14.05

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $54.20

License Duration: Valid Sept. 1 – Aug. 31

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

A 7-day non-resident saltwater license costs $39.30. Alabama residents can fish in the county they live in with live bait without buying a license provided they have a way to prove residency.

Official Alabama state fishing info

Alaska

Resident Fishing License Cost: $20

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $100

License Duration: Valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31

Age Required to Buy a License: 18

Notes:

1 day costs $15, 14 days costs $100. Discounts available for military veterans.

Official Alaska state fishing info

Arizona

Resident Fishing License: $37

Non-Resident Fishing Annual Cost :$55

License Duration: Valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31

Age Required to Buy a License: 10

Notes:

Children 10 and under and blind persons do not need to purchase a fishing license in order to fish in Arizona.

Official Arizona state fishing info

Arkansas

Resident Trout and Standard License Annual Cost: $20.50

Non-Resident Trout and Standard License Annual Cost: $70

License Duration: Valid July 1-June 30

Age Required to Buy at License: 10

Notes:

Daily fishing rates also available. If you do not want to fish for trout you can save $10 as a resident and $20 as a non-resident.

Official Arkansas state fishing info

California

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $52.66

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $142.05

License Duration: Valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Lifetime fishing licenses available for residents. Day rates are available.

Official California state fishing info

Colorado

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $35.17

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $97.97

License Duration: Valid March 1-March 31 (13 months)

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes: 5-day and 1-day licenses available as well.

Official Colorado state fishing info

Connecticut

Resident Fishing License Cost: Inland fishing $28, All waters fishing $32, Marine waters fishing $10

Non-Resident Fishing Annual Cost: Inland fishing $55, All waters fishing $63, Marine waters fishing $15

License Duration: Valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes: Discounted licenses for military. One-day licenses for marine waters fishing available.

Official Connecticut state fishing info

Delaware

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $8.50, trout stamp $4.20

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $20, trout stamp $6.20

License Duration: Valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes: License includes fresh and salt water fishing as well as clamming and crabbing.

Official Delaware state fishing info

Florida

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $17

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $79

License Duration: One year from the date issued

Age Required to Buy a License: 17, optional youth licenses are available for children ages 8-15

Notes:

There are also options for non-residents to obtain 3-day or 7-day passes.

Official Florida state fishing info

Georgia

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $15

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $50

License Duration: 365 days from purchase date

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Short-term licenses are available for both residents and non-residents. Seniors are eligible for discounted rates. Additional licenses may be required depending on location and type of fishing.

Official Georgia state fishing info

Hawaii

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $6

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $26

License Duration: One year

Age Required to Buy a License: 18

Notes:

Tourists can purchase a 7-day pass for $11 or a 30-day pass for $21. There is no cost to fish in the ocean recreationally.

Official Hawaii state fishing info

Idaho

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $30.50

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $108

License Duration: Valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31

Age Required to Buy a License: 14

Notes:

Both residents and non-residents get a discount for buying a 3 year pass. Special permits are needed for fishing salmon, steelhead, or with two poles.

Official Idaho state fishing info

Illinois

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $15

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $31.50

License Duration: Until March 31 of the following year

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

In addition to single day and annual licenses, you can also purchase a lifetime fishing license.

Official Illinois state fishing info

Indiana

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $17

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $35

License Duration: Through March 31 of the following year

Age Required to Buy a License: 18

Notes:

Licenses may be purchased online, by mail, in person, or by phone.

Official Indiana state fishing info

Iowa

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $22

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $48

License Duration: Valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Both residents and nonresidents can fish with an additional line by purchasing a special license.

Official Iowa state fishing info

Kansas

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $27.50

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $52.50

License Duration: 365 days from date of purchase

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

State funding provides free fishing licenses to active members of the Kansas National Guard and resident disabled veterans.

Official Kansas state fishing info

Kentucky

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $23

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $55

License Duration: Valid from March 1 (or date of purchase) through February 28 of the following year

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

A 10% discounts is available to spouses buying a joint license.

Official Kentucky state fishing info

Louisiana

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $9.50

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $60

License Duration: From the date of purchase through June 30 of the next year

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

You need a Saltwater License if fishing south of state’s saltwater line and a Hook and Line License if you’re fishing with a cane pole.

Official Louisiana state fishing info

Maine

Maine

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $25

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $64

License Duration: Through December of the calendar year purchased

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Buying a license is easy since it can be done online anytime of the day and be printed out from home within minutes. An electronic license is even sufficient.

Official Maine state fishing info

Maryland

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $20.50 Non-Tidal, $15 Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $30.50 Non-Tidal, $22.50 Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport

License Duration: 365 days from date of purchase

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Although children under 16 don’t need a fishing license, they can get a license to catch crabs recreationally.

Official Maryland state fishing info

Massachusetts

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $27.50

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $37.50

License Duration: Through December of the calendar year purchased 

Age Required to Buy a License: 18 for residents and 15 for non-residents

Notes:

If you buy a license online you can print it out but if you buy it from a vendor you will receive a paper copy. Electronic copies of licenses are also acceptable.

Official Massachusetts state fishing info

Michigan

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $26

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $76

License Duration: From March 1 through March 31 of the following year

Age Required to Buy a License: 17

Notes:

Adults helping a minor must have a fishing license. Also, you must register a sturgeon catch within 24 hours in Michigan.

Official Michigan state fishing info

Minnesota

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $25

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $51

License Duration: From March 1 through February 28 of the following year

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requires your social security number to apply for a recreation fishing license.

Official Minnesota state fishing info

Mississippi

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $45

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $60

License Duration: One year from date of purchase

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Make sure you understand what parts of the state require a saltwater license. For instance, a saltwater license is required south of Highway 90.

Official Mississippi state fishing info

Missouri

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $12

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $49

License Duration: From the date of purchase until the last day of February the following year

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Look into the limits on species, season, and fishing areas before use. A Missouri fishing license is also good for frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait.

Official Missouri state fishing info

Montana

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $21

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $86

License Duration: From March 1 through the end of February of the following year

Age Required to Buy a License: 12

Notes:

In addition to a fishing license, anglers in Montana need a conservation license and the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP). Conservation passes cost $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents. AISPP cost $2 for residents and $7.50 for non-residents.

Official Montana state fishing info

Nebraska

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $38

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $84

License Duration: Valid January 1 through December 31 of the designated year

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Trout tags are required at Two Rivers State Park. A fishing permit is also good for bullfrogs, snapping turtles, barred salamanders, or mussels.

Official Nebraska state fishing info

Nevada

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $40

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $80

License Duration: One year from date of purchase

Age Required to Buy a License: 18

Notes:

Since some areas of Nevada don’t have license agents, check the area you are traveling to beforehand or buy a license online.

Official Nevada state fishing info

New Hampshire

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $45

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $63

License Duration: January 1 through December 31 of each year

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Non-residents can purchase temporary licenses for 1, 3, or 7 days but must specify the intended consecutive dates.

Official New Hampshire state fishing info

New Jersey

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $22.50

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $34

License Duration: Through December of the calendar year purchased

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Anglers must wear fishing licenses in a conspicuous place outside their clothing while fishing in New Jersey.

Official New Jersey state fishing info

New Mexico

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $25

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $56

License Duration: April 1 through March 31 of the following year

Age Required to Buy a License: 12

Notes:

Anglers must purchase a Habitat Stamp to fish on Forest Service or BLM lands in New Mexico.

Official New Mexico state fishing info

New York

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $25

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $50

License Duration: One full year (365 days) from the date of purchase

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

New York residents can qualify for free or reduced annual fishing license if they are active duty military, a military veteran with a disability, senior citizen, or legally blind.

Official New York state fishing info

North Carolina

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $25

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $45

License Duration: For 12 months from the date of purchase 

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Non-residents attending a university or college in North Carolina may purchase a resident license with a valid student identification.

Official North Carolina state fishing info

North Dakota

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $18

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $48

License Duration: Valid for one year starting April 1 and ending March 31 of the following year

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Anglers must have their fishing license with them at all times when fishing; a digital image of the license is acceptable.

Official North Dakota state fishing info

Ohio

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $25

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $50.96

License Duration: Valid for 365 days from the date of purchase 

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

An Ohio fishing license also allows you to take frogs and turtles from private or public ponds, lakes, or reservoirs.

Official Ohio state fishing info

Oklahoma

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $25

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $55

License Duration: Through December 31 of the year purchased 

Age Required to Buy a License: 18

Notes:

Residents can also purchase a 2-day license, a 5-year license, or a lifetime license. Non-residents can purchase a 1 or 6-day fishing license.

Official Oklahoma state fishing info

Oregon

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $44

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $110.50

License Duration: Valid from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 

Age Required to Buy a License: 18

Notes:

Youth licenses (12-17 years old) are also available for $10. You can begin buying the next year’s fishing license on December 1st.

Official Oregon state fishing info

Pennsylvania

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $22.97

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $52.97

License Duration: From December 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

You need a license to assist children cast a line or retrieve a catch.

Official Pennsylvania state fishing info

Rhode Island

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $18

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $35

License Duration: From March 1 through the last day of February the following year 

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

No license is required for blind persons or landowners fishing on property on which they are domiciled.

Official Rhode Island state fishing info

South Carolina

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $10

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $35

License Duration: Valid 1 year from date of purchase

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Children under 16 do not need a license unless they are engaged in commercial fishing or using non-game fish devices like traps or hoop nets.

Official South Carolina state fishing info

South Dakota

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $28

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $67

License Duration: Until January 31st

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

When purchasing an annual license, anglers over 18 need to purchase a Habitat Stamp which costs $10 for residents and $25 for non-residents. It will automatically be added to your cart.

Note that non-residents can purchase an annual family fishing license for the same cost as an annual individual fishing license ($67).

Official South Dakota state fishing info

Tennessee

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $34

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $50

License Duration: Valid until the last day of February the following year 

Age Required to Buy a License: 14

Notes:

No license is needed on free fishing day or free fishing week.

Note that an additional license is required to fish trout.

Official Tennessee state fishing info

Texas

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $30

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $58

License Duration: From the date of sale to August 31 of the same year

Age Required to Buy a License: 17

Notes:

In addition to a fishing license, anglers need to obtain a freshwater or saltwater endorsement. The prices above reflect a freshwater package and include the cost of the freshwater endorsement.

Official Texas state fishing info

Utah

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $5 for ages 12-13, $16 for ages 14-17, $34 for ages 18-64

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $6 for ages 12-13, $29 for ages 14-17, $85 for ages 18 and older

License Duration: 365 days from date of purchase 

Age Required to Buy a License: 12

Notes:

The Division of Wildlife Resources stocks certain public water such as lakes, ponds, and reservoirs as part of Utah’s Native Fish Restoration Program.

You can access your Utah fishing license anytime by downloading the DWR mobile app.

Official Utah state fishing info

Vermont

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $28

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $54

License Duration: From the date of purchase until December 31st

Age Required to Buy a License: 15

Notes:

Youth fishing licenses (ages 15-17) are available for $8 for residents and $15 for non-residents.

Official Vermont state fishing info

Virginia

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $23

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $47

License Duration: Valid for 1 year from the date of purchase 

Age Required to Buy a License: 16

Notes:

Virginia also offers 2, 3, and 4-year fishing licenses for residents.\

Official Virginia state fishing info

Washington

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $29.50

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $84.50

License Duration: Through March 31st of the following year 

Age Required to Buy a License: 15

Notes:

A fishing license is not needed to fish for common carp, crawfish, bullfrogs, or to collect relic shells in Washington.

All anglers fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut must carry a catch record card when fishing. These cards must be turned into the WDFW even if you don’t catch anything.

Official Washington state fishing info

West Virginia

West Virginia

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $19

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $37

License Duration: Valid through the calendar year 

Age Required to Buy a License: 15

Notes:

Lifetime fishing licenses are available to West Virginia residents.

Official West Virginia state fishing info

Wisconsin

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $20

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $50

License Duration: Through March 31st of the following year

Age Required to Buy a License: 15

Notes:

Both residents and non-residents can obtain a reduced-price fishing license it they haven’t purchased one during the last ten years.

Official Wisconsin state fishing info

Wyoming

Resident Freshwater Fishing License Cost: $27

Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Annual Cost: $102

License Duration: Twelve consecutive months 

Age Required to Buy a License: 14

Notes:

Non-residents may also purchase daily or 5-day fishing licenses.

Official Wyoming state fishing info

Facebooktwitterredditpinterest

Related Posts:

  • Best Fishing Poles for Kids 2022
    Best Fishing Poles for Kids 2022
  • 33 Difficult LEGO Sets for Adults 2022
    33 Difficult LEGO Sets for Adults 2022
  • 33 Cool Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys 2023
    33 Cool Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys 2023

Filed Under: Outdoors, Hobbies

Mommy High Five writers and editors carefully select products highlighted in articles. We may receive a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.

FOLLOW US

Facebookpinterestrssyoutubeinstagram

Trending Articles

  • Great Gifts for 2-Year-Old Girls 2023
  • Top 14 Toy Kitchens for Young Boys and Girls 2023
  • 17 Best Action Cameras for Teens and Tweens 2023
  • 26 Best Toys for 11-Year-Old Boys 2023
  • 33 Cool Toys for 4-Year-Old Boys 2023
  • 32 Cool Gifts for 6-Year-Old Boys 2023
  • Troomi Safe Phone Honest Review
  • Great Bluetooth Speakers for Kids
  • 29 Exciting Gifts for 10-Year-Old Boys 2023
  • 19 Best Teen Digital Cameras and Tween Cameras 2023

Share This Page

Facebooktwitterredditpinterest

© 2015–2023 • Mommy High Five • All Rights Reserved. MommyHighFive.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.