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.
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.
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
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