In the United States, no matter where you plan to fish, you will need to have a valid fishing license. I can hear you rolling your eyes; it’s just another thing to sort out, right?
Well yes, but fortunately, it isn’t as complicated as you might think.
There aren’t any complicated forms to fill out and you’ll only really need to worry about purchasing your license. This can be done by contacting the Department of Natural Resources or the Department Of Fish And Wildlife, both of which can be found online. As soon as you’ve made your purchase, your license will be valid and you’re good to go.
One thing to keep in mind is that prices and processes may vary slightly between states so you’ll need to check with your local authority.
But this guide will cover everything you need to know and by the end, you’ll just need to grab your rods and get on the water.
Table of Contents
Do I Need A Fishing License?
Yes. In order to legally fish in the US, you must be in possession of a fishing license. The reason for this is that the fees for such licenses go towards habitat and conservation as well a stocking waters with fish.
Even if you intend to release the fish after you have caught them, you will still be expected to have a license as the fees will go towards the conservation of the local area.
There are some exceptions to this such as when you are fishing on private waters that have no inlets or outlets and are privately stocked. That said, there may be some exceptions across states so it is worth checking beforehand.
Also, there are some states that allow the angling of ‘rough fish’ such as the common carp, without a license. This is the case in Washington, but again, you should check before hitting the water.
How Much Does A Fishing License Cost?
The cost of your fishing license will depend on where you live. However, the average price for a 2021 license sits around $25 for a resident license or $60 for a non-resident license.
Right from the off you can see that this isn’t a ridiculously high cost and if you fish regularly, it’s almost certainly a drop in the water.
Another thing that you will need to consider is that, in some states, you will be charged differently according to whether you wish to purchase a freshwater or a saltwater license.
Check out the table below to see the current prices for fishing licenses in all 50 US states. Please keep in mind that all licenses are valid for one year only. More on that later!
| State | Resident License | Non-Resident License |
| Alabama | $14.05 for a freshwater license $24.75 for a saltwater license | $54.20 for a freshwater license $53.10 for a saltwater license |
| Alaska | $20 | $100 |
| Arizona | $37 | $55 |
| Arkansas | $22.50 including trout | $70 including trout |
| California | $52.66 | $142.50 |
| Colorado | $36.08 | $100.57 |
| Connecticut | $32 | $63 |
| Delaware | $12.70 | $26.20 |
| Florida | $17 for a freshwater license $17.00 for a saltwater license $32.50 for a combo license | $47 for a freshwater license $47 for a saltwater license |
| Georgia | $15 | $50 |
| Hawaii | $5 | $25 |
| Idaho | $30.50 | $98.25 |
| Illinois | $15 | $31.50 |
| Indiana | $17 | $35 |
| Iowa | $22 | $48 |
| Kansas | $27.50 | $52.50 |
| Kentucky | $23 | $55 |
| Louisiana | $.9.50 for a freshwater license $13 for a saltwater license | $60 for a freshwater license $30 for a saltwater license |
| Maine | $25 | $64 |
| Maryland | $25.50 for a freshwater license including trout $15 for a saltwater license | $40.50 for a freshwater license including trout $22.50 for a saltwater license |
| Massachusetts | $27.50 for a freshwater license $10 for a saltwater license | $37.50 for a freshwater license $10 for a saltwater license |
| Michigan | $26 | $76 |
| Minnesota | $25 | $51 |
| Mississippi | $12.29 for both types of license | $64.29 for a freshwater license $34.29 for a saltwater license |
| Missouri | $12 | $49 |
| Montana | $31 | $103.50 |
| Nebraska | $38 | $84 |
| Nevada | $40 | $80 |
| New Hampshire | $45 for a freshwater license $11 for a saltwater license | $63 for a freshwater license $11 for a saltwater license |
| New Jersey | $33 including trout | $54 including trout |
| New Mexico | $25 | $56 |
| New York | $25 | $50 |
| North Carolina | $25 for a freshwater license $16 for a saltwater license | $45 for a freshwater license $32 for a saltwater license |
| North Dakota | $18 | $48 |
| Ohio | $25 | $50.96 |
| Oklahoma | $25 | $55 |
| Oregon | $44 | $110.50 |
| Pennsylvania | $32.94 including trout | $62.94 including trout |
| Rhode Island | $23.50 including trout | $40.50 including trout |
| South Carolina | $10 | $35 |
| South Dakota | $28 | $67 |
| Tennessee | $56 including trout | $50 or $99 including trout |
| Texas | $30 for a freshwater license $35 for a saltwater license $40 for a combo license | $58 for a freshwater license $63 for a saltwater license $68 for a combo license |
| Utah | $34 | $85 |
| Vermont | $28 | $54 |
| Virginia | $23 for a freshwater license $30.50 for a saltwater license $55.35 for a combo license | $84.50 for a freshwater license $59.75 for a saltwater license $124.65 for a combo license |
| Washington | $29.50 for a freshwater license $30.05 for a saltwater license $55.35 for a combo license | $84.50 for a freshwater license $59.75 for a saltwater license $124.65 for a combo license |
| West Virginia | $29 including trout | $53 including trout |
| Wisconsin | $30 including trout | $60 including trout |
| Wyoming | $27 | $102 |
Are There Any Hidden Fees?
When you apply for your fishing license, you may be charged an admin fee. Again this will vary by state and typically doesn’t exceed $5, so is very minimal.
You will have noticed that some of the states in our table include trout. There may be the option to add trout fishing onto other licenses but this could incur an additional cost of up to $15.
There are some other species that require additional permits to fish including the paddlefish and salmon.
You will need to question this at the time of purchasing your license to make sure that you are covered for everything you wish to do.
What Is The Process For Buying A Fishing LIcense In The US?
Buying a fishing license is a pain-free process that takes minutes to complete. Pretty much every state has an online service for purchasing a fishing license but anglers should bear in mind that there are some illegitimate websites offering unofficial licenses.
Some such examples of these include licenses.org, fishinglicense.org, and recreationallicense.org.
Only US government websites will supply you with an authentic license so you should only ever purchase from them. The best way to access these websites is to search your state on the fish and wildlife government page.
However, if you are unable to access the internet, for whatever reason, you can buy a fishing license from Walmart.
However, when doing this, you should keep in mind that you may be charged a dealer fee which will bump up the price slightly.
What About Temporary Licenses?
If you are heading out of state for a fishing trip or you only intend to fish infrequently, then it may be worthwhile considering a temporary license as opposed to paying full price for an annual license.
Not all states offer a temporary license so this is something else you will need to check out but in many cases, this is available. In most cases, these licenses range between $20 and $30 so are ideal for traveling and vacations.
Is There A Discount For Junior Anglers?
Before a certain age, you are not required to purchase a fishing license. However, after this, you must purchase one to legally fish American waters.
It is also worth keeping in mind that, while most states permit free fishing for children under the age of 12, there may be other permits or regulations so it is important to check before heading off to the water.
This age varies from state to state but is typically between 12 and 16 years. For the first license, you may be able to make a purchase at a discounted rate but this luxury is only generally afforded to you for one or two years.
How Long Is My Fishing License Valid For?
In the United States, anglers must purchase a new fishing license every year. The license will be valid from the moment of purchase and for one full calendar year from this date.
You will see the expiration date printed on the license.
Conclusion
When fishing in the USA, you must have a fishing license which can be purchased from your local government fish and wildlife department.
There are a few exceptions to this, but in the main, anyone over the age of 12 will be required to have a valid fishing license at all times.