To legally fish in the United States, most individuals require a fishing license. These licenses are specific to the state in which they were issued, and cannot be used across state lines. Each state provides various license durations, including annual options and shorter terms that range from one to seven days.
Average Cost of Fishing Licenses
The cost of fishing licenses varies by state. On average, residents can expect to pay about $25.42 for an annual license, while non-residents pay approximately $61.52. It is important for anglers to check the specific costs for each state to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Detailed 2024 Fishing License Costs by State
Below is a comprehensive list of fishing license costs for 2024 across various states. The list includes prices for annual resident and non-resident licenses, options for short-term licenses:
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Alabama: $16.15 for freshwater and $28.50 for saltwater (Residents); $52.60 for freshwater and $61.35 for saltwater (Non-Residents). Short-term licenses include a $7.30 resident one-day pass and a $35 non-resident seven-day pass.
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Alaska: $20 for residents; $100 for non-residents. Non-residents can opt for a $15 one-day or $45 seven-day license.
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Arizona: $37 for residents; $55 for non-residents.
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Arkansas: $10.50 for residents; $50 for non-residents. Arkansas offers a $6.50 resident three-day license and a $16 to $25 range for non-resident short-term licenses.
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California: $61.82 for both residents and non-residents. Short-term licenses range from $20.26 for a single day to $61.82 for ten days.
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Colorado: $39.71 for residents; $111.03 for non-residents. Options include a $15.55 resident one-day license and various non-resident short-term licenses up to $36.26 for five days.
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Connecticut: $32 for residents; $63 for non-residents, with a $22 non-resident three-day option.
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Delaware: $11 for residents; $22.50 for non-residents. Non-residents can purchase a seven-day license for $15.
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Florida: Residents and non-residents pay $17 for either freshwater or saltwater licenses. Short-term licenses are $17 for a three-day non-resident pass, with a $53 option for a seven-day saltwater license.
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Georgia: $15 for residents; $50 for non-residents. Non-residents can also choose a $10 one-day license, with additional days at $3.50 each.
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Hawaii: $6 for residents; $26 for non-residents. Options for non-residents include $11 for a seven-day and $21 for a 30-day license.
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Idaho: $30.50 for residents; $98.25 for non-residents. Non-residents have the option of a $15 one-day license, with additional days costing $7 each.
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Illinois: $15 for residents; $31.50 for non-residents.
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Indiana: $17 for residents; $35 for non-residents. Short-term licenses include a $9 one-day and a $20 seven-day option for non-residents.
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Iowa: $22 for residents; $48 for non-residents. Iowa offers several short-term options, including a $10.50 resident one-day license and various non-resident passes ranging from $12 to $37.50.
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Kansas: $27.50 for residents; $52.50 for non-residents. Short-term licenses include an $8.50 resident one-day pass and $14.50 to $27.50 for non-resident options.
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Kentucky: $23 for residents; $55 for non-residents. Kentucky offers a $7 resident one-day license and a $15 non-resident one-day license.
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Louisiana: $9.50 for residents; $60 for non-residents. Non-residents can purchase a one-day license for $5.
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Maine: $25 for residents; $64 for non-residents. Short-term non-resident licenses range from $11 for one day to $47 for 15 days.
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Maryland: $20.50 for freshwater and $15 for saltwater (Residents); $30.50 for freshwater and $22.50 for saltwater (Non-Residents). Short-term options depend on the home state of the non-resident.
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Massachusetts: $27.50 for freshwater and $10 for saltwater (Residents); $37.50 for freshwater and $10 for saltwater (Non-Residents). Short-term licenses include a $12.50 resident three-day freshwater and $23.50 for non-residents.
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Michigan: $26 for residents; $76 for non-residents. Michigan offers a $10 one-day license and a $30 three-day license.
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Minnesota: $25 for residents; $51 for non-residents. Options range from a $12 resident one-day to $43 for a non-resident seven-day license.
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Mississippi: $27.29 for freshwater and $34.29 for saltwater (Residents); $64.29 for freshwater and $34.29 for saltwater (Non-Residents). Short-term licenses vary, with options for residents and non-residents alike. [Purchase
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Missouri: $12 for residents; $49 for non-residents. A one-day license is available for $8.
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Montana: $31 for residents; $111 for non-residents. Montana offers a $15 resident two-day pass and a range of options for non-residents, including $50 for two days and $81 for ten days.
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Nebraska: $38 for residents; $76 for non-residents. Short-term options include a $10 resident one-day and a $37 non-resident three-day license.
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Nevada: $40 for residents; $80 for non-residents. Nevada offers $9 resident and $18 non-resident one-day licenses, with additional days available at $3 and $7 respectively.
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New Hampshire: $45 for residents; $63 for non-residents. Short-term licenses are available, including a $10 resident one-day and $15 to $35 for non-resident options.
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New Jersey: $22 for residents; $34 for non-residents. New Jersey provides a two-day non-resident license for $9 and a seven-day for $19.50.
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New Mexico: $25 for residents; $56 for non-residents. Short-term licenses include a $12 one-day and a $24 five-day option for non-residents.
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New York: $25 for residents; $50 for non-residents. New York offers a $5 resident one-day license and $12 seven-day license, while non-residents can purchase a one-day for $10 or a seven-day for $28.
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North Carolina: $25 for freshwater and $16 for saltwater (Residents); $45 for freshwater and $32 for saltwater (Non-Residents). North Carolina offers ten-day licenses at $9 for freshwater and $6 for saltwater for residents, with non-residents paying $23 and $11 respectively.
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North Dakota: $18 for residents; $48 for non-residents. North Dakota provides a $28 three-day and a $38 ten-day license for non-residents.
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Ohio: $19 for residents; $40 for non-residents. Ohio offers a $11 one-day license for both residents and non-residents, with a three-day non-resident license priced at $19.
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Oklahoma: $25 for residents; $55 for non-residents. Oklahoma offers a $15 resident two-day and a $15 non-resident one-day license, extending up to a $35 non-resident six-day license.
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Oregon: $44 for residents; $110.50 for non-residents. Oregon provides a variety of short-term licenses including a $23 one-day, $42 two-day, and $59.50 three-day for residents, with a $93.50 seven-day option for non-residents.
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Pennsylvania: $22.90 for residents; $52.90 for non-residents. Pennsylvania offers a $11.90 resident one-day license, and $26.90 non-resident three-day, with a seven-day license available for $34.90.
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Rhode Island: $18 for residents; $35 for non-residents. Rhode Island provides a $16 non-resident three-day license.
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South Carolina: $10 for freshwater and saltwater (Residents); $35 for both (Non-Residents). South Carolina offers a $5 resident 14-day license and an $11 non-resident 14-day license.
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South Dakota: $28 for residents; $67 for non-residents. South Dakota provides an $8 resident one-day license and a $16 non-resident one-day license, with a $37 non-resident three-day option.
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Tennessee: Residents pay $34 for a no trout license and $50 for an all-species license. Non-residents can choose from various options such as a $20.50 three-day no trout license, or a $40.50 three-day all species license, with a $30.50 ten-day no trout and $61.50 ten-day all species license also available.
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Texas: $30 for freshwater, $35 for saltwater, and $40 for all water (Residents); $58 for freshwater, $63 for saltwater, and $68 for all water (Non-Residents). A resident one-day license is $11, while non-residents can obtain a one-day license for $16.
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Utah: $34 for residents; $85 for non-residents. Utah offers a $16 resident three-day and a $20 resident seven-day license, while non-residents can get a $28 three-day or a $46 seven-day license.
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Vermont: $28 for residents; $54 for non-residents. Vermont provides a $11 resident three-day license and a $21 non-resident one-day, with a $23 non-resident three-day and a $31 non-resident seven-day option.
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Virginia: $23 for freshwater and $17.50 for saltwater (Residents); $47 for freshwater, $25 for saltwater, and $71 for all water (Non-Residents). Virginia offers various short-term licenses including a $14 resident five-day freshwater, and a $21 non-resident five-day freshwater.
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Washington: $29.50 for freshwater and $30.05 for saltwater (Residents); $84.50 for freshwater and $59.75 for saltwater (Non-Residents). Washington provides a $11.35 one-day license, with a $15.75 resident two-day, and $35.55 resident three-day license. Non-residents can choose from a $28.95 two-day or a $35.55 three-day license.
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West Virginia: $19 for residents; $37 for non-residents. West Virginia offers a $3 non-resident one-day license.
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Wisconsin: $20 for residents; $50 for non-residents. Wisconsin provides a $8 resident one-day license and a $10 non-resident one-day, with a $24 non-resident four-day and a $28 non-resident fifteen-day option.
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Wyoming: $27 for residents; $102 for non-residents. Wyoming offers a $6 resident one-day license and a $14 non-resident one-day license, extending up to a $56 non-resident five-day license.
2024 Free Fishing Days (No license required)
Free Fishing Days are special days offered by many states in the United California, where residents and visitors can fish without a license. These days are an excellent opportunity for beginners to try fishing for the first time or for experienced anglers to fish a new spot without having to purchase a license. Here's an overview of the 2024 Free Fishing Days for various states:
- Alabama: June 7
- Alaska: June 6-7
- Arizona: June 6
- Arkansas: June 13-14
- California: July 4 and September 5
- Colorado: June 6-7
- Connecticut: May 9
- Delaware: June 6-7
- Florida: April 4 and June 13
- Georgia: June 6, June 13, and September 26
- Hawaii: June 20 (Marine Day)
- Idaho: June 13
- Illinois: June 19-22
- Indiana: April 18, May 16, and June 6-7
- Iowa: June 6-7
- Kansas: June 6-7
- Kentucky: June 6-7
- Louisiana: June 6-7
- Maine: February 14-15 and June 6-7
- Maryland: June 6, June 13, and July 4
- Massachusetts: June 6-7
- Michigan: February 14-15 and June 13-14
- Minnesota: June 6-7
- Mississippi: June 6-7
- Missouri: June 6-7
- Montana: June 20-21
- Nebraska: May 16
- Nevada: June 13
- New Hampshire: June 6
- New Jersey: June 6 and October 17
- New Mexico: June 6
- New York: June 27-28
- North Carolina: July 4
- North Dakota: June 6-7
- Ohio: May 2-3
- Oklahoma: June 6-7
- Oregon: June 6-7
- Pennsylvania: May 24 and July 4
- Rhode Island: May 2
- South Carolina: May 25
- South Dakota: May 15-17
- Tennessee: June 6
- Texas: June 6
- Utah: June 6
- Vermont: June 13
- Virginia: June 5-7
- Washington: June 6-7
- West Virginia: June 6-7
- Wisconsin: June 6-7
- Wyoming: June 6
Please note that dates might vary slightly from year to year and additional days may be offered specifically for ice fishing or saltwater fishing in some states. Always check with the local fish and wildlife agency for the most current information. These free fishing days provide a fantastic chance to enjoy the outdoors without needing to purchase a fishing license.
Conclusion
Fishing licenses are a necessary requirement for agrarians in the United States, with each state setting its own regulations and fees. The costs for these licenses vary significantly between states and depend on factors such as residency status and the type of water (freshwater or saltwater). Short-term licenses are also available for those who prefer not to commit to an annual license or are visiting from out of state.
Additionally, the concept of Free Fishing Days is a great initiative that encourages more people to explore the joys and benefits of fishing. These designated days allow anyone to fish without a license, offering a perfect opportunity for beginners to try fishing and for seasoned anglers to enjoy the waters without the usual paperwork. It's an excellent way to promote outdoor activities and appreciate natural resources, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
For anyone interested in fishing, it's important to stay informed about the specific licensing requirements and available Free Fishing Days in your state or any state you plan to visit. This ensures a lawful and enjoyable fishing experience. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, make sure to take advantage of these opportunities to cast your line in some of the beautiful waters across the United States.
