Alabama Fishing License Guide (2026)

Alabama requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years or older. The ADCNR offers separate freshwater and saltwater licenses, plus an All-Waters combo through the Outdoor Alabama portal. Alabama is renowned for trophy bass fishing at Lake Guntersville (#1 bass lake in America), Wheeler Reservoir, and Gulf Coast saltwater fishing for red snapper and redfish.

Official AL Website →
16+
Min Age
Yes
Free Days
$17
Resident/yr
$66.25
Non-Res/yr

💰 License Costs (2026)

Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Resident Freshwater
Sport Fishing License — includes Wildlife Heritage privileges
 $17
Annual Resident Saltwater
 $30.05
Annual Resident All-Waters
Fresh + saltwater combo
 $24.90
1-Day Resident
 $4.55
Lifetime All-Waters License
Price varies by age: $219 (under 2) to $364.65 (12-49)
 $505

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Non-Resident Freshwater
 $66.25
7-Day Non-Resident Trip
 $37
3-Day Family Non-Resident Trip
 $37
1-Day Non-Resident
 $11.05

Senior & Special Licenses

License Type Price
Senior License (65+)
FREE for AL residents 65+ — carry valid ID
 $0

Additional Stamps & Permits

Stamp Price Required?
Saltwater Reef Fish Endorsement
Required for anyone 16+ to possess gulf reef fish species (red snapper, grouper, triggerfish)
 $10 Required
Saltwater Angler Registration
Free registration required for all saltwater anglers 16+ not holding annual saltwater license
 Free Required
See the complete Alabama cost breakdown →

📍 Where to Buy

🌐

Outdoor Alabama Portal ↗

Instant digital license
📞

Phone Purchase

📞 (334) 242-3465
ADCNR Montgomery office
🏪

Retail Locations

Walmart, Academy Sports, local bait shops
Explore all Alabama purchase options →

📅 Timing & Free Fishing Days

Free Fishing Days 2026

Jun
6
National Free Fishing Day
All waters · All regulations still apply.

License Validity

Alabama fishing licenses are valid from September 1 through August 31 each year.

Full Alabama free fishing days schedule →

👤 Age Requirements & Exemptions

👶

Under 16 Exemption

Children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Alabama. See our age requirements guide for details.

👴

FREE License for Seniors (65+)

Alabama residents 65 and older fish for FREE in both freshwater and saltwater. Just carry valid proof of age and residency. Learn more in our senior fishing license guide.

🎖️

Military & Veterans

Active duty military stationed in AL qualify for resident rates. Military on leave with ID and paperwork are exempt. Disabled veterans (VA rated) may qualify for a free license. See our military veterans fishing license guide.

✅

Landowner Exemption

Landowners and immediate family fishing on their own property do not need a license.

✅

Bank Fishing in County of Residence

AL residents fishing from the bank in their county of residence with hook and line (live bait only) are exempt.

✅

Saltwater Charter/Guide

No license needed when fishing with a licensed Alabama saltwater guide or charter boat.

Full Alabama exemptions guide →

⚖️ Penalties for Fishing Without a License

$50–$ 500
Fine Range
misdemeanor
Offense Type

Class C misdemeanor. Fines $50-$500 plus court costs and possible license revocation. Over bag limits can result in $100-$1,000 per fish.

Learn more about Alabama fishing penalties →

🔧 How to Get Your License

  1. 1

    Visit the Official Portal

    Go to ADCNR Online Licensing ↗

  2. 2

    Select Your License Type

    Choose between resident/non-resident, duration, and water type based on your needs.

  3. 3

    Complete Payment & Download

    Pay online and receive your digital license instantly. You may also print a physical copy.