Pennsylvania Fishing License Types (2026) — Which Do You Need?

All PA fishing license types compared: annual, tourist, 1-day, senior, lifetime, trout stamp, and Lake Erie permit.

Pennsylvania's fishing license system is straightforward, organized by residency and duration. Here's every option available through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Pennsylvania Fishing License Requirements Decision Tree Which PA Fishing License Do You Need? Are you a PA resident? Yes Fishing for trout? Yes Annual + Trout Stamp $22.97 + $9.97 = $32.94 No Annual License Only $22.97 No How many days? 1 day 1-Day: $11.97 3–7 Tourist: $26–$34 Full year Annual: $52.97 💡 PA Resident Age 65+? Senior Resident Combo = FREE | Senior Resident License = $2.97

Last verified for the 2026 fishing season. Regulations subject to change.

PA Fishing License Types — Resident

License TypePriceDurationBest For
Annual Fishing$22.97Calendar YearRegular anglers
Senior Annual (65+)$2.97Calendar YearSeniors who prefer annual renewal
Senior Lifetime Combo (65+)FreeLifetimeBest deal — fishing + hunting forever
Lifetime Fishing$345.00LifetimeBreaks even in ~15 years
Voluntary Youth$2.97Calendar YearUnder 16 — supports conservation
Disabled Veteran$2.97Calendar YearVeterans with 60%+ disability
1-Day Fishing$11.97One DayOccasional anglers

PA Fishing License Types — Non-Resident (Out of State)

License TypePriceDuration
Annual Non-Resident$52.97Calendar Year
3-Day Tourist$26.973 Consecutive Days
7-Day Tourist$34.977 Consecutive Days
1-Day Fishing$11.97One Day

Add-On Permits & Stamps

PermitPriceRequired For
Trout/Salmon Permit$9.97All trout and salmon fishing statewide
Lake Erie Permit$9.97Fishing Lake Erie and tributaries
Trout + Lake Erie Combo$15.97Both trout statewide and Lake Erie
Mentored Youth PermitFreeYouth fishing with registered mentor

PA Fishing License Year

Pennsylvania fishing licenses run on a calendar year (January 1 – December 31). Licenses go on sale each year starting December 1 for the following year, giving you time to wrap them as holiday gifts.

Which PA Fishing License Do You Need?

  • PA resident, casual angler: Annual License ($22.97)
  • PA resident, trout enthusiast: Annual + Trout Stamp ($32.94)
  • PA resident, 65+: Free Senior Lifetime Combo
  • Weekend visitor: 3-Day Tourist ($26.97) + Trout Stamp if needed
  • Day tripper: 1-Day License ($11.97)

Get your PA fishing license online →