FishKillFlea 🔍 Fishing License Finder
Answer 4 simple questions and we'll show you exactly which fishing license you need — with current prices and where to buy.
Where will you be fishing?
Select the state where you plan to fish. Fishing licenses are state-specific — you'll need a separate license for each state you fish in.
Are you a resident of this state?
Residents typically pay 2–5× less than non-residents. Most states define residency as having lived there for at least 6 months.
How old are you?
Many states offer free or discounted licenses for youth (under 16), seniors (65+), and other age groups.
What type of water will you fish?
Coastal states may require separate saltwater endorsements. Freshwater covers all inland lakes, rivers, and streams.
Your License Options
No specific licenses found for your criteria. Visit the state's official site for more options.
How the License Finder Works
Pick Your State
Choose from all 50 states. Each has unique rules.
Residency Status
Residents pay significantly less than visitors.
Enter Your Age
Youth & seniors often get discounts or exemptions.
Get Results
Instantly see matching licenses with 2026 prices.
Our free License Finder tool eliminates the confusion of navigating each state's wildlife agency website. We aggregate data from all 50 state fish and wildlife departments so you can find the right license in seconds, not hours.
Every state in the US manages fishing licenses independently, which means there are hundreds of different license types across the country. Factors that affect which license you need include your state of residency, age, the type of water you'll be fishing (freshwater vs. saltwater), and whether you want an annual, daily, or lifetime license.
Good to Know Before You Buy
Money-Saving Tips
- • Buy a daily license if you fish fewer than 5–8 days per year
- • Lifetime licenses pay for themselves in 10–15 years
- • Take advantage of 48 states' free fishing days — no license required
- • Military veterans and seniors get discounts in most states
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Fishing in a new state without checking local license requirements
- • Forgetting to get a separate saltwater endorsement in coastal states
- • Assuming children under 16 never need a license (some states set the age lower)
- • Not carrying your license or phone with digital license while fishing
Understanding Fishing License Types
📅 Annual License
The most common type. Valid for one calendar year or 365 days from purchase (varies by state). Best value if you fish more than 5-8 times per year. Average cost: ~$24 for residents.
🎫 Daily / Short-Term License
Available in 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, and sometimes 10-day or 15-day durations. Ideal for tourists, occasional anglers, or trying out fishing in a new state. Non-residents often start here.
♾️ Lifetime License
A one-time purchase that covers you for life. Usually only available to residents. Costs vary widely ($200–$1,000+) but save money long-term if you plan to fish for many years in the same state.
🌊 Saltwater Endorsement
An add-on required in many coastal states for ocean, bay, and estuary fishing. Some states include saltwater privileges in their standard license, while others charge an additional $5–$20 for the endorsement.
🐟 Trout / Special Stamps
Some states require additional stamps for specific fish species like trout, salmon, or steelhead. These are usually $5–$15 on top of your base fishing license. Funds typically go toward fish stocking programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
In almost every state, yes. All 50 states require some form of fishing license for anyone over a certain age (typically 16). However, most states offer free fishing days throughout the year when no license is required.
Resident licenses are for people who live in the state where they'll be fishing. They're significantly cheaper — often 3-5× less than non-resident licenses. Most states require you to have lived there for at least 6 months to qualify as a resident.
The average resident annual fishing license costs around $24 across US states. Non-resident licenses typically cost 2-4 times more. Daily licenses range from $5-$25 for those who only fish occasionally.
Yes, nearly all states now offer online license purchases through their state wildlife agency website. Many also offer mobile apps where you can buy, store, and display your license. Our tool links directly to official purchase pages when available.
It depends on the state. Most states don't require a license for children under 16. Some states set the age limit lower (12 or younger), while a few states require all anglers regardless of age to be licensed. Our License Finder accounts for age exemptions automatically.
Fishing without a license is illegal and can result in fines ranging from $50 to over $500 depending on the state. In some states, repeat offenders face misdemeanor charges, equipment confiscation, or even jail time. It's always better to get properly licensed.
In many coastal states, yes. Some states require separate freshwater and saltwater licenses, while others offer a combo license covering both. A few states include saltwater privileges with the standard fishing license. Our tool shows you all available options for your chosen water type.
Most states offer discounted or free licenses for seniors (65+), military veterans, active duty service members, disabled individuals, and low-income residents. Additionally, most states host free fishing days — typically 1-2 weekends per year — when anyone can fish without a license.
Need to Compare Costs?
Planning a multi-state fishing trip? Use our Cost Estimator to compare license prices across states side-by-side.
📊 Open Cost Estimator →