FishKillFlea· Guides · 4 min read
Trout Stamps & Fishing Endorsements Guide (2026) — Which Extra Permits Do You Need?
Complete guide to trout stamps, salmon tags, saltwater endorsements, and special fishing permits required beyond your base license in every US state.
Your base fishing license doesn’t always cover everything. Many states require additional stamps, endorsements, or permits for specific species like trout, salmon, and steelhead. This guide explains every extra permit you might need so you don’t accidentally fish out of compliance.
What Are Fishing Stamps & Endorsements?
A fishing stamp or endorsement is an add-on purchase required in addition to your base fishing license. They grant you the right to target specific species or fish in specific water types. Stamps fund conservation and stocking programs for those species.
Trout Stamps by State
These states require a separate trout stamp to legally fish for trout:
| State | Trout Stamp | Cost (Resident) | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Trout/Salmon Permit | $9.97 | Required to fish for trout or salmon in PA streams |
| Georgia | Trout License | $5.00 | Required for any trout fishing in GA mountain streams |
| North Carolina | Mountain Heritage Trout Waters | Included | No extra stamp — included in license |
| Virginia | Trout License | $23.00 | Required for all designated trout waters |
| West Virginia | Trout Stamp | $10.00 | Required for Category A trout streams |
| Illinois | Inland Trout Stamp | $6.50 | Required for inland trout fishing |
| Iowa | Trout Fee | $13.50 | Required for designated trout streams |
| Missouri | Trout Permit | $8.00 | Required for trout parks and Lake Taneycomo |
| Tennessee | Trout Stamp | — | Included in All-Game license |
| Arkansas | Trout Permit | $5.00 | Required for trout-designated waters |
States Where No Trout Stamp Is Needed
In these states, your base fishing license covers all species including trout:
Alaska · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Idaho · Kansas · Maine · Michigan · Minnesota · Montana · New Hampshire · New Mexico · New York · Oregon · Utah · Vermont · Washington · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Rule of thumb: Western states (where trout are native) generally include trout in the base license. Eastern and Midwestern states (where trout are stocked) often require extra stamps.
Salmon & Steelhead Tags
Pacific Coast states typically require additional tags for salmon and steelhead:
| State | Tag/Permit | Cost (Resident) | Species Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Combined Angling Tag | $36.25 | Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon |
| Washington | Catch Record Card | FREE (with license) | Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut |
| Alaska | King Salmon Stamp | $15.00 | King (chinook) salmon only |
| California | Steelhead Report Card | $7.95 | Required to keep any steelhead |
| Michigan | — | Included | Base all-species license covers salmon |
| New York | — | Included | Great Lakes salmon/steelhead included |
Salmon Fishing in the Great Lakes
Great Lakes salmon and steelhead anglers generally do not need an extra stamp — the base license covers all species in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Minnesota.
Saltwater Endorsements
Many coastal states require a separate saltwater license or endorsement — here’s a quick summary of additional species-specific saltwater permits:
| State | Endorsement | Cost | Target Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Snook Permit | $10.00 | Snook |
| Florida | Lobster Permit | $5.00 | Spiny lobster |
| Texas | Saltwater Endorsement | $15.00 | All saltwater species |
| Texas | Red Drum Tag | FREE | Required to keep red drum |
| North Carolina | CRFL | $16.00 | All coastal species |
| Maryland | Chesapeake Bay Sport License | $15.00 | Tidal waters fishing |
| Connecticut | Marine Waters License | $10.00 | Long Island Sound |
Other Special Endorsements
| Endorsement Type | States | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Rod Permit | California, Utah, Oregon | $5 – $15 | Use two rods simultaneously |
| Primitive Weapons | Virginia, NC | $10 – $15 | Bowfishing, spearfishing |
| Paddlefish | Oklahoma, Missouri, Montana | $5 – $10 | Snagging permits for paddlefish |
| Sturgeon | Oregon, Wisconsin, Michigan | Free – $20 | Limited harvest tags (lottery) |
| Shellfish/Crabbing | Washington, Maryland, Virginia | $5 – $15 | Clams, crabs, mussels |
| Net/Trotline | Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana | $5 – $12 | Commercial-style gear use |
| Federal Duck Stamp | All states (waterfowl) | $25 | Hunting, but required at some NWRs |
Habitat Stamps & Conservation Stamps
Some states require an additional habitat or conservation stamp alongside your fishing license:
| State | Stamp | Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Habitat Stamp | $10.32 | Required for first purchase of any license |
| Nebraska | Aquatic Habitat Stamp | $5.00 | Required for fishing |
| North Dakota | Fishing Habitat Fee | $1.00 | Included in license price |
| South Dakota | Habitat Stamp | $10.00 | Required for all licenses |
| Kansas | — | Included | Habitat fee built into license price |
| Montana | — | Included | Conservation surcharge included |
How to Know What You Need
Follow this checklist before your trip:
- Buy your base fishing license — every angler needs this
- Check if you’re fishing for trout → See trout stamp table above
- Fishing in saltwater? → Check saltwater requirements
- Targeting salmon or steelhead? → See salmon tag table
- Using special gear (second rod, trotline, nets)? → Check endorsement requirements
- Fishing in a national park or tribal water? → See our national park guide
- Check your state’s website for the complete list of required stamps
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a trout stamp to fish for trout? In about 10 states, yes — mostly eastern and midwestern states where trout are stocked. Western states generally include trout in the base license.
Can I fish for trout without a trout stamp? If your state requires one, fishing for trout without the stamp is a violation with the same penalties as fishing without a license. Fines range from $50–$500.
Is a trout stamp required for catch and release? In most states that require a trout stamp, yes — the stamp is required any time you fish in designated trout waters, even if you release all fish.
How much does a PA trout stamp cost? The Pennsylvania Trout/Salmon Permit costs $9.97 for residents (2026).
Do I need a stamp for stocked trout in a lake? It depends on the state. Some states only require the stamp for designated trout streams, while others require it for any trout fishing. Check your state’s regulations.
Where do trout stamp fees go? Trout stamp revenue funds trout stocking programs, stream habitat improvement, hatchery operations, and coldwater fishery conservation.
Compare base license prices on our Fishing License Cost Guide, or find where to buy your license and stamps.