A fishing license is a legal permit that allows you to fish in public lakes and waters in the state or jurisdiction where it was issued. Even if you plan to catch and release fish, you must have a valid fishing license to legally fish in public waters. Anyone over the age of 16 must obtain a fishing license in most states in the United States before fishing.
Obtaining a fishing license is simple and entails paying a fee for the permit and signing a statement stating that you have read and understand the fishing laws in your area. Fishing laws and the official issuance of fishing licenses are typically overseen by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), but the license itself can be purchased from a variety of sources. Fishing licenses are available at sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some major department store chains with sporting goods departments. Most state departments of natural resources sell fishing licenses online.
When purchasing a fishing license, there are only a few things to keep in mind. It’s important to remember that a fishing license is only valid for a season. When fishing licenses go on sale for each season, they are only valid for that season, regardless of when they were bought. A new fishing license must be purchased once the new season begins, which is usually in early spring.
While you will need a fishing license to fish in your home state, the license will not be valid in other states. This means you’ll need to buy a non-resident fishing license if you only plan to fish while on vacation outside of your home state. Make sure you do your homework before purchasing a non-resident fishing license, as some states offer three- or five-day permits instead of requiring you to have a valid annual license. Regardless of type, the cost is typically higher than it would be for residents. However, the fee is usually lower than what you’d have to pay if you were caught poaching fish.
Visit your state’s Department of Natural Resources online or call your local office to learn more about purchasing a fishing license and the fishing laws in your area.