What Pennsylvania fishing licenses cost

A Pennsylvania resident fishing license costs $20.97 for a year. A three-day license costs $10.97. A one-day license costs $6.97. Non-residents pay more: $35.97 for a year, $15.97 for three days, and $9.97 for one day. These are the base prices from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and they have not changed since 2020, though the commission can adjust them without notice.

You buy licenses directly from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, from authorized vendors (bait shops, sporting goods stores, and some hardware stores), or by phone at 717-705-7800. Online purchase is fastest—you get a digital license when ready that you can print or show on your phone. Vendors may charge a small processing fee on top of the license price.

If you fish in Pennsylvania waters but live out of state, you need a non-resident license. If you live in Pennsylvania but want to fish in another state, that state's rules explore—Pennsylvania's license does not carry over.

Key Takeaways

  • A resident year-round license costs $20.97; non-residents pay $35.97 for the same period.
  • Short-term licenses (one day or three days) cost less and do not require you to commit to a full year.
  • You can buy online from the Fish and Boat Commission website and print or display the license on your phone when ready.
  • Authorized vendors like bait shops and sporting goods stores sell licenses in person, though some add a processing fee.
  • Pennsylvania licenses are valid only in Pennsylvania waters; fishing in other states requires that state's license.

Who needs a Pennsylvania fishing license

Anyone 16 or older who fishes in Pennsylvania must have a license. This includes freshwater fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams, and saltwater fishing in tidal areas. The only exceptions are children under 16 (who can fish free with an adult who holds a license) and people fishing on their own private property where no public water access exists.

If you are disabled or a military veteran, Pennsylvania offers discounted or free licenses. A disabled resident can get a free lifetime license through the Fish and Boat Commission. A veteran with a service-connected disability rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs can also get a free license. You will need to provide proof of disability or veteran status when you purchase.

Types of licenses and what each covers

Pennsylvania offers several license types depending on how long you plan to fish. A resident annual license ($20.97) lets you fish for a full calendar year starting January 1. A three-day license ($10.97) is valid for three consecutive calendar days and is useful for a short trip. A one-day license ($6.97) covers a single calendar day.

All licenses cover freshwater fishing for trout, bass, walleye, catfish, and other freshwater species in any Pennsylvania lake, river, or stream open to the public. They do not cover saltwater fishing in Delaware Bay or the Atlantic Ocean—that requires a separate saltwater license ($10.97 for residents, $15.97 for non-residents).

Pennsylvania also issues special licenses for specific situations. A lifetime resident license costs $400 and never expires—it is a one-time purchase that pays for itself if you fish regularly for 20 years or more. A senior resident license (age 65 and older) costs $10.97 per year.

Where to buy a Pennsylvania fishing license

The fastest way to buy is online at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website (www.fish.pa.gov). You create an account, select your license type, pay by credit or debit card, and receive a digital license when ready that you can print or save to your phone. No processing fee applies when you buy online.

You can also buy in person at authorized vendors throughout Pennsylvania. These include bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores (like Dick's Sporting Goods and Cabela's), some Walmart and Target locations, and certain hardware stores. Call ahead to confirm a vendor carries licenses, because not all locations do. Vendors may add a $1 to $3 processing fee on top of the license price.

You can also call the Fish and Boat Commission at 717-705-7800 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time) to buy over the phone. You will need a credit card, and the license will be mailed to you—this takes five to seven business days.

What to bring when you fish

You must carry your license with you while fishing. If you bought a printed license, bring the paper. If you bought online and did not print it, bring your phone with the digital license displayed. A Fish and Boat Commission officer can ask to see it at any time. Fishing without a license or without your license on you is a violation and can result in a fine.

You do not need to register your fishing rod or reel, and you do not need a separate permit to fish in state parks or on state game lands—your license covers all public waters in Pennsylvania.

License rules and restrictions

A Pennsylvania fishing license does not limit how many fish you can catch, but Pennsylvania has catch limits and size limits for different species. For example, you can keep up to five largemouth bass per day, but each must be at least 12 inches long. Trout limits vary by season and water type. The Fish and Boat Commission publishes a Fishing Summary booklet each year with all current limits—you can read it free from their website or pick up a printed copy at a vendor.

Your license is valid only in Pennsylvania. If you travel to another state to fish, you must buy that state's license. Some states offer reciprocal agreements with Pennsylvania, but Pennsylvania does not—you cannot use a Pennsylvania license in neighboring states like Ohio or New York.

Licenses do not roll over. If you buy a one-day or three-day license, it expires at the end of that period. If you buy an annual license, it expires on December 31 of that year, even if you bought it in November. You must buy a new license for the next calendar year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish with someone else's license?

No. Each person fishing must have their own license. A parent or guardian with a license can supervise a child under 16 who fishes without a license, but the adult cannot fish at the same time using that child's exemption. Everyone actively fishing needs a separate, valid license.

Do I need a license to fish on private property?

No, if the property is yours and has no public water access. If you are fishing on someone else's private property, you still need a license unless the owner has explicitly told you otherwise in writing. Public access areas, even small ones, require a license.

What happens if I lose my license or it gets wet?

If you bought online, log into your account on the Fish and Boat Commission website and read a new copy. If you bought a printed license, contact the Fish and Boat Commission at 717-705-7800 and they can reissue it. There is no fee for a replacement if the original was lost or damaged.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

Yes. You can buy a gift license online or at a vendor. If you buy online, you provide the recipient's name and email, and they receive the digital license. If you buy a printed license at a vendor, you can give it to them directly. Lifetime licenses make popular gifts for people who fish regularly.

Do I need a license to fish in a stocked trout pond at a state park?

Yes. All public fishing in Pennsylvania, including in state parks and on state game lands, requires a valid license. The license covers all public waters—there is no separate permit for specific locations.