What Arizona Fishing Licenses Cost

An Arizona fishing license for residents costs $37.85 for a one-year license. Non-residents pay $64.85 for the same period. These are the standard prices for a license that lets you fish in freshwater and saltwater throughout the state.

Arizona also sells short-term licenses at lower prices if you do not fish regularly. A five-day non-resident license costs $22.85. A one-day non-resident license costs $12.85. Residents can buy a five-day license for $14.85 or a one-day license for $8.85. These short licenses cover the same waters as the annual license.

Prices do not vary by county or region within Arizona. You pay the same amount whether you fish in the Colorado River, Lake Powell, or a small pond near Phoenix. The Arizona Game and Fish Department sets all prices statewide.

Key Takeaways

  • Arizona resident annual licenses cost $37.85; non-resident annual licenses cost $64.85.
  • One-day and five-day licenses are available at lower prices for both residents and non-residents who fish occasionally.
  • You can buy a license online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores.
  • Licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase, and you must carry your license or a copy when you fish.

Where to Buy Your License

The fastest way to get a license is online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website. You can purchase and print your license when ready, and it is valid the same day. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license or ID number.

You can also buy a license by phone by calling the Arizona Game and Fish Department directly. They can mail the license to you or email a temporary version while the physical copy is in transit.

Authorized vendors throughout Arizona sell licenses in person. These include Walmart, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, and local sporting goods stores. Vendor locations and hours vary, so call ahead if you need a license the same day.

Who Needs a License and Who Does Not

Anyone 10 years old or older who fishes in Arizona must have a valid license. This applies to residents and non-residents alike. The only exceptions are children under 10, who can fish without a license as long as an adult with a valid license is present and supervising.

Native Americans who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe may fish without a license on tribal lands, but rules vary by tribe and location. Contact your tribe's fish and wildlife office for details on where you can fish without a license.

Some state parks and private property have their own rules. Always check with the property owner or park office before fishing on land you do not own.

What Your License Covers

An Arizona fishing license lets you fish in all freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams open to the public. It also covers saltwater fishing in the Gulf of California if you travel there. You can fish for most species, including bass, trout, catfish, and panfish.

Some fish require an additional stamp or endorsement beyond your base license. A trout stamp costs $12.85 for residents and $17.85 for non-residents if you want to fish for trout in designated waters. A Colorado River stamp costs $12.85 for residents and $17.85 for non-residents and is required to fish certain sections of the Colorado River.

Check the Arizona Game and Fish Department website or the current fishing regulations booklet to see which species require stamps in the water where you plan to fish.

How Long Your License Lasts

Annual licenses are valid for one year from the date you purchase them. If you buy a license on March 15, it expires on March 14 of the following year. You must renew before the expiration date if you want to continue fishing.

One-day and five-day licenses expire at the end of the last day of use. A one-day license purchased on a Friday is valid only that Friday. A five-day license gives you five consecutive calendar days to fish.

You can renew your license online, by phone, or at a vendor at any time before it expires. Renewing early does not cost extra — your new license straightforward begins on the day after your current one ends.

Discounts and Special Rates

Arizona offers reduced-price licenses for certain groups. Seniors 62 and older pay $14.85 for an annual resident license instead of the full $37.85 price. Disabled veterans and active-duty military members may also receive discounts; contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department for current rates and required documentation.

Some counties or cities run special free fishing days a few times per year when anyone can fish without a license. These dates change yearly, so check the Arizona Game and Fish Department website or call ahead to find out when free fishing days occur near you.

What to Do If You Lose Your License

If you lose your physical license, you can get a replacement by contacting the Arizona Game and Fish Department. They can email you a temporary digital copy that is valid while you wait for a new physical license to arrive by mail. There is usually a small replacement fee, though the exact amount varies.

If you purchased your license online, you can reprint it from your account on the Arizona Game and Fish Department website. Keep a copy with you when you fish, or have your account information ready in case a game warden asks to verify your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish in my backyard pond?

If the pond is on your own property and you own the water rights, you do not need a license. If the pond is on someone else's land or the water rights belong to someone else, you need a license and permission from the owner. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department if you are unsure about water rights on a specific property.

Can I use someone else's license to fish?

No. A license is not transferable and must be in the name of the person fishing. A game warden can ask to see your license and verify your identity. Using someone else's license is a violation and can result in a fine.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Arizona law. Penalties include fines that can range from $75 to several hundred dollars depending on the circumstances. A game warden can also confiscate your fishing equipment. It is cheaper and faster to buy a license before you fish.

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

Yes. You can purchase a license online or at a vendor using someone else's name and information, as long as you have their date of birth and ID number. The person receiving the gift should keep a copy of the license with them when they fish.

Do I need a separate license for each type of fish?

No. One annual license covers all fish species in Arizona, with the exception of trout and certain Colorado River sections, which require additional stamps. You do not need separate licenses for bass, catfish, panfish, or other common species.