What Ohio Fishing Licenses Cost

An Ohio fishing license for residents costs $19 for a one-year license. Non-residents pay $39 for the same one-year period. Ohio also sells short-term licenses: a three-day non-resident license costs $12, and a one-day license (for either residents or non-residents) costs $8. These prices have been in place since 2020 and cover freshwater fishing in Ohio's lakes, rivers, and streams.

If you fish in Lake Erie specifically, you will need a separate Lake Erie permit in addition to your base fishing license. The Lake Erie permit costs $8.50 for residents and $16.50 for non-residents and covers one calendar year. Some anglers also purchase a combination hunting and fishing license, which costs $39.99 for residents and covers both activities for one year.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year Ohio fishing license costs $19 for residents and $39 for non-residents.
  • Short-term licenses are available: one day for $8 or three days for $12 (non-residents only).
  • Lake Erie fishing requires an additional $8.50 (residents) or $16.50 (non-residents) permit on top of your base license.
  • You can buy licenses online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops.

Where to Buy Your License

The easiest way to purchase an Ohio fishing license is online through the Ohio Division of Wildlife website at wildohio.gov. You can buy and print your license when ready, and it is valid as soon as you print it. You will need a valid Ohio driver's license or ID number to complete the purchase online.

If you prefer not to buy online, you can call the Ohio Division of Wildlife at 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) during business hours to purchase over the phone. Licensed vendors throughout Ohio also sell fishing licenses, including Walmart, Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, local bait and tackle shops, and some sporting goods stores. Call ahead to confirm the vendor near you has licenses in stock.

Who Needs a License and Who Does Not

Anyone 16 years old or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Ohio. Children under 16 can fish without a license as long as they are supervised by a licensed adult. Some people are exempt from needing a license: Ohio residents 65 and older can fish without one, and residents with certain disabilities may may have access to for a free license through the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

To learn about you may have access to for a disability exemption, contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife directly at 1-800-945-3543. You will need to provide documentation of your disability. Disabled veterans may also have options; ask about veteran-specific programs when you call.

What Your License Covers

Your Ohio fishing license covers freshwater fishing in all of Ohio's public waters except Lake Erie, which requires the separate permit mentioned above. The license does not limit the number of fish you can catch, but Ohio has specific size and bag limits for different species—for example, you can keep five largemouth bass per day, but they must be at least 12 inches long. Check the current regulations on the Ohio Division of Wildlife website before you fish, because limits change by season and location.

Your license is valid for one calendar year from the date you purchase it. If you buy a license on June 15, it expires on December 31 of that same year, not one year later. Plan ahead if you fish year-round, because you will need to buy a new license each January.

Renewing Your License

You can renew your Ohio fishing license through the same channels where you bought it: online at wildohio.gov, by phone at 1-800-945-3543, or at any licensed vendor. There is no waiting period—you can renew your license on the day it expires. If you buy your license online, you can print it when ready and fish the same day.

Set a reminder for late December if you fish regularly, because licenses expire on December 31 and you cannot fish without a current one. If your license has already expired, you can still purchase a new one at any time; there is no penalty for letting it lapse.

Special Licenses and Permits

Beyond the standard one-year license, Ohio offers a few other options. The combination hunting and fishing license for $39.99 (residents) covers both activities for one year and is useful if you hunt in fall and fish year-round. The Lake Erie permit ($8.50 residents, $16.50 non-residents) is required separately if you fish Lake Erie specifically.

Some counties and parks also issue local fishing permits for specific waters. Check with your local park district or the Ohio Division of Wildlife if you plan to fish a particular lake or stream, because a few managed areas have additional requirements beyond the state license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Ohio without a license if I am visiting for just one day?

No, you still need a license. However, Ohio sells one-day licenses for $8, which is cheaper than the three-day non-resident license ($12) if you only plan to fish once. Buy it online, by phone, or at a local vendor before you fish.

Do I need a separate license to fish Lake Erie?

Yes. You need your base fishing license plus the Lake Erie permit. The permit costs $8.50 for Ohio residents and $16.50 for non-residents. Both are available through the same vendors and online.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license in Ohio is a violation. Penalties can include fines and confiscation of your fishing equipment. Always carry your printed license or have it available on your phone when you fish.

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

You can purchase a license online or by phone using someone else's name and driver's license number if they provide that information to you. However, the person receiving the license must be the one to print it or pick it up, depending on how you buy it.

Do senior citizens really not need a fishing license in Ohio?

Ohio residents 65 and older do not need a fishing license. You will need to show proof of age (a driver's license or ID) if a wildlife officer asks. Non-residents 65 and older still need to purchase a license.