Arizona Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department
How much is a fishing license in Arizona (AZ)?
A resident annual Arizona fishing license costs $37.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $55.00. Arizona also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
How does Arizona compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Arizona Fishing License →Fishing in Arizona
Arizona fishing means desert reservoirs and the Colorado River, plus a surprising cold-water scene up high. Roosevelt, Havasu and Powell hold largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass and catfish, fishing well through the warm months. In the White Mountains and at Lees Ferry — a blue-ribbon rainbow trout tailwater below Glen Canyon Dam — the state stocks and grows quality trout. Warmwater fishing runs year-round in the low desert, while the high country and tailwaters shine in cooler months.
Arizona Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$37.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$55.00
Non-Resident 1-Day
Freshwater
$15.00
Non-Resident 5-Day
Freshwater
$30.00
Senior (70+)
FreeAZ resident 70+ with 25+ consecutive years residency (Pioneer license); otherwise pays the $37 annual
Youth (under 10)
Free✅ Prices verified August 2026 from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Arizona fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Arizona. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 10 do not need a license. No license required under age 10 (blind residents also need no license). Youths 10–17, resident or non-resident, may buy a $5 Youth Combo Hunt & Fish license.
- Seniors (70+)
- FREE Pioneer license for Arizona residents 70 or older who have been residents for 25 or more consecutive years immediately before applying. It gives full hunt & fish combination privileges (including community lakes), has no fee and does not expire. Apply at an AZGFD office.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Blind Arizona residents do not need a state fishing license. AZGFD can also issue a 2-day group fishing permit to government agencies and nonprofits that care for people with physical, developmental or mental disabilities.
- Veterans & military
- FREE Disabled Veteran's hunt & fish combo license for veterans the VA certifies as 100% permanent and total service-connected disabled who have been Arizona residents for at least 1 year (100% Individual Unemployability does not qualify). Reduced fees: $42 for less than 100% service-connected disability, $28 for Purple Heart recipients (residents for 1+ year). Active-duty military stationed in Arizona or listing Arizona as home of record count as residents.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Arizona's 2026 Free Fishing Day was Saturday, June 6 (passed; 2027 not yet announced). No license was needed at state waters or community (CFP) lakes. It does not cover private or tribal waters or CAP canals (SRP canals are OK). Bag limits and all other regulations still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Arizona Game and Fish Department before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified October 2026.
Where to buy a Arizona fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Arizona Game and Fish Department — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Arizona also sell licenses.
Arizona Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Arizona species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth BassStatewide general limit; the 13-inch minimum applies only to Community Waters | 6 | No limit | Year-round |
| TroutHigher limits on some community/urban waters | 4 | No limit | Year-round (stocked waters) |
| Channel CatfishStatewide general limit | 10 | No limit | Year-round |
| Striped BassStatewide limit is 10; no limit on Mead/Mohave/Pleasant/Willow Beach | 10 | No limit | Year-round |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Arizona Game and Fish Department before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Arizona Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Arizona?
A resident annual fishing license in Arizona costs $37.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $55.00. Arizona also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Arizona?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Arizona costs $55.00. For a shorter trip, Arizona also sells 1-Day, 5-Day licenses. Buy online from the Arizona Game and Fish Department before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 10 are exempt. FREE Pioneer license for Arizona residents 70 or older who have been residents for 25 or more consecutive years immediately before applying. It gives full hunt & fish combination privileges (including community lakes), has no fee and does not expire. Apply at an AZGFD office. Always confirm current rules with the Arizona Game and Fish Department before you fish.
Where do you buy a Arizona fishing license?
Buy directly from the Arizona Game and Fish Department online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Arizona.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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