Delaware Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife
How much is a fishing license in Delaware (DE)?
A resident annual Delaware fishing license costs $11.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $22.50. Delaware also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife.
How does Delaware compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Delaware Fishing License →Fishing in Delaware
Delaware is small but almost entirely built around water access. Delaware Bay, the Atlantic surf and the coastal inlets give up striped bass, summer flounder, black sea bass, tautog and drum, and the Indian River and Rehoboth Bay stay busy all season. Freshwater ponds hold largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill for a quieter day. Coastal fishing dominates the calendar, and the state's licensing includes a saltwater registration for anglers working the bays and beaches.
Delaware Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$11.00
One general license covers fresh + tidal + crab/clam
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$22.50
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$15.00
Senior (65+)
FreeDE resident 65+ exempt (free FIN number still required)
Youth (under 16)
Free✅ Prices verified October 2026 from the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Delaware fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Delaware. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Children under 16 are exempt from both the fishing license and the FIN (Fisherman Information Network) number. One fishing license covers both fresh and tidal waters and is valid for recreational crabbing and clamming.
- Seniors (65+)
- Delaware residents 65 and older are exempt from the fishing license (proof of age and residency required) — a full exemption, not a discount. Exempt anglers must still obtain an annual free FIN number. Non-residents 65+ must buy a license.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Delaware residents who are legally blind, or who are patients in a rehabilitation hospital under the Department of Health and Social Services, are exempt from the fishing license. Residents who own or live on a Delaware farm of 20+ acres (and immediate family residing on the farm) may fish that farm without a license.
- Veterans & military
- Persons honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces and certified by the VA as having at least a 60% service-connected disability may be issued a license exemption to hunt, trap and fish without charge (apply to the Division with a VA letter). Residents who served 90+ consecutive days on active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom may get a free license for the first 12 months after honorable discharge. Exempt anglers still need an annual free FIN number.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 6–7, 2026 (passed) — Delaware Free Fishing Days; anglers may fish, crab and clam in any Delaware waters without a license, but anglers 16 and older still need a free FIN number. 2027 dates not yet announced.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified October 2026.
Saltwater & beach fishing in Delaware
Saltwater registration required but free for residents
Where to buy a Delaware fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife — 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 Delaware also sell licenses.
Delaware Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Delaware species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer FlounderSaltwater; 17.5-inch minimum Jun 1–Dec 31 (16-inch Jan–May); size/season set annually — confirm | 4 | 17.5" | Varies |
| Striped BassSaltwater slot 28–31 inches; confirm current rule | 1 | 28" | Varies |
| Largemouth BassStatewide 12-inch minimum (15-inch at Becks Pond) | 6 | 12" | 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 Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Delaware Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Delaware?
A resident annual fishing license in Delaware costs $11.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $22.50. Delaware also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Delaware?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Delaware costs $22.50. For a shorter trip, Delaware also sells 7-Day licenses. Buy online from the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Delaware residents 65 and older are exempt from the fishing license (proof of age and residency required) — a full exemption, not a discount. Exempt anglers must still obtain an annual free FIN number. Non-residents 65+ must buy a license. Always confirm current rules with the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife before you fish.
Where do you buy a Delaware fishing license?
Buy directly from the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Delaware.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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