Georgia Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division
How much is a fishing license in Georgia?
A resident annual Georgia fishing license costs $15.00, and a non-resident annual license is $50.00. Georgia also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division.
🎫 Buy a Georgia Fishing License →Fishing in Georgia
Georgia stretches from mountain trout streams to the Golden Isles. Big reservoirs like Lanier, Clarks Hill and Seminole hold largemouth, striped and hybrid bass, crappie and catfish, while the north Georgia mountains offer stocked and wild trout on waters such as the Toccoa and upper Chattahoochee. On the coast, the marshes around the barrier islands produce redfish, trout and tripletail. A trout license is needed up north; warmwater fishing runs year-round.
Georgia Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$15.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$50.00
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$24.00
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$7.00
GA resident 65+: $7 Senior Sportsman's (or $35 lifetime). Free only if born on or before June 30, 1952.
Youth (under 16)
FreePrices are the state base fee; retail sub-agents add a ~$3 issuance fee.
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Georgia fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Georgia. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Residents 16–64 need a license; anglers 0–15 are exempt (an Optional Youth Fishing license is available for those who want one).
- Seniors (65+)
- Georgia 65+ options are PAID, not free: a $7 Senior Sportsman's annual license, or a one-time $35 Senior Lifetime Fishing / $70 Senior Lifetime Sportsman's. A FREE Senior Lifetime Sportsman's license is reserved for residents born on or before June 30, 1952 — a birthdate gate, not simply turning 65 (a resident turning 65 today does not qualify for the free license).
- Anglers with disabilities
- Georgia residents with a qualifying disability buy a discounted Disability Fishing license — $3 for one year or $9 for three years — not free.
- Veterans & military
- Georgia offers a FREE one-time (one-year) Honorary Veterans fishing license to residents with 90+ days of active federal duty who were honorably discharged on or after July 1, 2005. A paid $600 Military & Veterans Lifetime Sportsman's license is also available.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Georgia's 2026 free fishing days: June 6 and June 13 (during National Fishing & Boating Week) and September 26 (National Hunting & Fishing Day). No license or trout license required on those days; all other regulations still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Georgia Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Georgia species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth BassMany lakes have special size limits — check WRD | 10 | 12" | Year-round |
| CrappieCombined black and white crappie; no statewide minimum size | 30 | No limit | Year-round |
| Striped BassStatewide 15 combined striped/white/hybrid (only 2 ≥22 inches; 27-inch minimum on the Savannah River below Thurmond) | 15 | 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 Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Georgia Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Georgia?
A resident annual fishing license in Georgia costs $15.00, and a non-resident annual license costs $50.00. Georgia also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division.
Do you need a fishing license in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Georgia 65+ options are PAID, not free: a $7 Senior Sportsman's annual license, or a one-time $35 Senior Lifetime Fishing / $70 Senior Lifetime Sportsman's. A FREE Senior Lifetime Sportsman's license is reserved for residents born on or before June 30, 1952 — a birthdate gate, not simply turning 65 (a resident turning 65 today does not qualify for the free license). Always confirm current rules with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division before you fish.
Where do you buy a Georgia fishing license?
Buy directly from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Georgia.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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