Missouri Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Missouri Department of Conservation
How much is a fishing license in Missouri?
A resident annual Missouri fishing license costs $14.00, and a non-resident annual license is $57.00. Missouri also offers discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
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Missouri fishing revolves around Ozark waters. Spring-fed tailwaters like Lake Taneycomo and the state's trout parks grow rainbows and browns, and the clear Ozark streams — the Current and Meramec among them — hold hard-fighting smallmouth. The big reservoirs (Table Rock, Truman and Lake of the Ozarks) give up bass, crappie and catfish, and the rivers offer the spectacle of paddlefish snagging. A trout permit covers the cold water.
Missouri Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$14.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$57.00
Daily Permit
Freshwater
$9.00
Resident and non-resident alike
Youth (under 16)
FreeMissouri residents 65 and older are fully exempt (no permit needed) — the state sells no discounted senior permit.
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Missouri Department of Conservation. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Missouri fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Missouri. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Anyone age 15 and younger — resident or non-resident — may fish without a permit. A trout permit or trout-park daily tag is still required where those apply.
- Seniors (65+)
- Missouri residents 65 and older may fish without any permit at all — a full exemption, not a discount. Missouri sells no discounted senior fishing permit. A trout permit or daily trout tag is still required in areas where those apply.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Missouri residents may fish without a permit if they have corrected vision of 20/200 or less, a field of vision contracted to 20 degrees or less, or are permanently confined to a wheelchair. Residents diagnosed with cerebral palsy or a mental disability who cannot fish alone may fish without a permit while accompanied by a licensed adult angler, carrying a statement of eligibility from a licensed physician, ophthalmologist or optometrist.
- Veterans & military
- Any honorably discharged resident or non-resident veteran with a service-related disability of 60% or greater, or who was a prisoner of war, may fish without a permit while carrying a certified statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Members assigned to a Warrior Transition Brigade/Unit or military medical center may also fish without a permit. Active-duty personnel stationed in Missouri and their families pay resident permit prices.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 6–7, 2026 (the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June each year). Anyone may fish without a fishing permit, trout permit or trout-park daily tag. Size and daily limits still apply, county/city/private fishing areas may still charge their own fees, and trespass laws remain in effect on private property.
Always confirm the current rules with the Missouri Department of Conservation before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Missouri Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Missouri species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth BassStatewide general; many impoundments differ | 6 | 15" | Year-round |
| CrappieStatewide general; big reservoirs set a 9–10 inch minimum | 30 | No limit | Year-round |
| TroutBlue-ribbon/red-ribbon areas are more restrictive | 4 | No limit | Trout-park seasons vary |
| Channel CatfishStatewide general limit | 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 Missouri Department of Conservation before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Missouri Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Missouri?
A resident annual fishing license in Missouri costs $14.00, and a non-resident annual license costs $57.00. Missouri also offers discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Do you need a fishing license in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Missouri residents 65 and older may fish without any permit at all — a full exemption, not a discount. Missouri sells no discounted senior fishing permit. A trout permit or daily trout tag is still required in areas where those apply. Always confirm current rules with the Missouri Department of Conservation before you fish.
Where do you buy a Missouri fishing license?
Buy directly from the Missouri Department of Conservation online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Missouri.
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