Nevada Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Nevada Department of Wildlife
How much is a fishing license in Nevada?
A resident annual Nevada fishing license costs $40.00, and a non-resident annual license is $80.00. Nevada also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
🎫 Buy a Nevada Fishing License →Fishing in Nevada
Nevada hides excellent fishing in the desert. Lake Mead and Lake Mohave hold striped and largemouth bass and catfish, while Pyramid Lake is a bucket-list fishery for enormous Lahontan cutthroat trout caught from ladders in the shallows. High-country streams, Ruby Marsh and Lake Tahoe's mackinaw round out the variety. Warmwater fishing runs through the heat; the famous Pyramid cutthroat season peaks in the cold months.
Nevada Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$40.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$80.00
Non-Resident 1-Day
Freshwater
$18.00
Youth (under 12)
FreeNevada sells no senior fishing-only discount (seniors pay the $40 adult fee; a $15 specialty hunt+fish combo exists for residents 65+ with 5-year residency). Removed the phantom $20 senior and a NR 7-day row NDOW does not list (1-day $18 + $7/additional day).
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Nevada fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Nevada. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 12 do not need a license. Anyone 12 or older must have a fishing license; children under 12 fish free. Resident and non-resident youth 12–17 buy a $15 fishing (or combination hunt & fish) license.
- Seniors (65+)
- Nevada sells NO senior fishing-only discount — seniors pay the $40 resident adult fishing fee. The only senior break is a $15 specialty COMBINATION hunting & fishing license for residents 65+ with five consecutive years of Nevada residency. There is no $20 senior fishing license.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Nevada does not publish a general disabled fishing-license exemption on NDOW's fishing pages; qualifying disabled veterans use the $15 specialty combination license (see veteran). Certain severely disabled residents may qualify for a specialty license on application to NDOW.
- Veterans & military
- A $15 specialty combination hunting & fishing license for resident veterans who incurred a 50%-or-greater service-connected disability and received an honorable discharge or certificate of satisfactory service.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Saturday, June 13, 2026 — Nevada Free Fishing Day (the second Saturday in June); no fishing license required to fish any public water statewide, and admission to all Nevada state parks is free that day. All limits and other regulations still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Nevada Department of Wildlife before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Nevada Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Nevada species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| TroutStatewide general limit | 5 | No limit | Year-round |
| Lahontan Cutthroat (Pyramid Lake)Pyramid Lake tribal permit + slot; trophy fishery | No limit | No limit | Special seasons |
| Largemouth BassVaries by region — 5 in Western/most regions, 10 in the South; Colorado River waters differ | 5 | No limit | Year-round |
| Striped BassNo limit and no size restriction at Lake Mead/Mohave (rule revised 2026) | No limit | 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 Nevada Department of Wildlife before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Nevada Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Nevada?
A resident annual fishing license in Nevada costs $40.00, and a non-resident annual license costs $80.00. Nevada also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Do you need a fishing license in Nevada?
Yes. Nevada requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 12 are exempt. Nevada sells NO senior fishing-only discount — seniors pay the $40 resident adult fishing fee. The only senior break is a $15 specialty COMBINATION hunting & fishing license for residents 65+ with five consecutive years of Nevada residency. There is no $20 senior fishing license. Always confirm current rules with the Nevada Department of Wildlife before you fish.
Where do you buy a Nevada fishing license?
Buy directly from the Nevada Department of 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 Nevada.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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