Nevada Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Nevada Department of Wildlife
How much is a fishing license in Nevada (NV)?
A resident annual Nevada fishing license costs $40.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $80.00. Nevada also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
How does Nevada compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 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)
Free✅ Prices verified August 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.
Where to buy a Nevada fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Nevada Department of 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 Nevada also sell licenses.
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 (out-of-state) 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.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Nevada?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Nevada costs $80.00. For a shorter trip, Nevada also sells 1-Day licenses. Buy online from the Nevada Department of Wildlife before you fish.
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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