North Dakota Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department
How much is a fishing license in North Dakota?
A resident annual North Dakota fishing license costs $29.00, and a non-resident annual license is $73.00. North Dakota also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
🎫 Buy a North Dakota Fishing License →Fishing in North Dakota
North Dakota is prairie walleye country. Devils Lake and Lake Sakakawea rank among the top walleye and pike destinations anywhere, and the Missouri River system adds sauger, Chinook salmon and giant catfish along with perch. When the lakes freeze, Devils Lake becomes an ice-fishing mecca with sprawling shacks and heavy perch and walleye. The state offers a strong open-water season followed by a genuine hard-water one.
North Dakota Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$29.00
$27 license + $2 certificate
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$73.00
$68 license + $5 certificate
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$53.00
$48 license + $5 certificate
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$12.00
ND resident 65+: $10 license + $2 certificate
Youth (under 16)
FreePrices from the eRegulations ND agency digest (res jumped $22→$27+$2 cert); confirm on Go Outdoors ND.
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a North Dakota fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in North Dakota. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. North Dakota residents under 16 may take and possess a limit of fish without a license. Non-resident youth under 16 may fish without a license if accompanied by a licensed adult.
- Seniors (65+)
- $10 Resident Senior Citizen fishing license (plus the $2 Fishing/Hunting/Furbearer Certificate = $12 total) for residents 65 and older — a reduced fee, not free.
- Anglers with disabilities
- $10 (+$2 certificate) reduced license for North Dakota residents who are totally and permanently disabled (proof of disability required).
- Veterans & military
- $10 (+$2 certificate) reduced license for North Dakota resident veterans with a 50%-or-greater service-connected disability.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 6–7, 2026 and December 26–27, 2026 — North Dakota's Resident Free Fishing Days; North Dakota residents may fish any water in the state without a license on those days. All other regulations still apply. Non-residents are not covered.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
North Dakota Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular North Dakota species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye/SaugerCombined; Devils Lake/Sakakawea are premier fisheries | 5 | No limit | Year-round |
| Northern PikeStatewide daily creel is 5 | 5 | No limit | Year-round |
| Yellow PerchStatewide daily creel is 20 | 20 | No limit | Year-round |
| Chinook SalmonStatewide daily 5 (possession 10); Lake Sakakawea fishery | 5 | No limit | Varies |
⚠️ 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 North Dakota Game and Fish Department before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
North Dakota Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in North Dakota?
A resident annual fishing license in North Dakota costs $29.00, and a non-resident annual license costs $73.00. North Dakota also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Do you need a fishing license in North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. $10 Resident Senior Citizen fishing license (plus the $2 Fishing/Hunting/Furbearer Certificate = $12 total) for residents 65 and older — a reduced fee, not free. Always confirm current rules with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department before you fish.
Where do you buy a North Dakota fishing license?
Buy directly from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in North Dakota.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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