Pennsylvania Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
How much is a fishing license in Pennsylvania?
A resident annual Pennsylvania fishing license costs $27.97, and a non-resident annual license is $60.97. Pennsylvania also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
🎫 Buy a Pennsylvania Fishing License →Fishing in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has one of the deepest trout traditions in the country. The limestone spring creeks of the central part of the state — Spring Creek, Penns and the Letort — are hallowed fly water, and the state stocks and protects wild trout widely. The Susquehanna gives up smallmouth and muskie, Lake Erie draws steelhead runs, and the rivers and lakes hold walleye and bass. A trout stamp covers the cold water year-round.
Pennsylvania Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$27.97
Includes issuing-agent fee
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$60.97
Includes issuing-agent fee
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$31.97
Tourist license, includes issuing-agent fee
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$14.47
PA resident only
Youth (under 16)
Free✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Pennsylvania fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Pennsylvania. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. A license is required at age 16 and over. An optional $2.97 Voluntary Youth Fishing License is available for under-16 anglers who want one.
- Seniors (65+)
- $14.47 senior resident annual license (ages 65 & up). A senior resident lifetime license is also offered.
- Anglers with disabilities
- No PA fishing license is needed for anglers who are totally blind, or whose physical or mental impairment leaves them unable to cast or retrieve a line, bait hooks and remove fish — provided only one legal device is used and the angler is within 10 feet of it. The attendant assisting them also needs no license.
- Veterans & military
- Free license for PA resident veterans with loss or use of one or more limbs, total blindness, or a 100% service-connected disability certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Reduced-fee resident annual or senior resident lifetime license for those rated 60–99% disabled. VA documentation required.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Sunday, May 24, 2026 and Saturday, July 4, 2026 — no fishing license required, and Trout/Salmon and Lake Erie permits are not required either. All other fishing regulations remain in effect.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Pennsylvania Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Pennsylvania species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth/Smallmouth BassCatch-and-release only before season opener | 6 | 12" | June (second Sat)–Apr 15 |
| WalleyeCheck specific lake and river regulations | 6 | 15" | May 1–Mar 31 |
| Rainbow/Brown TroutSpecial regulations on many streams | 5 | 7" | Apr (first Sat)–Labor Day (most waters) |
⚠️ 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 Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Pennsylvania Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Pennsylvania?
A resident annual fishing license in Pennsylvania costs $27.97, and a non-resident annual license costs $60.97. Pennsylvania also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
Do you need a fishing license in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. $14.47 senior resident annual license (ages 65 & up). A senior resident lifetime license is also offered. Always confirm current rules with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission before you fish.
Where do you buy a Pennsylvania fishing license?
Buy directly from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Pennsylvania.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
Got your license — now find a fishing buddy in Pennsylvania
MyFishingBuds matches you with anglers in Pennsylvania by style, species, and schedule.
Find a fishing buddy →