Utah Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
How much is a fishing license in Utah (UT)?
A resident annual Utah fishing license costs $40.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $120.00. Utah also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
How does Utah compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Utah Fishing License →Fishing in Utah
Utah ranges from mountain trout to desert bass. Trout fill the Uinta and Wasatch lakes and streams, Flaming Gorge grows trophy lake trout (mackinaw) alongside kokanee and smallmouth, and Lake Powell holds striped and largemouth bass. The state is also home to unique native cutthroat subspecies. Summer opens the high country, while the reservoirs and lower waters — including winter ice fishing — extend the season on both ends.
Utah Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$40.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$120.00
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$44.00
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$91.00
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$31.00
UT resident only
Youth (under 12)
FreeUnder 12 free; ages 12-17 pay reduced rates
✅ Prices verified August 2026 from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Utah fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Utah. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 12 do not need a license. Children 11 and under fish free. Utah still charges youth 12 and up, at reduced rates: $5.00 for residents 12–13 and $16.00 for residents 14–17 (non-residents $18.00 and $44.00).
- Seniors (65+)
- $31.00 resident 365-day fishing license for residents 65 and older, against $40.00 for residents aged 18–64. There is no free senior license.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Free fishing license for Utah residents who are blind, paraplegic, permanently confined to a wheelchair, have lost their lower extremities, or are permanently confined to crutches. A separate free fishing license is available to Utah residents with a significant intellectual disability. Both require an application to the DWR.
- Veterans & military
- Utah residents with a service-connected disability of 20% or greater may buy a discounted hunting, fishing or combination license on furnishing VA verification; once approved the discounted rate carries forward on every renewal.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Saturday, June 6, 2026 — anyone may fish at any public waterbody in Utah without a license. All of Utah's other fishing rules stay in effect. On every other day of the year, anyone 12 or older needs a license.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Where to buy a Utah fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources — 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 Utah also sell licenses.
Utah Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Utah species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| TroutStatewide general; many waters have their own limits | 4 | No limit | Year-round |
| Lake Trout (Mackinaw)Flaming Gorge/Fish Lake set their own slot rules | No limit | No limit | Year-round |
| Largemouth BassStatewide general limit | 6 | No limit | Year-round |
| WalleyeOften liberal to protect trout; confirm by water | 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 Utah Division of Wildlife Resources before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Utah Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Utah?
A resident annual fishing license in Utah costs $40.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $120.00. Utah also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Utah?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Utah costs $120.00. For a shorter trip, Utah also sells 3-Day, 7-Day licenses. Buy online from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Utah?
Yes. Utah requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 12 are exempt. $31.00 resident 365-day fishing license for residents 65 and older, against $40.00 for residents aged 18–64. There is no free senior license. Always confirm current rules with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources before you fish.
Where do you buy a Utah fishing license?
Buy directly from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Utah.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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