A valid Arizona fishing license is required for resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona. Youth under the age of 10 and blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. The Arizona Game and Fish Department manages all fishing licenses and regulations in the Grand Canyon State. All licenses are valid 365 days from the date of purchase and cannot be returned for refund or exchange.
Quick Reference: Arizona Fishing License
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual | $37.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual | $55.00 |
| License Required Age | 10 and older |
| Youth Exempt | Under 10 |
| Senior Exempt | 70+ (with 25 years residency) |
| License Expiration | 365 days from date of purchase |
| Buy Online | Arizona Game and Fish Department |
Who Needs an Arizona Fishing License?
Resident Requirements
Arizona residents who are 10 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license or combination license to fish any public accessible water in Arizona. All licenses that allow fishing are valid for the take of trout and for simultaneous fishing with two poles or lines. These licenses also include privileges that allow fishing from the shore or from a boat on any portion of the Colorado River and impounded waters such as Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake Havasu that form mutual boundaries between Arizona and California, or Nevada.
Non-Resident Requirements
Non-residents who are 10 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license or combination license to fish any public accessible water in Arizona. The same fishing privileges that apply to resident license holders also apply to non-residents, including the ability to fish with two poles or lines and access to Colorado River boundary waters. All required licenses must be in possession while engaging in fishing. Licenses are non-transferable or refundable.
Military Personnel
A member or spouse of a member of the armed forces of the United States who is on active duty and stationed in Arizona for either permanent or temporary duty may purchase a resident license. Additionally, a member or spouse of a member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty stationed in another state or country but who lists Arizona as their home of record at the time of applying for a license may also purchase a resident license.
Arizona Fishing License Types and Prices
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| General Fishing | $37.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Combination Hunt and Fish | $57.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Youth Combination Hunt and Fish (ages 10-17) | $5.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Short-term Combination Hunt and Fish | $15.00 per day | Selected date(s) |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| General Fishing | $55.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Combination Hunt and Fish | $160.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Youth Combination Hunt and Fish (ages 10-17) | $5.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Short-term Combination Hunt and Fish | $20.00 per day | Selected date(s) |
License Privileges
The General Fishing license allows the take of all fish species statewide, including at Community Fishing waters. All fishing and combo hunt/fish licenses are valid for the take of all aquatic wildlife, which includes legal fish species, crayfish, frogs, waterdogs and softshell turtles. The Combination Hunt and Fish license allows take of all fish species statewide including at Community Fishing waters, small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds. The Youth Combination Hunt and Fish license provides the same fishing privileges plus migratory birds.
Short-Term Licenses
A Short-term Combo license may be purchased for any day. The purchaser selects the date or dates of validity at time of purchase. If purchased for multiple days, the days need not be consecutive. This option provides flexibility for anglers visiting Arizona who only need a license for specific days rather than a full year.
Lifetime Licenses
Lifetime license options are available only to Arizona residents and must be purchased at Game and Fish offices. Fee schedules vary by license type and age. Lifetime licenses purchased prior to 2014 now include the expanded privileges of their respective counterpart, including the Colorado River boundary water privileges that were previously separate stamps.
Who Is Exempt from Needing a Fishing License?
Age Exemptions
Youth under the age of 10 do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. This exemption applies to both residents and non-residents. There is no upper age exemption for general fishing licenses, though senior residents may qualify for complimentary licenses under specific conditions outlined below.
Disability Exemptions
Blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. Additionally, disabled veterans who meet specific criteria qualify for complimentary licenses. A veteran of the armed forces of the United States who has been a domiciled Arizona resident for one year or more immediately preceding application for the license and who is receiving compensation from the United States government for permanent service connected disabilities rated as 100 percent disabling qualifies for a complimentary license that includes the same privileges as the Combination Hunt and Fish license.
Pioneer License
Persons who are 70 years of age or older who have been a domiciled Arizona resident for 25 or more consecutive years immediately preceding application for the license qualify for a complimentary Pioneer license. This license includes the same privileges as the Combination Hunt and Fish license. A hard-plastic permanent card may be purchased for $4.00 and cards are mailed within 30 days of purchase.
Private Water Exemptions
Arizona fishing licenses are not required when fishing private waters, tanks, or ponds with permission of the property owner. This exemption allows landowners and their guests to fish private waters without purchasing a state license.
Free Fishing Day
Fishing any public water on free fishing day does not require a license. Free fishing day usually takes place on the first Saturday of National Fishing and Boating week. The next two years’ dates for free fishing day are June 7, 2025, and June 6, 2026. This annual event allows anyone to fish public waters without a license.
How to Buy Your Arizona Fishing License
Online Purchase
Hunting and fishing licenses are available for purchase online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department license portal. Online purchases allow for immediate print out of your license, so you can start fishing right away. Every license purchased online from the Arizona Game and Fish Department contributes directly to on-the-ground conservation efforts throughout the state.
In-Person Purchase
Licenses can be purchased at all Arizona Game and Fish Department offices and at approximately 150 license dealers statewide. License dealers include many local sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, major retailers, and convenience stores. Purchasing in person allows you to ask questions and ensure you have the correct license type for your fishing plans. Lifetime licenses are only available for purchase at Game and Fish offices.
License Validity and Expiration
All licenses are valid 365 days from the date of purchase. This means your license expires exactly one year after you purchase it, not at the end of a calendar year. For example, if you purchase a license on March 15, 2025, it will expire on March 14, 2026. Licenses are non-transferable or refundable. Once purchased, licenses cannot be returned for refund or exchange.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers the ability for hunting and fishing license holders to enroll in a process that automatically renews licenses upon expiration. This auto-renewal feature ensures you maintain continuous fishing privileges without having to remember to renew manually each year. All required licenses must be in possession while engaging in fishing activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Arizona fishing license?
An Arizona resident general fishing license costs $37.00, while a non-resident general fishing license costs $55.00. Both licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. Youth ages 10-17 can purchase a combination hunt and fish license for only $5.00 regardless of residency status.
How many rods can you fish with in Arizona?
All licenses that allow fishing in Arizona are valid for simultaneous fishing with two poles or lines. This privilege is included with all general fishing licenses and combination hunt and fish licenses without any additional fee or stamp required.
How to get an Arizona fishing license online?
You can purchase an Arizona fishing license online at the Arizona Game and Fish Department license portal at license.azgfd.com. The online system allows for immediate print out of your license so you can start fishing right away. Licenses are valid 365 days from the date of purchase.
What age do you need a fishing license in Arizona?
Arizona requires anglers 10 years of age and older to have a valid fishing license. Youth under the age of 10 do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona. This age requirement applies to both residents and non-residents.
Can I fish on the Colorado River with an Arizona license?
Yes, all Arizona fishing licenses include privileges that allow fishing from the shore or from a boat on any portion of the Colorado River and impounded waters such as Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake Havasu that form mutual boundaries between Arizona and California, or Nevada. These privileges that were previously separate Colorado River stamps are now included with all fishing licenses.
For the most current information and to purchase your license, visit the official Arizona Game and Fish Department website. The department manages over 50 community lakes throughout Arizona where families can create fishing memories together.