What will it cost? Calculator
Pick your trip and we'll work out the cheapest licenses to buy, including any required stamps.
Licenses and prices
Checked Nov 4, 2026Prices for 2026. Listed prices are AZGFD license fees. No separate online fee was listed.
Where these prices come from: Fees from Arizona Administrative Code R12-4-102 (amended June 2025) and the AZGFD license page. Lifetime prices are worked out from the multiples set in R12-4-211.
How long annual licenses last: Licenses are valid 365 days from purchase (short-term licenses only on the days chosen). Official source
Non-residents (visitors)
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Non-resident general fishing license Ages 18+ | Fresh | Annual | $55 | Official source2 |
| Youth combination hunt and fish license (non-resident, 10-17) Ages 10–17 | Fresh | Annual | $5 | Official source2 |
| Non-resident short-term combination hunt and fish license Ages 18+ | Fresh | 1 day | $20 |
Includes: $20 per day; you choose the days when buying and they need not be in a row. Not valid for draw applications. Extra consecutive days $20 each. Official source2 |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Non-resident combination hunt and fish license | Fresh | Annual | $160 |
Only for: Hunting and fishing combined; non-resident hunters must buy this. Anglers only need the general fishing license. Official source |
Residents
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Resident general fishing license Ages 18+ | Fresh | Annual | $37 | Official source2 |
| Youth combination hunt and fish license (resident, 10-17) Ages 10–17 | Fresh | Annual | $5 | Official source2 |
| Resident short-term combination hunt and fish license Ages 18+ | Fresh | 1 day | $15 |
Includes: $15 per day; you choose the days when buying and they need not be in a row. Not valid for draw applications. Extra consecutive days $15 each. Official source2 |
| Resident lifetime fishing license (age 0 to 13) Under 14 | Fresh | Lifetime | $629 |
Fee set by rule as 17 times the one-year fishing license ($37). Buy at Department offices. Lifetime combination licenses are also sold. Official source2 |
| Resident lifetime fishing license (age 14 to 29) Ages 14–29 | Fresh | Lifetime | $666 |
Fee set by rule as 18 times the one-year fishing license ($37). Buy at Department offices. Lifetime combination licenses are also sold. Official source2 |
| Resident lifetime fishing license (age 30 to 44) Ages 30–44 | Fresh | Lifetime | $592 |
Fee set by rule as 16 times the one-year fishing license ($37). Buy at Department offices. Lifetime combination licenses are also sold. Official source2 |
| Resident lifetime fishing license (age 45 to 61) Ages 45–61 | Fresh | Lifetime | $555 |
Fee set by rule as 15 times the one-year fishing license ($37). Buy at Department offices. Lifetime combination licenses are also sold. Official source2 |
| Resident lifetime fishing license (age 62 and over) Ages 62+ | Fresh | Lifetime | $296 |
Fee set by rule as 8 times the one-year fishing license ($37). Buy at Department offices. Lifetime combination licenses are also sold. Official source2 |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Resident combination hunt and fish license | Fresh | Annual | $57 |
Only for: Hunting and fishing combined; shown for hunters. Anglers only need the general fishing license. Official source |
| Pioneer license (free combination) | Fresh | Lifetime | Free |
Only for: Residents 70 or over who have lived in Arizona for 25 consecutive years. Department offices only; optional hard card $4. Official source2 |
| Disabled veteran license (free combination) | Fresh | Lifetime | Free |
Only for: Veterans with VA certification of a 100% permanent service-connected disability and at least one year's residency. Department offices only. Official source2 |
| Honorary Scout combination license | Fresh | Annual | $5 |
Only for: Eagle Scouts and Girl Scouts with Gold Awards, with documents, at a Department office. Official source |
Who doesn't need a license
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Anyone under 10
Fresh Everyone Official source2
-
Blind residents
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations)
-
Anyone fishing private waters with the owner's permission
Fresh Everyone · check this applies to you Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations)
-
Everyone, on Free Fishing Day (state waters and community lakes; not private, tribal or CAP canal waters)
Fresh Everyone Official source
Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in Arizona, except under the border-water agreements below.
Free fishing days
Checked Nov 4, 2026Dates can move, and some free days are for residents only. Confirm with AZGFD before you go.
Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.
No license needed on state waters and community lakes. Not valid on private or tribal waters or CAP canals. Bag limits still apply. 2027 date not yet announced.
Residents and visitors
Checked Nov 4, 2026- Who counts as a resident
- A resident has been domiciled in Arizona (their true, fixed and permanent home) for the six months before buying and does not claim residency anywhere else. Owning property or spending part of the year in Arizona is not enough. (at least 183 days)
- Military
- Active-duty military, spouses and minor children stationed in Arizona for 30 days, or who list Arizona as home of record, can buy resident licenses.
How to buy a Arizona fishing license
Checked Nov 4, 2026Sold online (card only), at AZGFD offices and at license dealers that sell electronically. Paper licenses are no longer sold through dealers.
Buy online at license.azgfd.com (credit or debit card), at AZGFD offices (card, cheque or cash) or at dealers. Auto-renewal is available. Carry your license while fishing.
Secondary source: KGUN 9 news (Dec 2021)2
One general fishing license covers all species statewide, including Community Fishing waters. Frogs, waterdogs, crayfish and softshell turtles also need a fishing or combination license.
For ages 10 to 17, the $5 youth combination license covers fishing and hunting.
Charters, guides and piers
Checked Nov 4, 2026Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license.
Arizona has no charter exemption: everyone 10 or over fishing public water needs a license, including on guided trips.
Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations)
Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check AZGFD's rules before you book.
Border waters
Colorado River boundary waters (Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu)
Privileges that used to need a separate Colorado River stamp are now included in Arizona fishing licenses for the California and Nevada boundary waters. Check the reciprocal rules before fishing from a boat or the far shore. Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations)
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 4, 2026Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check AZGFD's current rules before you keep a fish.
Statewide limits for 2025-2026 (in force to December 31, 2026), plus Community Fishing waters and the 2026 Lake Mead and Lake Mohave changes. Many waters have special rules. Possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
| Species | Where | Size | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout Fresh Also: rainbow trout, brown trout, Apache trout |
Statewide | – | 4 in any combination | – |
| Trout | Community Fishing waters (lakes / ponds) | – | 4 lakes / 2 ponds | – |
| Includes Apache and Gila trout. Many streams and lakes have special rules. Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations) Trout limits in other states | ||||
| Black bass Fresh | Statewide | – | 6 in any combination | – |
| Black bass | Community Fishing waters (lakes / ponds) | 13" minimum | 2 lakes / 1 pond | – |
| Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations) Largemouth bass limits in other states | ||||
| Striped bass Fresh | Statewide | – | 10 | – |
| Striped bass | Lake Mead and Lake Mohave (from 2026) | – | Unlimited | – |
| Lake Havasu and other Colorado River waters may differ. Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations)2 Striped bass limits in other states | ||||
| White bass Fresh | Statewide | – | Unlimited | – |
| Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations) | ||||
| Crappie Fresh | Statewide | – | Unlimited | – |
| Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations) Crappie limits in other states | ||||
| Sunfish Fresh Also: bluegill, redear |
Statewide | – | Unlimited | – |
| Sunfish | Community Fishing waters (lakes / ponds) | – | 10 lakes / 5 ponds | – |
| Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations) | ||||
| Channel and flathead catfish Fresh | Statewide | – | 10 in any combination | – |
| Channel and flathead catfish | Lake Mead and Lake Mohave (from 2026) | – | 25 | – |
| Channel and flathead catfish | Community Fishing waters (lakes / ponds) | – | 4 lakes / 2 ponds | – |
| Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations)2 Catfish limits in other states | ||||
| Walleye Fresh | Statewide | – | 6 | – |
| Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations) Walleye limits in other states | ||||
| Northern pike Fresh | Statewide | – | Unlimited | – |
| Pike must be killed immediately or released. Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations) Northern pike limits in other states | ||||
| Yellow perch Fresh | Statewide | – | Unlimited | – |
| Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations) Yellow perch limits in other states | ||||
Compare Arizona with other states
Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.
Questions
Do I need a fishing license in Arizona?
Yes, if you are 10 or older and fish public waters in Arizona, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone under 10.
How much is a non-resident fishing license in Arizona?
For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026 are $20 for one day (Non-resident short-term combination hunt and fish license); $55 for seven days (Non-resident general fishing license); $55 for a year (Non-resident general fishing license). Listed prices are AZGFD license fees. No separate online fee was listed.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Arizona?
Senior options for residents: Resident lifetime fishing license (age 62 and over): $296 (ages 62+). Non-resident seniors pay the normal non-resident prices.
How do I get a fishing license in Arizona?
Buy it from Arizona Game and Fish Department: Sold online (card only), at AZGFD offices and at license dealers that sell electronically. Paper licenses are no longer sold through dealers.
Do I need a license to fish on a charter in Arizona?
Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license. Arizona has no charter exemption: everyone 10 or over fishing public water needs a license, including on guided trips.
Sources and checks
Every fact on this page comes from Arizona Game and Fish Department unless it's marked secondary. We use a secondary source only when the official site doesn't show something, and we name it.
- Licenses and prices
- Checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices for 2026)
- Free fishing days
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
- Seasons and limits
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
All 11 source pages
- law.cornell.edu/regulations/arizona/Ariz-Admin-Code-SS-R12-4-211
- www.azgfd.com/2025/06/06/arizonas-free-fishing-day-is-june-7/
- www.azgfd.com/2026/02/09/new-mead-mohave/
- www.azgfd.com/2026/06/02/saturday-june-6-is-free-fishing-day/
- www.azgfd.com/License
- www.azgfd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AZ-Resident-brochure_2019.pdf
- www.eregulations.com/arizona/fishing/license-fee-structure
- www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/arizona/Ariz-Admin-Code-SS-R12-4-102
- Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations) secondary
- Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations) secondary
- KGUN 9 news (Dec 2021) secondary
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