Delaware vs Pennsylvania fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Delaware is $19.47 cheaper than Pennsylvania. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Delaware is $40.97 cheaper than Pennsylvania. You need a license from age 16 in Delaware and in Pennsylvania.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | Delaware | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $12.50 | $31.97 |
| 3 days | $12.50 | $31.97 |
| 7 days | $12.50 | $39.47 |
| 1 year | $20 | $60.97 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $8.50 | $27.97 |
| Prices for | 2026 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| Delaware | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 16 |
| Senior residents | Free (fresh + salt): Delaware residents 65 and over (free FIN number still needed) | Senior resident annual fishing license (65 and over): $14.47 (ages 65+) Senior resident lifetime fishing license (65 and over): $86.97 (ages 65+) 3-year senior resident fishing license: $39.47 (ages 65+) 5-year senior resident fishing license: $64.47 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | None | None |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license |
| License on your phone | Accepted | Accepted |
| Annual licenses last | To 12-31 | To 12-31 |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Delaware fishing license · Pennsylvania fishing license
Shared waters
Delaware River (New Jersey) (Pennsylvania rules)
A Pennsylvania or New Jersey license is valid from a boat or either shore. Official source
Delaware River (New York) (Pennsylvania rules)
A Pennsylvania or New York license is valid from a boat or either shore. Official source
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | Delaware | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
12 in (15 in at Becks Pond); bag 6 (2 at Becks Pond) |
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
None between 12 and 17 in (inclusive) may be kept; bag 6, no more than 1 over 17 in |
Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass |
| Trout |
No size limit; bag 6 (4 in or within 50 ft of fly-fishing-only waters) |
Trout (all species) |
| Crappie |
Panfish (crappie, sunfish, yellow perch) |
Sunfish, yellow perch, crappie, catfish and other panfish |
| Striped bass |
Hybrid striped bass Striped bass |
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass |
| Yellow perch |
Panfish (crappie, sunfish, yellow perch) |
Sunfish, yellow perch, crappie, catfish and other panfish |
Questions
Is a Delaware fishing license valid in Pennsylvania?
No. Each state needs its own license, except on shared waters covered by a border agreement: Delaware River (New Jersey); Delaware River (New York).
Which is cheaper for visitors, Delaware or Pennsylvania?
1 day (fresh water): Delaware $12.50, Pennsylvania $31.97. 1 year (fresh water): Delaware $20, Pennsylvania $60.97.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Delaware and Pennsylvania?
You need a license from age 16 in Delaware and in Pennsylvania.