Fine for fishing without a license, by state

Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 26-64 (Connecticut General Assembly, 2025 General Statutes, chapter 490) (opens a new tab) Official

Any person who violates any provision of this part for which no other penalty is provided shall be fined ... eighty-seven dollars

in violation of subsection (a) of section 26-27 ... such fine shall be suspended and the case dismissed for any first time violator ... who provides proof of purchase of the requisite license ... subsequent to the violation but prior to the imposition of such fine.

no person sixteen years of age or older shall take, attempt to take, or assist in taking any fish or bait species ... without first having obtained a license as provided in this chapter.

Fish and game violations that incur suspension and the suspension time periods (CT DEEP) (opens a new tab) Official

26-27 Fishing without a license 1st offense – 0 Months 2nd offense – 1 Year

The suspension periods are the minimum penalties for first offenses unless noted otherwise.

Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 51-164n(b)(1): violations handled by the Centralized Infractions Bureau (CGA, 2026 Supplement, chapter 881b) (opens a new tab) Official

Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, any person who is alleged to have committed (1) a violation under the provisions of section 1-9, ... subdivision (1) of subsection (d) of section 26-61, section 26-64, subdivision (1) of section 26-76, ... shall follow the procedures set forth in this section.

Except as provided in section 51-164o, any person who is alleged to have committed an infraction or a violation under subsection (b) of this section may plead not guilty or pay the established fine and any additional fee or cost for the infraction or such violation.

If any person who is alleged to have committed an infraction or any violation specified in subsection (b) of this section elects to pay the fine and any additional fees or costs established for such infraction or violation, such person shall send payment, by mail or otherwise, to the Centralized Infractions Bureau, made payable to the "clerk of the Superior Court" ...

Any such payment made under subdivision (1) of this subsection ... shall be considered a plea of nolo contendere and shall be inadmissible in any proceeding, civil or criminal, to establish the conduct of the person, provided the provisions of this section and section 51-164m shall not affect the application of any administrative sanctions by either the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection authorized under title 26 or the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles authorized under title 14

A summons for the commission of an infraction or of a violation specified in subsection (b) of this section shall not be deemed to be an arrest and the commission of an infraction or of any such violation shall not be deemed to be an offense within the meaning of section 53a-24.

Any person found guilty at the trial or upon a plea shall be guilty of the commission of a violation and shall be fined not more than the statutory amount applicable to such violation.

12 MRSA 12501 General fishing license (Maine Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

Except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Part, a person may not fish for, transport or possess fish ... without a valid license issued under this section.

Each day a person violates this subsection, that person commits a Class E crime ... for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed.

17-A MRSA 1704 Fines (Maine Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

In the case of a Class E crime, $1,000.

17-A MRSA 1604 Imprisonment for crimes other than murder (Maine Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

In the case of a Class E crime, 6 months.

M.G.L. c. 131, s. 11 (Massachusetts Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

A person shall not fish in any inland waters of the commonwealth, unless he is a minor under fifteen years of age ... without first having obtained a sporting, hunting, fishing, or trapping license.

M.G.L. c. 131, s. 90 (Massachusetts Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Whoever violates section 5, 10, 11, 32 or 85 shall be punished by a fine of not less than $200 but not more than $500, ... by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or by both such fine and imprisonment.

No fine imposed for a violation of this chapter shall be suspended or waived.

such person shall not be eligible for a license issued by the division until all assessments are paid in full.

M.G.L. c. 131, s. 13 (Massachusetts Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

fish in inland waters of the commonwealth without possessing sporting or fishing licenses

or from fishing in inland waters bordered by such land if he is or they are actually domiciled thereon

Trial Court complaint language manual, G.L. c. 130-149 (rev. through 3/2/2023) (opens a new tab) Official

imprisonment not more than 30 days; or not less than $50, not more than $100; or both

RSA 214:1 License Required (New Hampshire General Court) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

No person, except as hereinafter provided, shall at any time fish, hunt, trap, ... without first procuring a proper and valid license to do so,

RSA 214:37 Penalties (New Hampshire General Court) (opens a new tab) Official

Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter where another specific penalty is not provided shall be guilty of a violation if a natural person or guilty of a misdemeanor if any other person.

shall be deemed a habitual offender and shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

RSA 651:2 Sentences (New Hampshire General Court) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

$1,000 for a violation.

RSA 214:22 Ineligibility for Limited Period (New Hampshire General Court) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

who has been convicted of fishing, hunting or trapping without a license shall be ineligible to receive any license under the provisions of this title for a period of not more than one year from the date of such conviction.

N.J.S.A. 23:3-1 as amended by P.L.2019, c.407, s.9 (NJ Legislature, official; approved Jan 21, 2020) (opens a new tab) Official

nor shall any person above the age of 16 years at any time take or attempt to take fish in any of the fresh waters of this State by the method commonly known as angling with a hand line or rod and line, or with longbow and arrow, unless he has first procured a proper license.

Any person who violates any provision of this section for which a penalty is not otherwise expressly provided, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $200 for each offense.

2021 New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest, Freshwater Issue (NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife) (opens a new tab) Official

A valid New Jersey fishing license is required for residents at least 16 years and less than 70 years of age (plus all non-residents 16 years and older) to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey, including privately owned waters.

Anyone convicted of a second fish or wildlife violation in this or another state within a period of five years will have his or her New Jersey sporting licenses revoked for a minimum of two years.

2026 Senate bill S87 (NJ Legislature), reprinting current R.S.23:3-1 '(cf: P.L.2019, c.407, s.9)' (opens a new tab) Official

Any person who violates any provision of this section for which a penalty is not otherwise expressly provided, shall be liable to a penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $200 for each offense.

Fishing and Hunting License and Permit Information (NJ Fish & Wildlife, NJDEP) (opens a new tab) Official

Anyone age 16 and above must have a valid license to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey with a handline, rod and line or bow and arrow.

N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law 11-0703 General provisions (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

6. a. Except as provided in section 11-0707 and section 11-0709 of this title, no person shall ... (3) take fish or frogs in the manner described in subdivision 4 of section 11-0701 of this title unless such person ... is entitled to exercise the privileges of a fishing license

N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law 71-0919 (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

In the case of any other offense, is guilty of a violation, punishable as provided in section 71-0923

c. In addition thereto is liable in either case to the penalties provided in the schedule set forth in section 71-0925

N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law 71-0923 Violations (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

punishable, except as otherwise provided in this section, by imprisonment for not more than fifteen days ... or by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars

N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law 71-0925 Penalty schedule (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

1. Unless another penalty is specifically provided for in this subdivision ... or elsewhere in the Fish and Wildlife Law, two hundred dollars and an additional penalty of one hundred dollars ... for each fish, bird or animal or part thereof, other than shellfish or crustacea, involved in the violation;

N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law 71-0921 Misdemeanors (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

The following acts are misdemeanors, punishable as herein provided,

Title 30 (Fish) Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, PA General Assembly (opens a new tab) Official

No person 16 years of age or older shall fish in any of the waters of this Commonwealth, in any boundary waters or on land without first procuring the proper license required by this chapter.

Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who violates this section commits a summary offense of the third degree.

Any person who violates any regulation concerning the displaying of the license certificate, button or other device promulgated under this section commits a summary offense of the fourth degree.

For a summary offense of the third degree, a fine of $75.

shall pay an additional penalty equal to two times the cost of the annual license, permit or registration which the person was required to possess in order to fish or operate a boat requiring registration.

In addition to the fine set forth in subsection (a), a repeat offender may be sentenced to pay an additional fine as follows: (1) $200 if all the offenses committed within the 12-month period were classified as summary offenses under this title.

a fine of not less than $20 nor more than $50 may be imposed for each fish taken, caught, killed, possessed or sold in violation of this title

within ten days of the commission of the offense, an acknowledgment

(d) Limitations on acknowledgments of guilt.--On and after December 31, 1999, acknowledgments of guilt pursuant to this section shall be used only in such counties as the commission may designate by regulation for such use upon a finding that the county has summary offense procedures that differ from those used in other counties.

Before any person signs an acknowledgment pursuant to this section, he will be advised of his right to a hearing in a judicial proceeding. ... The printed receipt shall have prominently printed thereon a statement that the person charged has a right to a hearing and that if he elects to sign the acknowledgment he is forfeiting that right.

Any fishing license, special license or permit or privilege, including boating privileges, granted under the authority of this title may be revoked by the commission, in its discretion, when the holder of the license, permit or privilege is convicted of or pleads guilty to an offense under this title. Further, the commission, in its discretion, may refuse to grant to that person any new fishing license, special license or permit or privilege for a period not exceeding five years.

2026 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (PA Fish and Boat Commission) (opens a new tab) Official

Persons accused of violating the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Code or rules and regulations may be issued a citation and have a right to a hearing before a district justice.

58 Pa. Code § 51.8 Counties where the use of the field acknowledgment of guilt is authorized (Pennsylvania Code and Bulletin) (opens a new tab) Official

Under section 925(d) of the code (relating to acknowledgment of guilt and receipts for payment), the field acknowledgment of guilt may be used in Philadelphia County.

R.I. Gen. Laws 20-1-16 Penalty for violations (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Unless otherwise specifically provided, the violation of any law or rule or regulation relating to wild animals, wild birds, lobsters and fish, marine, freshwater and anadromous fisheries and shellfisheries shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for up to ninety (90) days, or both.

R.I. Gen. Laws 20-2-9 Possession, inspection, and display of license (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Any person who shall refuse to present a license on demand shall be liable to the same punishment ... as if that person were hunting or fishing without a license.

R.I. Gen. Laws 20-2-31 Hunting and fishing licenses - Exceptions (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

A freshwater fishing license is not required of any blind person.

R.I. Gen. Laws 20-11-20 Penalties (Freshwater Fishing) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Any person who violates any provision of this chapter, ... or who violates any rule or regulation made under the provisions of this chapter, ... shall be guilty of a civil violation and be subject to a fine of one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.

R.I. Gen. Laws 20-11-1 Fishing for which license required (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

No person fifteen (15) years old or older shall catch or take any fish in any freshwater stream or freshwater pond within this state, ... without having first obtained a license;

a license shall not be required of any resident of this state ... to fish in any brook or pond running through or bordering upon land owned or leased by the resident

R.I. Gen. Laws 20-2.2-8 Violations (recreational saltwater licence) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

For a first offense, a fine of ten dollars ($10.00); ... For second offense, a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00); and ... For a third or subsequent offense, a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).

R.I. Gen. Laws 20-2-13 License revocation (Rhode Island General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

The license of any person who has violated the provisions of this title or the rules and regulations issued pursuant to this title may be suspended or revoked by the director in any manner and for any period as the director shall determine by regulation.

Judicial Bureau Waiver Penalties (Vermont Judiciary) (opens a new tab) Official

FW 10 4251(a) Fishing without a license: Resident 5 4251rf 47.00 1,197.00 122.00

FW 10 4251(a) Non-resident 5 4251nf 47.00 1,197.00 162.00

Form Title Section Description of Violation Points Code Min $ Max $ Waiver $

10 V.S.A. 4251 Taking wild animals and fish; license (Vermont Legislature, unofficial online copy) (opens a new tab) Official

Except as provided in sections 4253 and 4254b of this title, a person shall not take wild animals or fish ... without first having procured a license therefor

provided, however, that a person under 15 years of age may take fish in accordance with this part ... and regulations of the Board, without first having procured a license therefor.

10 V.S.A. 4572 Definitions (minor fish and wildlife violations) (opens a new tab) Official

a violation of section 4251 of this title (taking wild animals and fish without a license);

10 V.S.A. 4575 Suspension for failure to pay (opens a new tab) Official

failure to pay or otherwise satisfy the penalty within 20 days of the notice will result in suspension

10 V.S.A. 4502 Uniform point system; revocation of license (opens a new tab) Official

five points shall be assessed for any violation of statutes or rules adopted under this part except those listed in subdivisions (2) and (3)

4 V.S.A. 1102 Judicial Bureau (opens a new tab) Official

Minor fish and wildlife violations alleged to have been committed on or after September 1, 1996.

515 ILCS 5/20-5 Licenses required (Illinois General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

Any person taking or attempting to take any fish, including minnows for commercial purposes, turtles, mussels, crayfish, or frogs by any means whatever in any waters or lands wholly or in part within the jurisdiction of the State, including that part of Lake Michigan under the jurisdiction of this State, shall first obtain a license to do so, and shall do so only during the respective periods of the year when it shall be lawful as provided in this Code.

Individuals under 16, blind residents or residents with a disability, or individuals fishing at fee fishing areas ... licensed by the Department, however, may fish with sport fishing devices without being required to have a license.

515 ILCS 5/20-35 Penalties (Illinois General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

Except as prescribed in Section 5-25 and unless otherwise provided in this Code, any person who is found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this Code, including administrative rules, is guilty of a petty offense.

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Code, including administrative rules, during the 5 years following the revocation of his or her license, permit, or privileges under Section 20-105 is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-75 Petty offenses; sentence (Illinois General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

Unless otherwise specified by law, the minimum fine is $75.

A defendant may be sentenced to pay a fine not to exceed $1,000 for each offense ... or the amount specified in the offense, whichever is less.

a defendant may be sentenced to a period of probation or conditional discharge not to exceed 6 months.

515 ILCS 5/20-105 (Illinois General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

the license or permit may be revoked by the Department

IC 14-22-11-8 Fishing license and trout - salmon stamp requirements; exceptions (2025 Indiana Code, Indiana General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

Every person must have a fishing license in the person's possession when fishing in:

This section does not apply to the following:

IC 14-22-11-17 Violations (2025 Indiana Code, Indiana General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

Sec. 17. A person who violates section 6, 7, or 8 of this chapter commits a Class C infraction.

IC 34-28-5-4 (2025 Indiana Code, Indiana General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

Except as provided in subsection (f), a judgment of up to five hundred dollars ($500) may be entered for a violation constituting a Class C infraction.

Iowa Code 483A.1 Licenses required (opens a new tab) Official

a person shall not fish, trap, hunt, pursue, catch, kill, take in any manner, use, have possession of, sell, or transport ... all or a part of any wild animal, bird, game, turtle, or fish, the protection and regulation of which is desirable ... for the conservation of resources of the state, without first obtaining a license for that purpose,

Iowa Code 483A.42 (Iowa Legislature, Iowa Code 2026) (opens a new tab) Official

A person who violates this chapter is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable as a scheduled violation under section 805.8B, subsection 3, paragraph "e".

However, the scheduled fine specified in section 805.8B, subsection 3, paragraph "e", does not apply to a violation of this chapter for which another scheduled fine is specified in section 805.8B, subsection 3.

Iowa Code 805.8B Navigation, recreation, hunting, and fishing scheduled violations (opens a new tab) Official

o. For violations of rules adopted pursuant to section 483A.1 relating to licenses and permits, the scheduled fines are as follows:

(1) For a license or permit costing ten dollars or less, the scheduled fine is thirty dollars. ... (2) For a license or permit costing more than ten dollars but not more than twenty dollars, the scheduled fine is forty-five dollars. ... (3) For a license or permit costing more than twenty dollars but not more than forty dollars, the scheduled fine is seventy dollars. ... (4) For a license or permit costing more than forty dollars but not more than fifty dollars, the scheduled fine is ninety-five dollars.

(5) For a license or permit costing more than fifty dollars but less than one hundred dollars, the scheduled fine is one hundred thirty-five dollars. ... (6) For a license or permit costing one hundred dollars or more, the scheduled fine is two times the cost of the original license or permit.

481B.5, 482.3, 482.9, 482.15, and 483A.42, the scheduled fine is one hundred thirty-five dollars.

Iowa Code 483A.24 When license not required (opens a new tab) Official

A resident or nonresident of the state under sixteen years of age is not required to have a license to fish

Owners or tenants of land, and their minor children, may hunt, fish or trap upon such lands

Fishing Licenses (Iowa DNR) (opens a new tab) Official

Resident Fishing $22.00; Nonresident Fishing $48.00; Resident 7-Day Fishing $15.50; Nonresident 7-Day Fishing $37.50; Resident 1-Day Fishing $10.50; Nonresident 1-Day Fishing $12.00.

K.S.A. 32-1001 Licenses, permits, stamps and other issues of the department (Kansas Revisor of Statutes) (opens a new tab) Official

It is unlawful for any person to:

Participate or engage in any activity for which such person is required to have obtained a license, permit, ... stamp or other issue of the department under the wildlife and parks laws of this state ... or under rules and regulations of the secretary unless such person has obtained a currently valid license, ... permit, stamp or other issue issued to such person;

Any person convicted of violating provisions of this section shall be subject to the penalties ... prescribed in K.S.A. 32-1031, and amendments thereto, except as provided in K.S.A. 32-1032,

K.S.A. 32-1031 Violations of laws involving wildlife and parks; criminal penalties (opens a new tab) Official

Unless otherwise provided by law or rules and regulations of the secretary, violation of any provision ... of the wildlife and parks laws of this state or rules and regulations adopted thereunder is a class C nonperson misdemeanor.

Upon a second conviction of a wildlife violation that is a class C nonperson misdemeanor, ... a fine of not less than $250 shall be imposed.

Upon a third conviction of a wildlife violation that is a class C nonperson misdemeanor, ... a fine of not less than $300 shall be imposed.

Upon a fourth and any subsequent convictions of a wildlife violation that is a class C nonperson misdemeanor, ... a fine of not less than $400 shall be imposed and a minimum of not less than 7 days in the county jail shall be served.

Any conviction for a wildlife violation that is a class C nonperson misdemeanor that occurs before July 1, 2005, shall not be considered for purposes of this section.

K.S.A. 21-6611 Fines; crimes committed on or after July 1, 1993 (opens a new tab) Official

(3) for a class C misdemeanor, a sum not exceeding $500; and

K.S.A. 21-6602 Classification of misdemeanors and terms of confinement (Kansas Revisor of Statutes) (opens a new tab) Official

a definite term of confinement in the county jail which shall be fixed by the court and shall not exceed one month.

MCL 324.43558 (Michigan Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if the person does any of the following:

Except as otherwise provided in this section, without a license, takes or possesses a wild animal, wild bird, or aquatic species, except aquatic insects.

This subdivision does not apply to an individual less than 17 years of age who without a license takes or possesses aquatic species.

shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not less than $25.00 or more than $250.00 and the costs of prosecution, or both.

Except as provided in subsection (5), a person who violates subsection (1) shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than 90 days or a fine of not less than $25.00 or more than $250.00 and the costs of prosecution, or both.

MCL 324.43560 (Michigan Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

is responsible for a state civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $150.00.

MCL 324.48738 (Michigan Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

Failing to possess or display a valid fishing license issued under part 435.

Minnesota Statutes s. 97C.301 Licenses required (Office of the Revisor) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

A person may not take fish without an angling license.

Minnesota Statutes s. 97A.301 General penalty provisions (Office of the Revisor) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Unless a different penalty is prescribed, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if that person: ... violates the game and fish laws;

Minnesota Statutes s. 609.02 Definitions (Office of the Revisor) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

"Misdemeanor" means a crime for which a sentence of not more than 90 days or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both, may be imposed.

2025 State Payables List, Natural Resources Violations (Minnesota Judicial Branch list, hosted by the Legislative Reference Library) (opens a new tab) Official

Fish and Game - Take fish without angling license ... Misdemeanor ... $100.00 ... $75.00 ... $175.00

Offenses charged by complaint are not payable.

2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations (MN DNR), effective March 2026 through February 28, 2027 (opens a new tab) Official

Fishing privileges may be revoked for 1 year for 2 or more convictions of fishing violations in 3 years.

Failure to pay fines or to appear in court on a violation can result in revocation of all game and fish licenses until the fines are paid.

must have a current Minnesota fishing license unless an exemption applies

3 CSR 10-5.205 Permits Required; Exceptions (Missouri Secretary of State, Code of State Regulations, cover date 7/31/26) (opens a new tab) Official

Any person who chases, pursues, takes, transports, ships, buys, sells, possesses, or uses wildlife in any manner ... must first obtain the prescribed hunting, fishing, trapping, or other permit

Any person fifteen (15) years of age or younger may take fish, live bait, clams, mussels, turtles, and frogs

RSMo 252.040 Taking of wildlife - violations, misdemeanor (Revisor of Missouri) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor

shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be fined not less than ten dollars ... nor more than one hundred dollars.

RSMo 557.021 Classification of offenses outside this code (Revisor of Missouri) (opens a new tab) Official

Any offense defined outside this code which is declared to be a misdemeanor without specification of the penalty therefor is a class A misdemeanor.

RSMo 558.002 Fines (Revisor of Missouri) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

For a class A misdemeanor, two thousand dollars;

RSMo 558.011 Sentence of imprisonment (Revisor of Missouri) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

For a class A misdemeanor, a term not to exceed one year;

A Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations 2022 (Missouri Department of Conservation), effective March 1, 2022 (opens a new tab) Official

suspending or revoking your hunting, trapping, and/or fishing privileges

Anyone who fishes must have the appropriate lifetime, annual, or daily fishing permit or qualify for an exemption.

Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-411 Hunting, fishing, or fur harvesting without permit; unlawful; exceptions; violations; penalties (Nebraska Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Unless issued a permit as required in the Game Law, it shall be unlawful: ... For any person who is sixteen years of age or older to take any kind of fish, bullfrog, snapping turtle, tiger salamander, or mussel from the waters of this state or possess the same except as provided in section 37-402.

Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class II misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined ... at least one hundred dollars for failure to hold a fishing permit,

the court shall require the offender to purchase the required permit and exhibit proof of such purchase to the court.

Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-401 Hunting, fishing, or fur-harvesting permit; required, when; exemptions; violation; penalty (Nebraska Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

shall first pay a fee established by the commission pursuant to section 37-327 and obtain a permit

Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class II misdemeanor and shall be fined at least forty dollars.

Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-106 Misdemeanors; classification of penalties; sentences; where served (Nebraska Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

six months imprisonment, or ... one thousand dollars fine, or both

North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 20.1-03 Licenses - 20.1-03-01 General penalty (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Any person violating a provision of this chapter for which a penalty is not specifically provided ... is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

Catch, attempt to catch, take, or kill any fish without having a resident fishing license.

North Dakota Century Code 12.1-32-01 Classification of offenses - Penalties (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Class B misdemeanor, for which a maximum penalty of thirty days' imprisonment, ... a fine of one thousand five hundred dollars, or both, may be imposed.

Ohio Revised Code 1533.32 License required to fish (opens a new tab) Official

no person, including nonresidents, shall take or catch any fish by angling in any of the waters in the state ... or engage in fishing in those waters without a license.

Any person under the age of sixteen years may take or catch frogs and turtles ... and take or catch fish by angling without a license.

Ohio Revised Code 1533.99 Penalties (opens a new tab) Official

Whoever violates any section of this chapter for which no penalty is otherwise provided ... is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

Ohio Revised Code 2929.28 Financial sanctions for misdemeanors (opens a new tab) Official

not more than two hundred fifty dollars

Ohio Revised Code 2929.24 Jail terms for misdemeanors (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

For a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, not more than thirty days.

SDCL 41-6-76 Resident license required to catch, kill, or possess fish, frogs, or turtles--Violation as misdemeanor (South Dakota Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Except as otherwise provided, it is a Class 2 misdemeanor for a resident to catch or attempt to catch, take, kill, ... or have in the resident's possession any fish, frogs, or turtles without a resident fishing license, ... or in violation of the conditions of the license or the rules of the Game, Fish and Parks Commission.

SDCL 41-6-77 Nonresident license required to catch, kill or possess fish, frogs, or turtles--Violation as misdemeanor (South Dakota Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Except as otherwise provided, it is a Class 2 misdemeanor for a nonresident to catch ... or attempt to catch, take, kill, or possess any fish, frogs, or turtles ... without a nonresident fishing license, a temporary fishing license, ... or a nonresident family fishing license

SDCL 22-6-2 Classification of misdemeanors and penalties (South Dakota Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Class 2 misdemeanor: thirty days imprisonment in a county jail or five hundred dollars fine, or both.

SDCL 41-6-6 Fishing license not required--Individuals under eighteen (South Dakota Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

A license to fish, to the extent and in the manner permitted by a fishing license, is not ... required of any person less than eighteen years old.

SDCL 41-6-8 (South Dakota Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

it is a Class 2 misdemeanor for any nonresident of the State of South Dakota to take, shoot, or kill

General License Requirements (South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks) (opens a new tab) Official

If a person is convicted of knowingly trespassing or violating a fishing law punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor, ... violating any rule pertaining to fishing or possessing fish without a license or during a closed season, the person's fishing privileges will be revoked for one or more years

is prohibited from purchasing or applying for another fishing license during the period of revocation.

SDCL 41-6-74.1 (South Dakota Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

the person's applicable hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges in South Dakota are automatically revoked without further hearing for a period of one year following date of conviction.

Wis. Stat. 29.024 Approvals; forms; issuing agents (Wisconsin Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

no person may hunt or trap in this state, fish in the waters of this state ... unless the appropriate approval is issued to the person.

Wis. Stat. 29.971 General penalty provisions (Wisconsin Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

For the violation of any requirement of this chapter relating to fishing or fish dealing, by a forfeiture of not more than $1,000 except as provided under pars. (ag), (ar), (b), and (c) and sub. (5m).

For failure to hold a valid approval as required under this chapter for which a court imposes a penalty under sub. (1) (a) to (e) or (5m), by the payment of a natural resources restitution surcharge equal to the amount of the statutory fee for the approval that was required and that should have been obtained.

Appendix B. Supreme Court's Extended Schedule of Fines (Conservation), hosted by Outdoor Alabama (ADCNR) (opens a new tab) Official

9-11-53(a) Fishing without a license $50 (resident-ages 16-65)

9-11-55 Fishing without a license $100 (nonresident, 16 years of age or older, annual)

9-11-56 Fishing without a license $100 (nonresident, 16 years of age or older, trip)

9-11-53.2 Fishing without saltwater license $50 (nonresident) (rod and reel)

220-2-.23 Hunting, trapping, or fishing without $50 a license in possession

Code of Alabama Title 9 (2021-2022 edition, hosted by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources), 9-11-53 (opens a new tab) Official

Except as otherwise provided in this section, any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, ... upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) ... nor more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for each offense.

Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor punishable as provided by law ... except that the minimum fine shall not be less than fifty dollars ($50).

Ark. Code 15-42-101 Penalty for hunting or fishing without license (CounselStack copy, '(2026)') - OTHER SOURCE, not official (opens a new tab) Other source

Any resident of this state who is required to have a license to hunt or fish and who shall be guilty of hunting ... or fishing in this state without first having obtained a hunting or fishing license shall be guilty of a ... misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined in any sum of not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than ... two hundred dollars ($200).

Ark. Code 15-42-107 Nonresident fishing license generally (CounselStack copy) - OTHER SOURCE, not official (opens a new tab) Other source

Any person violating any of the provisions of subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor ... and upon conviction shall be fined in any sum not less than ten dollars ... ($10.00) nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00).

It shall be unlawful for any nonresident person to take or attempt to take fish in this state ... in any manner without first procuring a nonresident fishing license.

01.00-I Penalties Upon Conviction (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) (opens a new tab) Official

Class 1 Offense – Fine of $100 to $1,000 and a jail sentence of 0 to 30 days.

the court may suspend or revoke that person's hunting and fishing rights, privileges, and related licenses.

03.01 License And Permit Requirements (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Code) (opens a new tab) Official

It is unlawful to hunt or fish when and where a license, permit, tag or stamp is required without having on the person the appropriate license, permit, tag or stamp. ... PENALTY: Class 1

Delaware Code Title 7, Chapter 5, Subchapter I: Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Licenses, Tags, and Stamps (Delaware General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

Residents 16 and older but not over 65 years of age must purchase a fishing license to fish or take fish, crabs or clams.

Nonresidents 16 years of age or older must purchase a nonresident fishing license to fish or take fish, crabs or clams.

Whoever violates this section shall be guilty of a class B environmental misdemeanor for each offense.

within its discretion, but in no case longer than 1 year

Delaware Code Title 7, Chapter 13 (Delaware General Assembly), section 1304 (opens a new tab) Official

shall be fined not less than $50, nor more than $100, plus the costs of prosecution and court costs

Fishing license questions (DNREC Fish & Wildlife) (opens a new tab) Official

See 7 Delaware Code, Chapter 5

7 Del. C. ch. 1, 103(d) (Delaware Code Online) (opens a new tab) Official

Whoever violates any rule or regulation of the Department except those pertaining to deer or wild turkeys ... shall be guilty of a class D environmental violation for each offense.

2025 Florida Statutes, s. 379.401 Penalties and violations (opens a new tab) Official

Section 379.354(1)-(15), providing for recreational licenses to hunt, fish, and trap.

commits a noncriminal infraction and shall be cited to appear before the county court.

The civil penalty for committing a Level One violation involving the license and permit requirements of s. 379.354 is $50 plus the cost of the license or permit, unless subparagraph 2. applies.

is $250 plus the cost of the license or permit if the person cited has previously committed

of not less than $50 for a first-time violation

not more than $500 for subsequent violations

who fails to pay the civil penalty for a Level One violation, or who fails to appear before a county court as required

may not be convicted if, before or at the time of a county court hearing, the person produces the required license or permit

O.C.G.A. 27-1-38 Penalty for violations of title (CounselStack copy, '(2026)') - OTHER SOURCE, not official (opens a new tab) Other source

Unless otherwise specifically provided, any person who violates any of the provisions of this title ... shall be guilty of a misdemeanor

O.C.G.A. 17-10-3 Punishment for misdemeanors (CounselStack copy, '(2026)') - OTHER SOURCE, not official (opens a new tab) Other source

By a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or by confinement in the county or other jail, county correctional institution, ... for a total term not to exceed 12 months, or both;

O.C.G.A. 27-2-1 (Justia copy, 2021 Georgia Code) - OTHER SOURCE, not official (opens a new tab) Other source

It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt, fish, trap, or possess any wildlife or feral hog ... without first procuring all of the licenses, stamps, or permits required or authorized under this title.

KRS 150.170 Requirement of hunting, fishing, trapping, or guide's license -- Exceptions (Kentucky Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

the fishing in any stream or body of water whether public or private, without first procuring the license

A person under sixteen (16) years of age may, without a sport fishing license, take fish by angling

KRS 150.990 Penalties (Kentucky Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

Any person who violates any of the provisions of KRS 150.120, 150.170, 150.235(1),

or any of the provisions of this chapter or any administrative regulation promulgated by the commission for which no definite fine or imprisonment is fixed

shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).

shall not be permitted to purchase another license

R.S. 56:302 Recreational fishing license; recreational gear (Louisiana Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

A recreational fisherman must purchase and possess the appropriate required license as defined in R.S. 56:3001

R.S. 56:301.1 License requirements; possession; nontransferability (Louisiana Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

Persons taking fish, whether recreationally or commercially

LDWF Agents Cite Four Men for Recreational Fishing Violations in Terrebonne Parish (LDWF news release, 26 Dec 2024) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Dec 26, 2024)

Fishing without basic and saltwater fishing licenses brings up to a $350 fine for each offense.

Agents Cite 12 Subjects for Fishing License Violations in Plaquemine Parish (LDWF news release, 4 Aug 2025) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Aug 4, 2025)

brings up to a $350 fine for each offense

The subjects may also face civil restitution totaling $1,413.

Maryland Natural Resources Article 4-745 (Maryland General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

a person may not fish for finfish in the Chesapeake Bay or in its tributaries up to tidal boundaries or in State waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic coastal bays and their tributaries without first obtaining a Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license or registration ... issued under subsection (d)(3) of this section and possessing the license or registration.

A person may fish for finfish in the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries ... without a Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license if the person: ... Is under the age of 16;

Maryland Natural Resources Article 4-1201 Penalties (Maryland General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

Except as otherwise specifically provided in this title, a person who violates any provision of this title is guilty ... of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000, ... with costs imposed in the discretion of the court.

of a second or subsequent violation of any provision of this title is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000, ... or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, with costs imposed in the discretion of the court.

Maryland Sport Fishing & Crabbing Licenses (Maryland DNR) (opens a new tab) Official

Individuals under the age of 16 are not required to obtain a license to go fishing recreationally.

District Court of Maryland DNR fine schedule (Rev. 10/2026) (opens a new tab) Official

4-745(a)(1) | Fishing w/o Sport Fishing License or Required Registration (Resident) | 75 | 1st/1000; 2nd/2000 and/or 1 year

4-745(a)(1) | Fishing w/o Sport Fishing License or Required Registration (Non-Resident) | 125 | 1st/1000; 2nd/2000 and/or 1 year

4-745(a)(1) | Fishing w/o Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license or License in Possession (Resident) | 35 | 1st/1000; 2nd/2000 and/or 1 year

4-745(a)(1) | Fishing w/o Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license or License in Possession (Non- Resident) | 35 | 1st/1000; 2nd/2000 and/or 1 year

4-604(b) | Fishing w/o an Angler's License (Resident) | 75 | 1st/1000; 2nd/2000 and/or 1 year

4-604(b) | Fishing w/o an Angler's License (Non-Resident) | 125 | 1st/1000; 2nd/2000 and/or 1 year

4-610 | Duty to Possess and Show License (Non-Tidal) | 35 | 1st/1000; 2nd/2000 and/or 1 year

Maryland Natural Resources Article 4-604 Angler's license (Maryland General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

Any person 16 years old or older shall secure an angler's license to fish in the nontidal waters of the State.

2022 Senate Bill 2505, enrolled (Mississippi Legislature), re-enacting Miss. Code s. 49-7-21 (opens a new tab) Official

Any resident or nonresident who hunts, takes or traps any wild animal, bird or fish ... must possess a valid license issued by the commission, unless specifically exempted under this chapter.

A resident who violates this subsection shall be fined Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). If at the hearing date or the date of payment of the fine the resident shows proof of the required Mississippi license, ... the fine shall be reduced to One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).

If the resident shows proof that the required license was purchased before the date of the violation, ... the case shall be dismissed and all court costs shall be waived against the defendant.

Any nonresident who fishes without the required license is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined ... not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) for the first offense.

For the second or any subsequent offense a nonresident shall be fined in an amount not less than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00)

shall be assessed by the court an administrative fee equal in amount to the cost of the hunting, trapping or fishing license fee that such person unlawfully failed to possess

Any nonresident who fishes without the required license is guilty of a misdemeanor

Fishing License Requirements (Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks) (opens a new tab) Official

ages sixteen (16) through sixty-four (64)

Listing of Statutes Sorted by Description (Mississippi Department of Public Safety, 2019) (opens a new tab) Official

Hunting,Trapping or Fishing Without License Prohibited or Unauthorized Issuance of License.

N.C. G.S. 113-135 (Penalties for violations of Subchapter IV / fishing without a license) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Fishing without a license in violation of G.S. 113-174.1(a) or G.S. 113-270.1B(a) is punishable as an infraction.

N.C. G.S. 14-3.1 Infractions (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

An infraction is a noncriminal violation of law not punishable by imprisonment. ... Unless otherwise provided by law, the sanction for a person found responsible for an infraction ... is a penalty of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00).

N.C. G.S. 113-174.1 License required for recreational fishing (coastal) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

It is unlawful for any individual to engage in recreational fishing in:

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for an individual to knowingly do any of the following:

N.C. G.S. 113-270.1B Licenses required (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, no person may hunt, fish, trap, or participate in any other activity ... regulated by the Wildlife Resources Commission for which a license is provided by law without having first procured ... a current and valid license authorizing the activity.

Hunting, Fishing, and Boating Offenses for Which Court Appearance May Be Waived (NC Administrative Office of the Courts, Rev. 12/19) (opens a new tab) Official

Fishing by hook and line in inland fishing waters without a license

Fishing License Requirements (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation) (opens a new tab) Official

An Oklahoma fishing license is required of all persons 18 or older ... who take, attempt to take or possess fish or other aquatic dwelling organisms by any method in Oklahoma

2025 Oklahoma Statutes, Title 29 s. 29-4-101 (Justia copy) (opens a new tab) Other source

No person may engage in activities requiring a license without that person's carrying such license on their person ... and producing the same for an inspection upon the demand of any Oklahoma citizen or game warden.

Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section ... shall be punishable by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed ten (10) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

S.C. Code 50-9-10 Unlicensed activities; violations; penalties (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

It is unlawful to hunt, fish, or take fish or wildlife without obtaining a license and applicable permits, tags, or stamps which allow these activities.

A person convicted of violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days.

children under sixteen years of age are not required to procure or possess a hunting or fishing license

S.C. Code 50-1-130 General penalties (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Unless a different penalty is specified, any person who violates a provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than twenty-five dollars nor more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than thirty days.

Tenn. Code Ann. 70-2-102 Licensing requirement - Penalty (Counsel Stack copy, labelled 2026) (opens a new tab) Other source

(a) Every person shall, before hunting, fishing, or trapping, as the case may be, in this state, ... possess a license in accordance with the schedules in this title, ... (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Tenn. Code Ann. 70-2-203 (FindLaw copy) (opens a new tab) Other source

A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Tenn. Code Ann. 40-35-111 Sentence length (Justia copy, '2025 Tennessee Code') (opens a new tab) Other source

Class C misdemeanor, not greater than thirty (30) days or a fine not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) ... , or both, unless otherwise provided by statute;

License Structure and Fees (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) (opens a new tab) Official

If you take, or attempt to take fish or game (including crayfish and salamanders) by any method ... you must have a valid fishing or hunting license.

Laws, Penalties & Restitution (TPWD Outdoor Annual, fishing) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Jul 27, 2026)

Class C - $25-$500

face automatic suspension or revocation of licenses for up to five years

Texas Parks and Wildlife Code ch. 46, Sec. 46.015 Penalty (Texas Legislature statutes site) (opens a new tab) Official

A person who violates a provision of this subchapter or, except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, who fails or refuses to show an officer his license or tag on the request of the officer commits an offense that is a Class C Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor.

No person may fish in the public water of this state, ... unless the person has acquired a fishing license issued under this subchapter, except as provided by Sections 46.0012 and 46.002.

Fishing FAQ (TPWD) (opens a new tab) Official

A fishing license is required of any person who fishes in the public waters of Texas.

Fishing violations (TPWD Law Enforcement / game wardens) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 9, 2026)

Fish without a valid license or refuse to show license

Fish without/fail to show license

Va. Code 29.1-335 Hunting, trapping or fishing without a license (Virginia Law / Code of Virginia) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

No person shall hunt, trap, or fish without having obtained a license when such a license is required.

Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall pay to the clerk a fee equal ... to the cost of the required license to be paid into the state treasury and credited to the game protection fund.

The purchase of a license subsequent to an arrest or notice of summons to appear in court for hunting, trapping ... or fishing without a license shall not relieve the person from the penalties specified in this section.

Va. Code 18.2-11 Punishment for conviction of misdemeanor (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

For Class 3 misdemeanors, a fine of not more than $500.

General Freshwater Fishing Regulations (Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources) (opens a new tab) Official

All fishing on inland waters requires a freshwater fishing license, unless license exempt.

W. Va. Code 20-2-27 Necessity for license (West Virginia Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

Except as otherwise provided by law, no resident who has reached his or her 15th birthday and who has not reached his or her 65th birthday before January 1, 2012, and no nonresident shall at any time take, hunt, ... or fish for, take, kill or catch any fish, amphibians or aquatic life of any kind whatsoever in this state without first having secured a license or permit

except that a nonresident who has not reached his or her 15th birthday may fish for, take, kill or catch any fish, amphibians or aquatic life of any kind whatsoever in this state without first having secured a license or permit.

resident landowners or their resident children, or bona fide resident tenants of land, may, without a permit or license

W. Va. Code 20-2-2 Violations of article (West Virginia Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

When no specific punishment or penalty is otherwise provided for violations of the provisions of this article, any person violating any provision hereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor offense ... shall be subject to the punishment and penalties prescribed in section nine, article seven of this chapter.

W. Va. Code 20-7-9 Violations of chapter generally; penalties (West Virginia Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

the punishment for which is not prescribed, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall for each offense be fined not less than $20 nor more than $300, or confined in jail not less than 10 or more than 100 days, or be both fined and confined

any person who is in violation of §20-2-27 of this code as a result of their failure to have a Class F nonresident fishing license, as defined by §20-2-42f of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, fined not less than $100 nor more than $300 or confined in jail not less than 10 nor more than 100 days, or both fined and confined

Uniform Minor Offense Table: Title 16 (Alaska Court System) (opens a new tab) Official

AS16.05.330(a)(1) Sport Fish w/o Lic In Possession Correctable $200.00

Bail Schedule Amount for Optional / Correctable

AS 16.05.330 Licenses, tags, and subsistence permits; electronic devices (Alaska Legislature, Alaska Statutes 2025) (opens a new tab) Official

Except as otherwise permitted in this chapter, without having the appropriate license, tag, or permit in actual possession, a person may not engage in (1) sport fishing, including the taking of razor clams; ...

A person charged with violating (a)(1) or (2) of this section for failure to have a license in actual possession may not be convicted if the person provides, not later than 30 days after the issuance of the citation, evidence satisfactory to the arresting or citing agency of a license previously issued to the person that was valid at the time of the offense.

AS 16.05.430 Penalties (Alaska Legislature, Alaska Statutes 2025) (opens a new tab) Official

Except as provided in AS 16.05.330(f),16.05.407(b) and (d), 16.05.408(b), and 16.05.420(b), a person who violates AS 16.05.330 — 16.05.420 or a regulation adopted under AS 16.05.330 — 16.05.420 is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both.

AS 16.05.165 Form and issuance of citation (Alaska Legislature, Alaska Statutes 2025, chapter 16.05 page) (opens a new tab) Official

Notwithstanding other provisions of law, if a person cited for a misdemeanor for which a bail amount has been established under (b) of this section appears in court and is found guilty, the penalty that is imposed for the offense may not exceed the bail amount for that offense established under (b) of this section.

A.R.S. 17-331 (Arizona Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

a person shall not take any wildlife in this state without a valid license

A.R.S. 17-101 Definitions (Arizona Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

"Wildlife" means all wild mammals, wild birds and the nests or eggs thereof, reptiles, amphibians, ... mollusks, crustaceans and fish, including their eggs or spawn.

"Take" means pursuing, shooting, hunting, fishing, trapping, killing, capturing, snaring or netting wildlife ... or placing or using any net or other device or trap in a manner that may result in capturing or killing wildlife.

A.R.S. 17-309 Violations; classification (Arizona Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

Unless a different or other penalty or punishment is specifically prescribed, a person who violates any provision of this ... title, or who violates or fails to comply with a lawful order or rule of the commission, is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.

A.R.S. 13-802 Fines for misdemeanors (Arizona Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

not more than seven hundred fifty dollars

A.R.S. 13-707 Misdemeanors; sentencing (Arizona Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

For a class 2 misdemeanor, four months.

Fish and Game Code 12002.2 (California Legislative Information, current text) (opens a new tab) Official

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a violation of Section 7145 or of a regulation requiring a license to be displayed is an infraction, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) or more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a first offense.

If a person is convicted of a violation of Section 7145 or of a regulation requiring a license to be displayed within five years of a separate offense resulting in a conviction of a violation of Section 7145 or of a regulation requiring a license to be displayed, that person shall be punished by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) or more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).

If a person is convicted of a violation of Section 7145 or of a regulation requiring a license to be displayed and produces in court a license issued pursuant to Section 7145 and valid at the time of the person's arrest, and if the taking was otherwise lawful with respect to season, limit, time, and area, the court may reduce the fine imposed for the violation of Section 7145 or of the regulation requiring a license to be displayed to twenty-five dollars ($25).

If a person is charged with a violation of Section 7145 or of a regulation requiring a license to be displayed, and produces in court a lifetime sport fishing license issued in his or her name pursuant to Section 7149.2, and if the taking was otherwise lawful, in terms of season, limit, time, and area, the court may dismiss the charge.

California Fish and Game Code, 2021 Edition (CDFW-hosted compilation) (opens a new tab) Official

every person 16 years of age or older who takes any fish, reptile, or amphibian for any purpose other than profit shall first obtain a valid license

HB19-1026 Parks & Wildlife Violations Of Law (Colorado General Assembly) (opens a new tab) Official

Section 5 increases the following fines from $50 to $100: ... fishing without a license

Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Title 33, 33-6-107(6) (Colorado General Assembly, official) (opens a new tab) Official

A person who violates this subsection (6) is guilty of a misdemeanor ... shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars and an assessment of ten license suspension points.

A person sixteen years of age or older who fishes for or takes fish, amphibians, mollusks, or crustaceans in this state ... shall have a proper and valid fishing license on his or her person.

Persons under sixteen years of age are not required to have a fishing license ... entitled to the full bag or possession limit set by the commission

Suspending Hunting and Fishing Licenses (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) (opens a new tab) Official

accumulates 20 or more points within a 5-year period

Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 13 Chapter 74: License and Permit Provisions and Fees for Fishing, Fish, and Fish Products (DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources; compiled, adopted January 12, 2024, approved 4/22/24) (opens a new tab) Official

No person shall fish, take, or catch any introduced freshwater game fish ... without first obtaining a freshwater game fishing license

Administrative penalties as provided by section 187A-12.5, HRS; ... Criminal penalties as provided by sections 187A-13, 188-70, and 189-4, HRS.

(a) It is unlawful for any nonresident of the State who has attained the age of fifteen, except members of the armed forces of the United States on active duty in the State and their spouses and minor children, to fish for, take, or catch any marine life for noncommercial or recreational purposes without first obtaining a nonresident recreational marine fishing license.

Any person violating this section is subject to administrative penalties as provided by section 187A-12.5, HRS.

HRS 187A-13 General penalty; community service (Hawaii State Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and, in addition to any other penalties, shall be fined not less than: (1) $250 for a first offense; (2) $500 for a second offense; and (3) $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

The court may require the defendant to complete an aquatic resources educational class administered by the department in addition to or in lieu of paying all or any part of any monetary fine authorized by this section.

HRS 189-4 Penalties (Hawaii State Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

The fines specified in this section shall not be suspended or waived.

HRS 188-70 Penalties (Hawaii State Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and, in addition to any other penalties, shall be fined no less than: (1) $100 for a first offense; (2) $200 for a second offense; and (3) $500 for a third or subsequent offense.

HRS 187A-12.5 General administrative penalties (Hawaii State Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

For a first violation, a fine of not more than $1,000;

HRS 188-72 Nonresident recreational marine fishing license; application; fees; restrictions (Hawaii State Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

Any person violating this section or any rule adopted pursuant to this section ... shall be subject to administrative penalties as provided by section 187A-12.5.

HRS 706-663 Sentence of imprisonment for misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor (Hawaii State Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

and not to exceed one year in the case of a misdemeanor or thirty days in the case of a petty misdemeanor.

Idaho Code 36-401 (Idaho Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

No person shall hunt, trap, or fish for or take any wild animal, bird or fish of this state, ... without first having procured a license as hereinafter provided.

Idaho Code 36-1401 (Idaho Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

Any person who pleads guilty to, is found guilty of, or is convicted of a violation of the provisions of this title ... or rules or proclamations promulgated pursuant thereto, or orders of the commission, ... except where an offense is expressly declared to be an infraction or felony, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Nonresident child under the age of fourteen (14) years fishing without a valid license ... and not accompanied by a valid license holder as set forth in section 36-401(a)2., Idaho Code.

Idaho Code 36-1402 (Idaho Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

(c) Misdemeanor Penalty. Any person entering a plea of guilty for, found guilty of or convicted of a misdemeanor ... under the provisions of this title or rules or proclamations promulgated pursuant thereto ... shall, except in cases where a higher penalty is prescribed, be fined in a sum of not less than twenty-five dollars ... ($25.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and/or by commitment to jail for not more than six (6) months.

may, in addition to any other penalty assessed by the court, have his hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges revoked ... for such period of time as may be determined by the court not to exceed three (3) years,

any person who pleads guilty to or is found guilty of an infraction of this code, ... or rules or proclamations promulgated pursuant thereto, shall be subject to a fine of seventy-two dollars ($72.00).

MCA 87-6-301 Hunting, fishing, or trapping without license (Montana Code Annotated 2025) (opens a new tab) Official

a person may not: ... hunt or trap or attempt to hunt or trap any game animal, game bird, or fur-bearing animal or fish for any fish within this state ... without first having obtained a proper and valid license or permit from the department to do so;

A person convicted of a violation of this section shall be fined not less than $50 or more than $1,000 or be imprisoned in the county detention center for not more than 6 months, or both.

may be subject to forfeiture of any current hunting, fishing, or trapping license issued by this state

the privilege to hunt, fish, or trap in this state or to use state lands

A violation of this section may also result in an order to pay restitution pursuant to

A person convicted of hunting without a license may be subject to the additional penalties provided in

MCA 87-6-304 License, permit, or tag offenses (Montana Code Annotated 2025) (opens a new tab) Official

a person to whom a license or permit has been issued may not fish, hunt for any game bird or game animal ... unless the person is carrying the required license or permit at the time.

A person convicted of a violation of this section shall be fined not less than $50 or more than $1,000 or be imprisoned in the county detention center for not more than 6 months, or both.

MCA 45-2-101(42) Definitions (Montana Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

"Misdemeanor" means an offense for which the sentence imposed upon conviction is imprisonment in the county jail for a term or a fine, or both,

NRS 502.010 License or permit required (Nevada Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

A person who hunts or fishes any wildlife without having first procured a license or permit to do so

guilty of a misdemeanor

A license to hunt or fish is not required of a resident of this State who is under 12 years of age

is guilty of a misdemeanor

NRS 501.385 Unlawful acts; criminal penalties (Nevada Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Every person who is guilty of a misdemeanor under this title shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 6 months, or by both fine and imprisonment.

For hunting, fishing or trapping without a valid license, tag or permit, a person is liable for a civil penalty of not less than $50 nor more than the amount of the fee for the license, tag or permit required for the activity in which the person engaged.

In addition to the penalties provided for the violation of any of the provisions of this title

If a person who is ordered to pay a civil penalty pursuant to this section fails to do so within 90 days after the date set forth in the order, the Department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew any license, tag, permit, certificate or other document or privilege

House Bill 92 (2017 Regular Session, final text), amending Section 17-2-10 NMSA 1978 (opens a new tab) Official

D. A person who is convicted of a violation of any rules adopted by the state game commission or of a violation ... of any of the provisions of Chapter 17 NMSA 1978, except for the felony provision of Section 17-2-8 NMSA 1978, ... for which a punishment is not set forth under this section, is a misdemeanor and shall be fined or ... imprisoned pursuant to Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978.

Legal and Safety Advisories (NM Department of Wildlife) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Sep 26, 2022)

Fish without possessing a license if 12 years of age or older

19.31.2 NMAC Criminal revocation categories and points (effective April 1, 2022) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Apr 1, 2022)

fishing without a license or hunting small game or turkey without a license;

NMSA 1978 Chapter 31, Section 31-19-1 (NMOneSource, New Mexico Compilation Commission) (opens a new tab) Official

Where the defendant has been convicted of a crime constituting a misdemeanor, the judge shall sentence the person to be imprisoned in the county jail for a definite term less than one year or to the payment of a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or to both such imprisonment and fine in the discretion of the judge.

NMSA 1978 Chapter 17 (Game and Fish), unannotated, NMOneSource (New Mexico Compilation Commission): 17-3-17 Fishing without license; exceptions (opens a new tab) Official

It is a misdemeanor for any person, except children who have not reached their twelfth birthday, ... to take or attempt to take any game fish from any public stream or water in this state ... without carrying a proper fishing license as provided by law.

Fishing without a license 17-3-17 $ 75.00 ... When an alleged violator of a penalty assessment misdemeanor elects to accept a notice to appear in lieu of a notice of penalty assessment, no fine imposed upon later conviction shall exceed the penalty assessment established for the particular penalty assessment misdemeanor.

Payment of any penalty assessment, including cost of the appropriate license, ... shall be mailed to the state game commission within thirty days from the date of charge.

The acknowledgment shall be included in accrual of points toward revocation of licenses

D. A person who is convicted of a violation of any rules adopted by the state game commission or of a violation ... of any of the provisions of Chapter 17 NMSA 1978, except for the felony provision of Section 17-2-8 NMSA 1978, ... for which a punishment is not set forth under this section, is a misdemeanor and shall be fined or ... imprisoned pursuant to Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978.

ORS 497.075 Licenses and tags required (Oregon Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

Except as provided in subsections (2), (3) and (4) of this section, no person shall angle for, take, hunt or trap, ... or assist another in angling for, taking, hunting or trapping, any wildlife unless the person has in possession such valid licenses, tags and permits therefor as the State Fish and Wildlife Commission issues.

Of a person younger than 12 years of age.

Revocation or denial of licenses, tags or permits for wildlife law violations or failure to comply with citation.

ORS 496.992 Penalties; revocation; forfeiture (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

(3) A violation of a provision of the wildlife laws, or a rule adopted pursuant to the wildlife laws, ... that involves the taking of wildlife, other than nongame mammals and game birds, is a Class A violation ... if the offense is committed without a culpable mental state.

Except as otherwise provided by this section or other law, a violation of any provision of the wildlife laws, ... or any rule adopted pursuant to the wildlife laws, is a Class A misdemeanor ... if the offense is committed with a culpable mental state.

(2) Except as otherwise provided by this section or other law, a violation of a provision of the wildlife laws, or a rule adopted pursuant to the wildlife laws, that does not involve the taking of wildlife is a Class D violation if the offense is committed without a culpable mental state.

"Angle" means to take or attempt to take a fish for personal use by means involving hook and line ... "Take" means to kill or obtain possession or control of any wildlife.

ORS 153.018 Fines for violations (opens a new tab) Official (page dated Nov 13, 2026)

$2,000 for a Class A violation.

(a) $440 for a Class A violation. ... (d) $115 for a Class D violation.

$250 for a Class D violation.

ORS 161.635 Fines for misdemeanors (Oregon Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

(a) $6,250 for a Class A misdemeanor.

(1) For a Class A misdemeanor, 364 days.

2026 Uniform Fine Schedule (Utah Courts) (opens a new tab) Official

WR1100 FISHING W/O VALID LICENSE 23A-4-201 MB N $160 $60 N 90% N Y C $60 suspended upon proof of valid license

The total Suggested Fine and Security Surcharge.

23A-5-207 FAILURE TO PRODUCE LICENSE, DEVICE, AND WILDLIFE UPON DEMAND MB N $220 $0 N 90% Y C

This includes the $60 security surcharge for justice courts.

WR4501 FAIL TO PRODUCE REQUESTED LICENSE/DEVICE/WILDLIFE 23A-5-207 MB N $210 $0 N 90% N Y C

23A-4-201(1) POSSESSION OF LICENSES, CERT OF REGIST, PERMITS AND TAGS REQ MB N $300 $0 N 90% Y C

23A-4-201(2) USE/TRANSFER/LEND HUNTING OR FISHING LICENSE/PERMIT/REGIS MB N $300 $0 N 90% Y C

Utah Code 23A-5-301 (Utah Legislature, effective 7/1/2024) (opens a new tab) Official

(a) a violation of this title is a class B misdemeanor; and

Utah Code 76-3-301 Fines of persons (Utah Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

$1,000 for a class B misdemeanor conviction;

Utah Code 23A-5-309 (Utah Legislature, version effective 5/6/2026) (opens a new tab) Official

without having previously procured the necessary licenses, permits, tags, federal stamps, certificates of registration, authorizations, and receipts

Utah Code 23A-4-201 Possession of licenses, certificates of registration, permits, and tags required (Utah Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

Except as provided in Subsection (5), a person may not take, hunt, fish, or seine protected wildlife or sell, trade, or barter protected wildlife or wildlife parts unless the person:

RCW 77.15.160 Infractions--Penalties (Washington Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

The following acts are infractions and may be cited and civil penalties imposed as provided under chapter 7.84 RCW

(A) Fails to have in the person's possession the license or the catch record card required by chapter 77.32 RCW for such an activity; or

RCW 7.84.100 Monetary penalties (Washington Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

No penalty may exceed $500 for each offense unless specifically authorized by statute.

and the minimum penalty imposed by the schedule shall be $10 per infraction.

WSR 25-18-014, Washington Supreme Court order amending IRLJ 6.2 (July 2, 2025, effective July 27, 2025) (opens a new tab) Official

Recreational FishingLicense not with Person (RCW 77.15.160 (1)(d)(i)(A))

The following infractions shall have the penalty listed, not including statutory assessments.

WSR 21-10-066, Washington Supreme Court proposed amendment to IRLJ 6.2 (April 7, 2021) (opens a new tab) Official

Recreational Fishing—License not with Person (RCW 77.15.160 (1)(d)(i)) (no/fish/shellfish possession)

RCW 77.15.380 Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree (Washington Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

A person is guilty of unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree if the person fishes for fish or shellfish and, whether or not the person possesses fish or shellfish, the person has not purchased the appropriate fishing or shellfishing license and catch record card issued to Washington residents or nonresidents under chapter 77.32 RCW. ... Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree is a misdemeanor.

(2) A person is guilty of unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree if the person takes or possesses fish or shellfish and: (a) The person owns, but does not have in the person's possession, the license or the catch record card required by chapter 77.32 RCW for such activity; or

RCW 9.92.030 Punishment of misdemeanor when not fixed by statute (Washington Legislature) (opens a new tab) Official

Every person convicted of a misdemeanor for which no punishment is prescribed by any statute in force at the time of conviction and sentence, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for a maximum term fixed by the court of not more than ninety days, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than one thousand dollars or both such imprisonment and fine.

IRLJ 6.2 Monetary penalty schedule for infractions (Washington Courts, current rule text, amended effective July 27, 2025) (opens a new tab) Official

Recreational Fishing-License not with Person (RCW 77.15.160(1)(d)(i)(A)) $87

Wyoming Statutes Title 23 (Game and Fish), Wyoming Legislature (opens a new tab) Official

no person fourteen (14) years or older nor any nonresident person less than fourteen (14) years shall fish in or on any Wyoming waters, except a catch-out pond located on a licensed fish hatchery or a fishing preserve, without first obtaining a proper license.

Any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of this act for which no separate penalty is provided is guilty of a low misdemeanor punishable as provided in W.S. 23-6-202(a)(v).

Up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) to which may be added imprisonment up to six (6) months when the offense is a low misdemeanor;

The court may, in its discretion, revoke any license issued under this act to any person convicted of a violation of this act