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Pick your trip and we'll work out the cheapest licenses to buy, including any required stamps.
Licenses and prices
Checked Nov 5, 2026Prices for 2026. Listed prices are the license fees set by law. Any agent or online fees aren't published in the guide and may be added.
Where these prices come from: Prices from Nevada Revised Statutes 502.240 (2024), matching NDOW's 2026 fishing guide on eRegulations. NDOW's own website couldn't be checked.
How long annual licenses last: Annual and combination licenses are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. 1-day permits run to midnight of the date shown. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)
Non-residents (visitors)
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Non-resident annual fishing license (18+) Ages 18+ | Fresh | Annual | $80 | Secondary source: Nevada 2026 fishing guide (eRegulations)23 |
| Non-resident 1-day fishing permit Ages 12+ | Fresh | 1 day | $18 |
Extra consecutive days $7 each. Valid to midnight on the date shown; each added consecutive day $7. Secondary source: Nevada 2026 fishing guide (eRegulations)23 |
| Non-resident youth combination hunting and fishing license (12-17) Ages 12–17 | Fresh | Annual | $15 |
Serves as the youth fishing license. Secondary source: Nevada 2026 fishing guide (eRegulations)23 |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Non-resident Interstate Boundary Water license | Fresh | Annual | $30 |
Only for: Only for the Colorado River, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake. Secondary source: Nevada 2026 fishing guide (eRegulations)23 |
| Non-resident combination hunting and fishing license (18+) | Fresh | Annual | $155 |
Only for: Includes hunting. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) |
| Non-resident 1-day permit to fish and hunt upland and migratory game birds | Fresh | 1 day | $23 |
Only for: Includes bird hunting. Extra consecutive days $8 each. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) |
Residents
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Resident annual fishing license (18+) Ages 18+ | Fresh | Annual | $40 | Secondary source: Nevada 2026 fishing guide (eRegulations)23 |
| Resident 1-day fishing permit Ages 12+ | Fresh | 1 day | $9 |
Extra consecutive days $3 each. Valid to midnight on the date shown; each added consecutive day $3. Secondary source: Nevada 2026 fishing guide (eRegulations)23 |
| Resident youth combination hunting and fishing license (12-17) Ages 12–17 | Fresh | Annual | $15 |
Serves as the youth fishing license. Secondary source: Nevada 2026 fishing guide (eRegulations)23 |
| Resident senior specialty combination hunting and fishing license (65+) Ages 65+ | Fresh | Annual | $15 |
Nevada residents 65 or over with 6 months' residency. Secondary source: Nevada 2026 fishing guide (eRegulations)23 |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Resident combination hunting and fishing license (18+) | Fresh | Annual | $75 |
Only for: Includes hunting. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) |
| Resident serviceman's specialty combination license | Fresh | Annual | $15 |
Only for: Active-duty Nevada residents stationed outside Nevada. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) |
| Resident severe disability specialty combination license | Fresh | Annual | $15 |
Only for: Residents who meet the severe disability rules. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) |
| Resident disabled veteran specialty combination license | Fresh | Annual | $15 |
Only for: Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) |
| Resident Native American specialty combination license | Fresh | Annual | $10 |
Only for: Eligible Native American residents. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) |
Who doesn't need a license
Checked Nov 5, 2026-
Anyone under 12 (non-residents under 12 may keep only half the limit)
Fresh Everyone Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)2
-
Anyone, on NDOW's Free Fishing Day
Fresh Everyone Secondary source: Carson Now (joint Nevada State Parks and NDOW release, June 4, 2026)
-
Pyramid Lake is run by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe: contact the tribe for its own permit and rules
Fresh Everyone Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)
Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in Nevada, except under the border-water agreements below.
Free fishing days
Checked Nov 5, 2026Dates can move, and some free days are for residents only. Confirm with NDOW before you go.
Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.
The rule: One Saturday in June, set each year by NDOW.
No license needed to fish anywhere fishing is allowed. All other fishing rules apply. 2027 date not yet announced.
Secondary source: Carson Now (joint Nevada State Parks and NDOW release, June 4, 2026)
Residents and visitors
Checked Nov 5, 2026- Who counts as a resident
- You must have kept your main, permanent home in Nevada and been physically present for the 6 months before applying, and not hold a residency-based license from another state or country.
- Military
- Active-duty members permanently assigned to Nevada, and their spouses and dependents, may buy a fishing license at the resident price.
- Students
- Full-time students at a Nevada college may qualify as residents.
Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)
How to buy a Nevada fishing license
Checked Nov 5, 2026Sold online at ndowlicensing.com and at license agents.
Buy online at ndowlicensing.com (log in or sign up) or from license agents. Anyone federally required to have a Social Security number must give it to get a license.
Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)2
Pyramid Lake and other tribal waters need tribal permits instead of a Nevada license.
No more than two lines may be used.
Charters, guides and piers
Checked Nov 5, 2026Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license.
Nevada's guide lists no license exemption for guided anglers, so everyone 12 or over needs their own license or permit.
Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)
Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check NDOW's rules before you book.
Border waters
Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and the Colorado River (Arizona)
An Arizona fishing license is valid, as is a Nevada license, Nevada Interstate Boundary Water license or Nevada short-term permit. Under 12s need no license. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)
Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake (California)
A California fishing license is valid, as is a Nevada license, Interstate Boundary Water license or short-term permit. Under 16s need no license on these lakes. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 5, 2026Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check NDOW's current rules before you keep a fish.
General limits by region, plus Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, the Colorado River, Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake. Many waters have their own rules. Daily limits shown. The possession limit is twice the daily limit for the water where the fish were caught.
| Species | Where | Size | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout Fresh | Western Region (Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe) | – | 5 | – |
| Trout | Eastern Region (Elko, Eureka, Lander, White Pine) | – | 5 | – |
| Trout | Southern Region (Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln, Nye) | – | 10 | – |
| Trout | Lake Mead and Lake Mohave | – | 5 | – |
| Trout | Colorado River below Davis Dam | – | 5 | – |
| Trout | Lake Tahoe | – | 5 game fish in total | – |
| Trout | Topaz Lake | – | 5 | – |
| Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)23 Trout limits in other states | ||||
| Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth) Fresh | Western Region (Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe) | – | 5 (within 15 warmwater game fish) | – |
| Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth) | Eastern Region (Elko, Eureka, Lander, White Pine) | – | 10 (within 15 warmwater game fish) | – |
| Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth) | Southern Region (Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln, Nye) | – | 10 (within 15 warmwater game fish) | – |
| Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth) | Lake Mead and Lake Mohave | – | 6 | – |
| Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth) | Colorado River below Davis Dam | 13" minimum | 6 | – |
| Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth) | Topaz Lake | – | 5 (within 25 warmwater game fish) | – |
| Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)23 Largemouth bass limits in other states | ||||
| Striped bass Fresh | Lake Mead and Lake Mohave | No minimum (removed in 2026) | No limit | – |
| Striped bass | Colorado River below Davis Dam | – | 10 | – |
| Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)2 Striped bass limits in other states | ||||
| Catfish Fresh | Lake Mead and Lake Mohave | – | 25 | – |
| Catfish | Colorado River below Davis Dam | – | 25 | – |
| Elsewhere, check the regional and water-specific rules. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) Catfish limits in other states | ||||
| Crappie Fresh | Lake Mead and Lake Mohave | – | 15 | – |
| Elsewhere, check the regional and water-specific rules. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) Crappie limits in other states | ||||
| Walleye Fresh | Western Region (Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe) | – | 5 (within 15 warmwater game fish) | – |
| Walleye | Eastern Region (Elko, Eureka, Lander, White Pine) | – | Within 15 warmwater game fish | – |
| Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)2 Walleye limits in other states | ||||
| Mountain whitefish Fresh | Western Region (Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe) | – | 5 | – |
| Mountain whitefish | Eastern Region (Elko, Eureka, Lander, White Pine) | – | 5 | – |
| Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)2 | ||||
| Other warmwater game fish (combined limit) Fresh | Western Region (Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe) | – | 15 in total | – |
| Other warmwater game fish (combined limit) | Eastern Region (Elko, Eureka, Lander, White Pine) | – | 15 in total | – |
| Other warmwater game fish (combined limit) | Southern Region (Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln, Nye) | – | 15 in total | – |
| Other warmwater game fish (combined limit) | Lake Mead and Lake Mohave | – | No limit on other game fish | – |
| The regional limit covers all warmwater game fish together, including black bass. Check the guide for which species count. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations)23 Striped bass limits in other states | ||||
| Northern pike Fresh | Statewide | – | No limit | – |
| It is illegal to release a northern pike alive into any Nevada water. Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) Northern pike limits in other states | ||||
| Yellow perch Fresh | Eastern Region (Elko, Eureka, Lander, White Pine) | – | No limit | – |
| Secondary source: Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) Yellow perch limits in other states | ||||
Compare Nevada with other states
Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.
Questions
Do I need a fishing license in Nevada?
Yes, if you are 12 or older and fish public waters in Nevada, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone under 12 (non-residents under 12 may keep only half the limit).
How much is a non-resident fishing license in Nevada?
For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026 are $18 for one day (Non-resident 1-day fishing permit); $60 for seven days (Non-resident 1-day fishing permit + 6 extra day(s)); $80 for a year (Non-resident annual fishing license (18+)). Listed prices are the license fees set by law. Any agent or online fees aren't published in the guide and may be added.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Nevada?
Senior options for residents: Resident senior specialty combination hunting and fishing license (65+): $15 (ages 65+). Non-resident seniors pay the normal non-resident prices.
How do I get a fishing license in Nevada?
Buy it from Nevada Department of Wildlife: Sold online at ndowlicensing.com and at license agents.
Do I need a license to fish on a charter in Nevada?
Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license. Nevada's guide lists no license exemption for guided anglers, so everyone 12 or over needs their own license or permit.
Sources and checks
Every fact on this page comes from Nevada Department of Wildlife 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 5, 2026 (prices for 2026)
- Free fishing days
- Checked Nov 5, 2026
- Seasons and limits
- Checked Nov 5, 2026
All 11 source pages
- law.justia.com/codes/nevada/chapter-502/statute-502-240
- www.azgfd.com/2026/02/09/new-mead-mohave/
- www.eregulations.com/nevada/fishing/eastern-region-regulations
- www.eregulations.com/nevada/fishing/southern-region-regulations
- Carson Now (joint Nevada State Parks and NDOW release, June 4, 2026) secondary
- Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) secondary
- Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) secondary
- Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) secondary
- Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) secondary
- Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) secondary
- Nevada Fishing Regulations 2026 (NDOW guide on eRegulations) secondary
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