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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 4, 2026Prices for 2026. Listed prices include the $1.00 issuing agent fee and $0.97 transaction fee.
Where these prices come from: Annual and short-term prices from the Commission's 2026 license page. Multi-year, student, veteran and voluntary permit prices from the Commission's price sheet, which the license page matches.
How long annual licenses last: Annual licenses cover a calendar license year and go on sale on December 1 of the year before: 2026 licenses are valid from December 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026. Multi-year licenses run to the end of the year printed (for example, a 3-year license bought for 2026 is valid through 2028). Official source23
Non-residents (visitors)
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-resident annual fishing license | Fresh | Annual | $60.97 | Official source |
| 1-day tourist fishing license | Fresh | 1 day | $31.97 |
Not valid March 15 to April 30. Official source |
| 3-day tourist fishing license | Fresh | 3 days | $31.97 | Official source |
| 7-day tourist fishing license | Fresh | 7 days | $39.47 | Official source |
| 3-year non-resident fishing license | Fresh | 3 years | $178.97 | Official source2 |
| 5-year non-resident fishing license | Fresh | 5 years | $296.97 | Official source2 |
| 10-year non-resident fishing license | Fresh | 10 years | $591.97 | Official source2 |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Non-resident Pennsylvania student annual license | Fresh | Annual | $27.97 |
Only for: For non-resident students at Pennsylvania schools; check the Commission for eligibility. Official source2 |
Residents
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day resident fishing license | Fresh | 1 day | $14.47 |
Not valid March 15 to April 30. Official source |
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Resident annual fishing license (16 to 64) Ages 16–64 | Fresh | Annual | $27.97 | Official source |
| Senior resident annual fishing license (65 and over) Ages 65+ | Fresh | Annual | $14.47 | Official source |
| Senior resident lifetime fishing license (65 and over) Ages 65+ | Fresh | Lifetime | $86.97 | Official source |
| 3-year resident fishing license (16 to 64) Ages 16–64 | Fresh | 3 years | $79.97 | Official source2 |
| 5-year resident fishing license (16 to 64) Ages 16–64 | Fresh | 5 years | $131.97 | Official source2 |
| 10-year resident fishing license (16 to 64) Ages 16–64 | Fresh | 10 years | $261.97 | Official source2 |
| 3-year senior resident fishing license Ages 65+ | Fresh | 3 years | $39.47 | Official source2 |
| 5-year senior resident fishing license Ages 65+ | Fresh | 5 years | $64.47 | Official source2 |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Voluntary youth fishing license (under 16) Under 16 | Fresh | Annual | $2.97 |
Only for: Optional: anglers under 16 do not need a license. Sold to residents and non-residents. Official source |
| Disabled veteran reduced-fee resident license | Fresh | Annual | $2.97 |
Only for: For eligible disabled veterans; first issue only at a county treasurer or Commission office. Official source2 |
| Disabled veteran resident annual license (free) | Fresh | Annual | Free |
Only for: For eligible disabled veterans aged 16 to 64; first issue only at a county treasurer or Commission office. Official source2 |
| POW resident annual license | Fresh | Annual | $2.97 |
Only for: For former prisoners of war aged 16 to 64; first issue only at a county treasurer or Commission office. Official source2 |
Extra stamps and permits
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Trout permit
Annual $14.97
3 year $40.97
5 year $66.97
10 year $131.97Needed (16 and over) to fish for trout. Printed on the license.
Everyone Official source23
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Lake Erie permit
Annual $9.97
3 year $25.97
5 year $41.97
10 year $81.97Needed (16 and over) to fish Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and their tributaries. Senior lifetime version $9.97.
Everyone Official source23
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Combination trout and Lake Erie permit
Annual $20.97
3 year $58.97
5 year $96.97
10 year $191.97Covers both the trout permit and the Lake Erie permit.
Everyone Official source23
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Voluntary bass permit
Annual $11.97
3 year $31.97
5 year $51.97
10 year $101.97Optional; supports bass management.
Everyone Official source2
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Voluntary musky permit
Annual $11.97
3 year $31.97
5 year $51.97
10 year $101.97Optional; supports musky management.
Everyone Official source2
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Voluntary habitat and waterways conservation permit
Annual $11.97
3 year $31.97
5 year $51.97
10 year $101.97Optional; supports habitat work.
Everyone Official source2
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Voluntary wild trout and enhanced waters permit
Annual $26.97
3 year $76.97
5 year $126.97
10 year $251.97Optional; supports wild trout and enhanced waters.
Everyone Official source2
Who doesn't need a license
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Anyone under 16 (a free mentored youth permit or $2.97 voluntary youth license is available)
Fresh Everyone Official source
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Landowners and family members who live on the land year-round, fishing on that land (not homeowners' association or private club ponds)
Fresh Everyone · check this applies to you Official source
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Pennsylvania residents on active duty stationed outside the state and on authorized leave
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you Official source
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People 16 and over in a qualifying angler education, aquatic field study or therapeutic program (special exemption)
Fresh Everyone · check this applies to you Official source
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Residents of medical or rehabilitation institutions, veterans' homes or juvenile development centers (institutional license)
Fresh Everyone · check this applies to you Official source
-
Anyone on Pennsylvania's Fish-for-Free Days
Fresh Everyone Official source2
Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in Pennsylvania, except under the border-water agreements below.
Free fishing days
Checked Nov 4, 2026Dates can move, and some free days are for residents only. Confirm with PFBC before you go.
Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.
Two days a year, set by the Fish and Boat Commission. No license is needed on public waters; all other rules apply. 2027 dates not yet announced.
Residents and visitors
Checked Nov 4, 2026- Who counts as a resident
- Only bona fide Pennsylvania residents (a permanent place of abode in Pennsylvania and a fixed intent to return) may buy resident licenses, and not while claiming residence in another state. Proof is needed, such as a Pennsylvania driver's license, non-driver photo ID, last year's state or local income tax return or a voter registration card.
- Military
- Military personnel stationed in Pennsylvania under permanent change of station orders for 6 months or more qualify for a resident license.
- Students
- Students at Pennsylvania schools who live in another state are not residents (a cheaper non-resident student license exists).
How to buy a Pennsylvania fishing license
Checked Nov 4, 2026Sold online through HuntFishPA and at licensing agents in every county. Some licenses (disabled veteran, POW, special military) are first issued only at county treasurer or Commission offices.
- Online
- Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission license sales
- License on your phone
- Accepted
- ID needed
- Proof of residency (usually a Pennsylvania driver's license) for resident licenses.
Licenses need not be displayed, but you must show one, printed or on a digital device, when an officer asks. Prices already include the $1.00 agent fee and $0.97 transaction fee. A replacement costs $6.97.
Lake Erie is fresh water. Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and tributary limits differ from the inland rules; see the Commission's summary book.
A resident license stays valid for its full term even if the holder moves out of Pennsylvania.
Charters, guides and piers
Checked Nov 4, 2026Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license.
Pennsylvania has no ocean coast. The Commission says all anglers fishing Pennsylvania's Lake Erie waters, Presque Isle Bay and their tributaries need a Lake Erie or combination permit (with a license, 16 and over); it lists no exemption for charter or guided boats.
Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check PFBC's rules before you book.
Border waters
Delaware River (New Jersey)
A Pennsylvania or New Jersey license is valid from a boat or either shore. Official source
Delaware River (New York)
A Pennsylvania or New York license is valid from a boat or either shore. Official source
Conowingo Reservoir and Youghiogheny River Lake (Maryland)
A Pennsylvania or Maryland license is valid only when fishing from a boat, not from shore. Official source
Pymatuning Reservoir (Ohio)
A Pennsylvania or Ohio license is valid only when fishing from a boat. Official source
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 4, 2026Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check PFBC's current rules before you keep a fish.
Commonwealth inland waters (statewide) rules. Lake Erie, the Delaware River, Pymatuning and Conowingo, Big Bass, Panfish Enhancement and special trout waters have their own rules. Figures are daily creel limits.
| Species | Where | Size | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (all species) Fresh | Statewide, regular season | 7" minimum | 5 combined | Opening day (April 4, 2026, 8 a.m.) to early September |
| Trout (all species) | Stocked waters, extended season | 7" minimum | 3 combined | January 1 to February 15 and early September to December 31 |
| Trout (all species) | Unstocked waters, extended season | n/a | Catch and release only | – |
| Trout permit needed. Stocked trout waters close from February 16 to opening day. Many special-regulation waters differ. Figures from the 2025 summary; the Commission's 2026 book confirms the dates noted. Check the current summary book before fishing. Secondary source: Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition)2 Trout limits in other states | ||||
| Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass Fresh | Statewide | 15" minimum | 4 combined | January 1 to mid-April and October 1 to December 31 |
| Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass | Statewide | n/a | Catch and release only (no harvest) | Mid-April to mid-June |
| Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass | Statewide | 12" minimum | 6 combined | Mid-June (June 12 in 2027) to September 30 |
| Big Bass Program lakes and rivers have their own rules. Figures from the 2025 summary; the Commission's 2026 book confirms the dates noted. Check the current summary book before fishing. Secondary source: Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition)2 Largemouth bass limits in other states | ||||
| Walleye and saugeye Fresh | Statewide | 15" minimum | 6 | January 1 to mid-March and early May (May 1 in 2027) to December 31 |
| Figures from the 2025 summary; the Commission's 2026 book confirms the dates noted. Check the current summary book before fishing. Secondary source: Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition)2 Walleye limits in other states | ||||
| Sauger Fresh | Statewide | 12" minimum | 6 | Same season as walleye |
| Figures from the 2025 summary; the Commission's 2026 book confirms the dates noted. Check the current summary book before fishing. Secondary source: Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition) | ||||
| Muskellunge and tiger muskellunge Fresh | Statewide | 40" minimum | 1 combined | All year |
| Figures from the 2025 summary; the Commission's 2026 book confirms the dates noted. Check the current summary book before fishing. Secondary source: Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition) Muskellunge (muskie) limits in other states | ||||
| Northern pike Fresh | Statewide | 24" minimum | 2 | – |
| Figures from the 2025 summary; the Commission's 2026 book confirms the dates noted. Check the current summary book before fishing. Secondary source: Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition) Northern pike limits in other states | ||||
| Chain pickerel Fresh | Statewide | 18" minimum | 4 | – |
| Figures from the 2025 summary; the Commission's 2026 book confirms the dates noted. Check the current summary book before fishing. Secondary source: Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition) | ||||
| Striped bass and hybrid striped bass Fresh | Statewide inland waters | 20" minimum | 2 combined | All year |
| Delaware River and estuary rules differ. Figures from the 2025 summary; the Commission's 2026 book confirms the dates noted. Check the current summary book before fishing. Secondary source: Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition) Striped bass limits in other states | ||||
| American shad Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 3 | All year |
| No harvest in the Lehigh and Schuylkill rivers and their tributaries; unlawful to take in the Susquehanna. Figures from the 2025 summary; the Commission's 2026 book confirms the dates noted. Check the current summary book before fishing. Secondary source: Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition) | ||||
| Sunfish, yellow perch, crappie, catfish and other panfish Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 50 combined | All year |
| Panfish Enhancement waters have size limits. Figures from the 2025 summary; the Commission's 2026 book confirms the dates noted. Check the current summary book before fishing. Secondary source: Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition) Crappie limits in other states | ||||
| Paddlefish Fresh | Statewide | n/a | Closed all year | – |
| Figures from the 2025 summary; the Commission's 2026 book confirms the dates noted. Check the current summary book before fishing. Secondary source: Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition) | ||||
Compare Pennsylvania with other states
Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.
Questions
Do I need a fishing license in Pennsylvania?
Yes, if you are 16 or older and fish public waters in Pennsylvania, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone under 16 (a free mentored youth permit or $2.97 voluntary youth license is available).
How much is a non-resident fishing license in Pennsylvania?
For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026 are $31.97 for one day (1-day tourist fishing license); $39.47 for seven days (7-day tourist fishing license); $60.97 for a year (Non-resident annual fishing license). Listed prices include the $1.00 issuing agent fee and $0.97 transaction fee.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Pennsylvania?
Senior options for residents: Senior resident annual fishing license (65 and over): $14.47 (ages 65+); Senior resident lifetime fishing license (65 and over): $86.97 (ages 65+); 3-year senior resident fishing license: $39.47 (ages 65+); 5-year senior resident fishing license: $64.47 (ages 65+). Non-resident seniors pay the normal non-resident prices.
How do I get a fishing license in Pennsylvania?
Buy it from Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Sold online through HuntFishPA and at licensing agents in every county. Some licenses (disabled veteran, POW, special military) are first issued only at county treasurer or Commission offices.
Do I need a license to fish on a charter in Pennsylvania?
Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license. Pennsylvania has no ocean coast. The Commission says all anglers fishing Pennsylvania's Lake Erie waters, Presque Isle Bay and their tributaries need a Lake Erie or combination permit (with a license, 16 and over); it lists no exemption for charter or guided boats.
Sources and checks
Every fact on this page comes from Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission unless it's marked secondary. We use a secondary source only when the official site doesn't show something, and we name it.
- Licenses and prices
- Checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices for 2026)
- Free fishing days
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
- Seasons and limits
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
All 10 source pages
- www.altoonamirror.com/sports/outdoors/2026/04/state-offers-two-days-for-free-fishing/
- www.eregulations.com/pennsylvania/fishing/fishing-licenses-permits
- www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/faqs/fishing-licenses-&-regulations-faqs
- www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/buy-fishing-license-permit
- www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/buy-fishing-license-permit.html
- www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/regulations
- www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/newsroom/2026-licenses-launch-permits-dec2025.html
- www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/fishandboat/documents/conservation/voluntary-permits/voluntary-permits-pricing.pdf
- www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/fishandboat/documents/fishing/regulations/summarybook.pdf
- Pennsylvania Fishing Summary (eRegulations, 2025 edition) secondary
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