Fishing License Guide

Utah fishing license: cost, who needs one and how to buy

Checked Nov 5, 20262026 prices. Facts link to their source: how we check.

  • Free
  • Official sources first
  • Checked monthly
  • Independent, not a state website
Utah2026

Do I need a license?

Yes, if you're 12 or older.

No license needed for:

  • Anyone under 12 (may take a full daily and possession limit) (fresh water only)
  • Young people 15 and under taking part in qualifying youth group fishing events

All 4 exemptions

Sold by Utah Division of Wildlife ResourcesChecked Nov 5, 2026

Cheapest for visitors

Fresh water

  • 1 day$44
  • 7 days$91
  • Year$120

Adult visitor prices, including required stamps. Prices as listed by DWR. Its fee page doesn't mention online or convenience fees.

Buy from Utah DWR (official site)

What will it cost? Calculator

Pick your trip and we'll work out the cheapest licenses to buy, including any required stamps.

Do you live in Utah?
Water
How many days will you fish?
Estimated total$44.00
  • Prices as listed by DWR. Its fee page doesn't mention online or convenience fees.

You may not need a license if:

  • Young people 15 and under taking part in qualifying youth group fishing events.
  • Anyone on Free Fishing Day (a Saturday in June).

Estimate only, for 2026 prices. Buy only from the state: Utah DWR official license sales.

Licenses and prices

Checked Nov 5, 2026

Prices for 2026. Prices as listed by DWR. Its fee page doesn't mention online or convenience fees.

Where these prices come from: Prices from DWR's license, permit and fee page (checked November 2026). Non-resident prices rose on July 1, 2025. 3- and 5-year prices are worked out from DWR's per-year multi-year rates.

How long annual licenses last: Licenses are valid 365 days from purchase. Multi-year licenses run 2 to 5 years. Official source2

Non-residents (visitors)

LicenseWaterLengthPriceNotes
Non-resident 3-day fishing license Fresh 3 days $44 Official source
Non-resident 7-day fishing license Fresh 7 days $91 Official source
Non-resident 3-year fishing license (adult rate) Fresh 3 years $357

Charged at $119 a year (non-resident multi-year rate).

Official source2
Non-resident 5-year fishing license (adult rate) Fresh 5 years $595

Charged at $119 a year (non-resident multi-year rate).

Official source2
Age-limited licenses
Non-resident 365-day fishing license (ages 12 to 13) Ages 12–13 Fresh Annual $18 Official source
Non-resident 365-day fishing license (ages 14 to 17) Ages 14–17 Fresh Annual $44 Official source
Non-resident 365-day fishing license (18+) Ages 18+ Fresh Annual $120 Official source
Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator)
Non-resident 365-day combination license (18+) Ages 18+ Fresh Annual $190

Only for: Fishing plus small game hunting. Shown for hunters; the calculator quotes the fishing-only license.

Official source

Residents

LicenseWaterLengthPriceNotes
Resident 3-day fishing license Fresh 3 days $19 Official source
Resident 7-day fishing license Fresh 7 days $30 Official source
Age-limited licenses
Resident 365-day fishing license (ages 12 to 13) Ages 12–13 Fresh Annual $5 Official source
Resident 365-day fishing license (ages 14 to 17) Ages 14–17 Fresh Annual $16 Official source
Resident 365-day fishing license (ages 18 to 64) Ages 18–64 Fresh Annual $40 Official source
Resident 365-day fishing license (65+) Ages 65+ Fresh Annual $31 Official source
Resident 3-year fishing license (adult rate) Under 65 Fresh 3 years $117

Multi-year price worked out from DWR's per-year multi-year rate ($39 a year, terms of 2 to 5 years).

Official source2
Resident 5-year fishing license (adult rate) Under 65 Fresh 5 years $195

Multi-year price worked out from DWR's per-year multi-year rate ($39 a year, terms of 2 to 5 years).

Official source2
Resident 3-year fishing license (65+) Ages 65+ Fresh 3 years $93

Senior multi-year licenses cost the 365-day senior rate ($31) times the number of years (Utah Admin. Code R657-45).

Official source2
Resident 5-year fishing license (65+) Ages 65+ Fresh 5 years $155

Senior multi-year licenses cost the 365-day senior rate ($31) times the number of years (Utah Admin. Code R657-45).

Official source2
Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator)
Resident disabled veteran 365-day fishing license Fresh Annual $12

Only for: For Utah residents with a service-connected disability of at least 20%. Also sold as a multi-year license at $12 a year.

Official source2
Resident 365-day combination license (ages 18 to 64) Ages 18–64 Fresh Annual $44

Only for: Fishing plus small game hunting and hunting permit applications. Shown for hunters; the calculator quotes the fishing-only license.

Official source
Resident 365-day combination license (65+) Ages 65+ Fresh Annual $35

Only for: Fishing plus small game hunting. Shown for hunters; the calculator quotes the fishing-only license.

Official source

Extra stamps and permits

Checked Nov 5, 2026
  • Setline permit (resident)

    $22

    Needed to fish with a setline; requires a current fishing license.

    Residents Official source

  • Setline license (non-resident)

    $48

    Needed to fish with a setline; requires a current fishing license.

    Non-residents Official source

  • Flaming Gorge reciprocal permit (for Wyoming residents)

    $59

    Wyoming residents with a Wyoming license need it to fish the Utah part of Flaming Gorge. Valid 365 days.

    Non-residents Official source2

Who doesn't need a license

Checked Nov 5, 2026

Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in Utah, except under the border-water agreements below.

Free fishing days

Checked Nov 4, 2026

Dates can move, and some free days are for residents only. Confirm with Utah DWR before you go.

Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.

The rule: A Saturday in June each year, set by Utah DWR.

State rule (R657-13-3) says no license is needed on Free Fishing Day, a Saturday in June; all other rules apply. 2026: June 6 (DWR). 2025: June 7. 2027 date not yet announced.

Official source23

Residents and visitors

Checked Nov 5, 2026
Who counts as a resident
A resident has had a fixed permanent home and principal establishment in Utah for six consecutive months before buying. Claiming hunting or fishing residency anywhere else, or buying another state's resident license, disqualifies you. Absentee landowners don't count as residents. (at least 180 days)
Military
Active-duty US armed forces members and their dependents are residents from the day the member reports for duty in Utah (not temporary duty); show assignment orders at a DWR office.
Students
Full-time non-resident students at a Utah college or university may qualify after 60 consecutive days in Utah.

Official source

How to buy a Utah fishing license

Checked Nov 5, 2026

Sold online through DWR, in the Utah Hunting and Fishing app, at DWR offices, at license agents and by phone (800-221-0659).

Online
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources license sales
Phone
800-221-0659
App
Utah Hunting and Fishing app
License on your phone
Accepted

Buy online, by phone, at DWR offices or from license agents. The eRegulations guide says the Utah Hunting and Fishing app can hold your family's licenses on a phone; you must have your license with you while fishing.

Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations)2

Motorized boats need an aquatic invasive species enrollment ($20 resident, $25 non-resident). This is a boat fee, not an angler fee.

Charters, guides and piers

Checked Nov 5, 2026

It depends on the boat and where you fish.

DWR rules checked give no exemption for guided anglers: anyone 12 or older needs a license (except on Free Fishing Day).

Official source

Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check Utah DWR's rules before you book.

Border waters

  • Lake Powell (Arizona)

    A valid Utah or Arizona fishing or combination license (resident or non-resident) covers both parts of the lake. No reciprocal permit needed. Only one daily limit a day. Official source

  • Bear Lake (Idaho)

    A valid Utah or Idaho fishing or combination license (resident or non-resident) covers both parts of the lake. Only one daily limit a day. Official source

  • Flaming Gorge Reservoir (Wyoming)

    Utah license holders need a Wyoming reciprocal permit to fish the Wyoming side; Wyoming residents need a Utah reciprocal permit ($30) to fish the Utah side. Otherwise buy the other state's license. Only one daily limit. Official source2

Seasons and limits

Checked Nov 4, 2026

Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check Utah DWR's current rules before you keep a fish.

Statewide daily limits from the Utah Fishing Guidebook. Many waters have their own rules. Possession limit is two daily limits (Utah Admin. Code R657-13). Only one daily limit may be taken in a day.

SpeciesWhereSizeDaily bagSeason
Trout, kokanee and Arctic grayling Fresh Statewide No statewide minimum 4 combined –
No kokanee may be kept anywhere from September 10 to November 30. Many waters, including Flaming Gorge, Strawberry and Bear Lake, have their own trout rules. Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations) Trout limits in other states
Largemouth and smallmouth bass Fresh Statewide No statewide minimum 6 combined –
Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations) Largemouth bass limits in other states
Walleye Fresh Statewide Only 1 over 24" 10 –
Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations) Walleye limits in other states
Wiper (hybrid striped bass) Fresh Statewide No statewide minimum 3 –
Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations) Striped bass limits in other states
Striped bass and white bass Fresh Statewide No minimum No limit –
Lake Powell is a key striped bass water; check its rules. Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations) Striped bass limits in other states
Crappie (black and white) Fresh Statewide No statewide minimum 50 combined –
Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations) Crappie limits in other states
Bluegill and green sunfish Fresh Statewide No statewide minimum 50 combined –
Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations)
Yellow perch Fresh Statewide No statewide minimum 50 –
Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations) Yellow perch limits in other states
Channel catfish Fresh Statewide No statewide minimum 8 –
Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations) Catfish limits in other states
Northern pike Fresh Statewide Only 1 over 36" 20 –
Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations) Northern pike limits in other states
Tiger muskellunge Fresh Statewide Over 40" only 1 –
Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations) Muskellunge (muskie) limits in other states
Whitefish Fresh Statewide No statewide minimum 10 –
Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations)
Burbot Fresh Statewide No minimum No limit –
Burbot caught must be killed, not released. Secondary source: Utah Fishing Guidebook (eRegulations)

Compare Utah with other states

Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.

Questions

Do I need a fishing license in Utah?

Yes, if you are 12 or older and fish public waters in Utah, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone under 12 (may take a full daily and possession limit).

How much is a non-resident fishing license in Utah?

For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026 are $44 for one day (Non-resident 3-day fishing license); $91 for seven days (Non-resident 7-day fishing license); $120 for a year (Non-resident 365-day fishing license (18+)). Prices as listed by DWR. Its fee page doesn't mention online or convenience fees.

Do seniors need a fishing license in Utah?

Senior options for residents: Resident 365-day fishing license (65+): $31 (ages 65+); Resident 3-year fishing license (65+): $93 (ages 65+); Resident 5-year fishing license (65+): $155 (ages 65+). Non-resident seniors pay the normal non-resident prices.

How do I get a fishing license in Utah?

Buy it from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources: Sold online through DWR, in the Utah Hunting and Fishing app, at DWR offices, at license agents and by phone (800-221-0659).

Do I need a license to fish on a charter in Utah?

It depends on the boat and where you fish. DWR rules checked give no exemption for guided anglers: anyone 12 or older needs a license (except on Free Fishing Day).

Sources and checks

Every fact on this page comes from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources 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 4, 2026
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 4, 2026
All 10 source pages

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