Arizona has a real diversity of fishing with many lakes and rivers, and state parks where anglers can enjoy great sport.
You can expect to have the chance to catch trout, walleye, pike, bass, and catfish if you get to spend some time fishing in Arizona.
It is important to make sure you get the right license for the type of fishing you will be doing.
We’ve put together what we think is the most complete and easy-to-navigate guide to fishing licenses in Arizona.
Fishing in Arizona
Before we get into the details of the Arizona fishing license system, it is worth briefly mentioning some of the great quality fishing on offer.
At higher altitudes, Arizona has some great trout fishing (it is home to the fabled Apache trout, the state fish of Arizona) as well as rainbow trout and other trout species.
High-altitude lakes in Arizona are also home to pike and walleye.
Once you descend a bit lower and the water temperatures increase, you can find some of the best largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing in the country in the reservoirs and lakes of Arizona.
And the state has plenty of panfish such as bluegill and crappie on offer!
How Much Is a Fishing License in Arizona? Costs Explained
An annual fishing license in Arizona costs $37 for residents. An annual fishing license in Arizona for non-residents costs $55. Pricing for other types of licenses varies and is summarized in the tables below in this article.
See also: How Much is a Fishing License in All 50 States
Who Needs a Fishing License in Arizona?
In broad terms, a valid Arizona fishing license is required for Arizona resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any publicly accessible water in Arizona.
See also: What Age a Fishing License Is Required in All 50 States
Who Is Exempt From Needing a Fishing License in Arizona?
- Youth under the age of 10
- Disabled resident veterans who can show a valid certification from the Veteran’s Administration confirming permanent 100% service-connected disability and over one consecutive year as a bona fide Arizona resident
- Anglers aged 70 or older (plus 25 consecutive years as a bona fide resident) are also eligible for a complimentary Arizona license.
- Blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona.
- Check out these links for our guides to exemptions for veterans, seniors, and the disabled in all states.
Fishing License Types and Costs in Arizona
There are five basic types of Arizona fishing licenses anglers can obtain.
1. General Fishing License
A general fishing license is required for all anglers, regardless of their residency status, allowing you to fish for all species throughout the state.
Resident Licences
These are available to bona fide resident who is domiciled (claims the state of Arizona as their true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence) in this state for six months immediately preceding the date of application for a license, permit, tag, or stamp and does not claim residency for any purpose in another state or jurisdiction. Or is a member of the armed forces of the United States who is on active duty and stationed in this state for either permanent or temporary duty; or is a member of the armed forces of the United States on active duty stationed in another state or country but who lists this state as their home of record at the time of applying for a license, permit, tag, or stamp.
Non-Resident (Foreign) Fishing Licenses
These licenses are applicable to all visitors to Arizona who want to fish from other states or countries. Non-resident licenses are typically more expensive than resident licenses, and some of the discounts and exemptions that apply to veterans, the disabled, and seniors don’t usually apply to non-resident license holders.
General Fishing License Costs in Arizona
These are the current prices for a fishing license in Arizona drawn from the Arizona Game and Fish Department figures.
| Fishing License Type | Resident Annual | Blind (not available for non-residents) | Lifetime | Disabled Veterans (not available for non-residents) | Senior (70+) (not available for non-residents) | Senior (70+) (not available for non residents) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $37 | $55 | Age 0-13: $629.00 Age 14-29: $666.00 Age 30-34: $592.00 Age 45-61: $555.00 Age 62+: $296.00 | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
Source: https://www.azgfd.com/license/
2. Combo Hunt and Fish
If you love to fish and hunt, there’s a combination type available for both residents and visitors.
Combo Hunt and Fish License Costs in Arizona
These are the current prices for Combo Hunt and Fish fishing licenses in Arizona.
| Fishing License Type | Resident Annual | Blind (not available for non-resident) | Lifetime | Blind (not available for non resident) | Veterans (disabled) | Senior (70+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $57 | $160 | Age 0-13: $969.00 Age 14-29: $1029.00 Age 30-34: $912.00 Age 45-61: $855.00 Age 62+: $456.00 | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
3. Youth Combo Hunt and Fish
Younger anglers aged 10-17 can purchase a youth license that allows them to fish and hunt in Arizona. This license costs $5 for both resident anglers and non-residents.
4. Short-Term Combo Hunt & Fish
If you’re interested in a quick getaway or just want to fish or hunt for a few days, you can purchase a short-term fish and hunt combination license. This permit can be obtained for any day – all you need to do is select a date (or dates) at the time of purchase.
Short-Term Combo Hunt and Fish License Costs in Arizona
These are the current prices for Short-Term Combo Hunt and Fish fishing licenses in Arizona.
| Fishing License Type | Resident Daily | Non Resident Daily | Disabled | Veterans (disabled) | Senior (70+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $15 | $20 | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
Special Licenses in Arizona
Honorary Scout Combination License
Arizona offers a reduced fee Honorary Scout combination license for Boy and Girl Scouts with the highest level in their organization. Girl Scouts with the Gold Award and the Boy Scouts of Scouts of America who have received the Eagle Scout are eligible for this license through the calendar year of their 20th birthday.
Arizonans can purchase a lifetime fishing and/or combination license, with fees varying depending on the age and license type. Even if you decide to move out of Arizona, you’ll still be able to come back and use your license to hunt and fish. According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, by purchasing a lifetime license, resident anglers and hunters become long-term sponsors of the state’s Wildlife Conservation programs.
Lifetime Wildlife Benefactor License
There’s an additional type of lifetime license for Arizonans, a Lifetime Wildlife Benefactor License. This permit allows you to fish and hunt while donating to the state’s wildlife conservation, protection, and management programs.
Source: Arizona Wildlife Rehabilitation License
What Fishing License Discounts Apply in Arizona?
Arizona offers complimentary licenses for disabled resident veterans who can show a valid certification from the Veteran’s Administration confirming permanent 100% service-connected disability and over one consecutive year as a bona fide Arizona resident. In addition to that, anglers aged 70 or older (plus 25 consecutive years as a bona fide resident) are also eligible for a complimentary Arizona license.
The first Saturday of Arizona National Fishing and Boating Week is a free fishing day for all anglers.
Where Can I Buy an Arizona Fishing Licence?
Arizona Game and Fish Department Offices
You can purchase an Arizona fishing license at all Arizona Game and Fish Department offices.
Online
Fishing licenses are available for purchase online at the Arizona Game and Fish Department site:
https://license.azgfd.com/
Walmart and Other Retail Outlets
There are more than 500 places where you can buy an Arizona fishing license in person, including Walmart stores, outdoor sporting goods stores, tackle shops, and various government offices such as your local probate office.
Here is a full list of where you can buy an Arizona fishing license in person: Dealer Master List.
What Happens to Arizona Fishing License Fees?
All fees collected from the licenses contribute to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s efforts to conserve Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and manage safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations.
What Is the Arizona Wildlife Service License Fee?
Arizona also offers a Wildlife Service License that costs an initial fee of $245 and a renewal fee of $95.
A wildlife service license authorizes a person or company to provide, advertise, or offer assistance in removing live wildlife involved in human-wildlife conflicts. Authorized activities include capturing, removing, transporting, and relocating wildlife that has caused property damage, poses a threat to public health or safety, or if the health or well-being of the wildlife is threatened by its immediate environment.
Source: Arizona Wildlife Service License
Does Arizona have reciprocal license arrangements with neighboring states?
Given the Colorado River forms the boundary between Arizona and California (see here for California fishing license info) and part of the boundary between Arizona and Nevada (see here for Nevada fishing license info), there is a lot of water that residents of these states fish.
Reciprocal arrangements exist for license holders from neighboring states to fish the Colorado River and the various reservoirs and lakes on it without having to obtain an Arizona license. These waterways include Mittry Lake and Topock Marsh and the Arizona shoreline of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu, and Commission-designated community waters.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/arizonarciprocal
Does Arizona Offer Lifetime Fishing Licenses?
Lifetime licenses are available only to Arizona residents. Cost varies based on license type and age. Click here to apply for a lifetime license.
