Nevada boasts some great fishing for trout in high alpine regions and warm water species such as bass, panfish, and catfish in lower-lying waters.
Nevada also offers a chance to catch the iconic native Lahontan cutthroat trout!
But before you sample Nevada’s wonderful fishing, make sure you have the correct Nevada fishing license.
In this article, we explain what Nevada fishing license you need, how much it will cost, and where to buy your license.
Nevada Fishing License Age
In Nevada, anyone aged 12 years and older is required to obtain a valid fishing license before engaging in recreational fishing. This regulation applies to both residents and non-residents.
See here for info on how old you can be without needing a license in other states.
Who Is Exempt From Needing a Fishing License in Nevada?
Non-residents under the age of 12 are not required to purchase a fishing license in Nevada. However, the number of fish that they can take must not be more than half of the limit set by the law.
How Much is a Nevada Fishing License?
For residents, an annual Nevada fishing license costs $40. For non-residents, an annual Nevada fishing license costs $80.
There is a range of other licenses with different pricing, which we explain below.
Nevada Fishing License Cost and Types
The State of Nevada has a variety of different fishing licenses, and the cost varies depending on your age and residency, and the duration of the validity of the license you want to purchase. Here’s a summary of the licenses you can purchase in the State of Nevada:
Resident Fishing Licenses
Nevada residents are eligible for resident fishing licenses, which offer reduced fees compared to non-resident licenses. To qualify as a Nevada resident, you need to qualify for the following criteria:
- citizen of, or is lawfully entitled to remain in, the United States, during the six months preceding his application to the Department for a license, tag, or permit
- s/he maintained his principal and permanent residence in this State
- as physically present in this State, except for temporary absences;
- did not purchase or apply for any resident license, tag, or permit to hunt, fish, or trap in another state, country or province
- Active members, permanently assigned to the State of Nevada, and spouses and dependents
| License Type | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons 18 years of age or older at the time of purchase. | $40 |
| 1-Day Fishing Permit | Valid until midnight of the date specified. | $9 |
| Each Consecutive Day Added to a 1-Day Permit | $3 |
Student Residency Requirement
An individual who attends a full-time educational program at a Nevada institution of higher learning but does not have their primary and permanent residence in Nevada can qualify for a resident fishing license if, in the six months immediately before applying, they meet the following criteria:
- was physically present in Nevada, except for temporary trips outside of the State
- did not purchase or apply for any resident license, tag, or permit to hunt, fish or trap in another state, country or province
Resident Combination Licenses
| License Type | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Combination License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons 18 years of age and older at the time of purchase. | $75 |
| Serviceman’s Specialty Combination License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For Nevada residents who are on active duty outside of Nevada. Applicant must show evidence of his or her duty assignment or show leave papers to the license agent. | $15 |
| Severe Disability Specialty Combination License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. Initial application through NDOW only. | $15 |
| Native American Specialty Combination License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. Resident Native American as defined in NRS 502.280. Must supply a letter of eligibility. Initial application through NDOW only. | $10 |
| Disabled Veteran Specialty Combination License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. Nevada Resident and veteran who has incurred a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more. Initial application through NDOW only. | $15 |
| Youth Combination License Youth Fishing License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons at least 12 years of age but less than 18 years of age at the time of purchase. Youth Fishing License is offered only as the Youth Combination License. | $15 |
| Senior Specialty Combination License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons 65 years of age or older with 5 years of continuous Nevada residency at the time of purchase. | $15 |
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Non-residents, including out-of-state and foreign visitors, need to purchase a non-resident fishing license to fish in Nevada. Non-resident licenses come with higher fees compared to resident licenses.
| License Type | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons 18 years of age and older at the time of purchase. | $80 |
| Interstate Boundary Water License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. (To fish solely in the reciprocal waters of the Colorado River, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Tahoe, and Topaz Lake) | $30 |
| 1-Day Fishing Permit | Valid until midnight of the date specified. | $18 |
| Each Consecutive Day Added to a 1-Day Permit | $7 |
Non-Resident Combination Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Combination License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons 18 years of age and older at the time of purchase. | $155 |
| Youth Combination License | Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons at least 12 years of age but less than 18 years of age upon payment. Youth Fishing License is offered only as the Youth Combination License. | $15 |
| 1-Day Permit to Fish and hunt upland game birds and migratory game birds | Valid until midnight of the date specified. | $23 |
| Each Consecutive Day Added to a 1-Day Permit to Fish and Hunt Upland and Migratory Game Birds. | $8 |
Who Can Purchase Discounted Nevada Fishing Licenses?
Certain groups are eligible for discounted fishing licenses in Nevada. This includes seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and students. You can check the description in the previous tables for detailed eligibility requirements or see the articles below if you need information on other states.
- How Much Is Fishing License in All 50 States
- Veterans Fishing License Discounts and Exemptions: All 50 States
- What Age Do You Need To Buy a Fishing License: All 50 States
Special Fishing Licenses in Nevada
Those who are eligible to purchase a Nevada Special Fishing Permit can procure it for only $25. Here are the ones eligible to purchase it:
- Eligible non-profits include: clubs, foundations, programs, educational institutions, or other social groups operated for the benefit of children or that will use the permit for the benefit of adults with disabilities
- Mental health facilities, facilities for juveniles, rehabilitation, older persons, and foster care facilities.
See also:
- Discounts and Exemptions for Seniors on Fishing Licenses: All 50 States
- Fishing License Discounts and Exemptions for People With a Disability
Where Can I Buy a Nevada Fishing Licence?
Nevada Department of Wildlife
Fishing licenses can be purchased in person at Nevada Department of Wildlife offices located throughout the state. Office locations can be found here.
You can also call their Nevada Headquarters at (775) 688-1500
Online
You can purchase your Nevada fishing license online through the official NDOW website. The online process is convenient and allows anglers to obtain their licenses from the comfort of their homes. The official website provides step-by-step instructions on how to purchase a license online.
Walmart and other Retail Outlets
If the nearest NDOW office is far from your location, there are also hundreds of accredited license agents around you including Walmart (see here for info on getting a fishing license from Walmart), hardware stores, and sports stores. You can visit this map to find the closest license agent and authorized license retailers to your location.
What Happens With Nevada Fishing License Fees?
The revenue generated from fishing license fees is vital for supporting fishery management, conservation education, habitat development, and endangered species programs in Nevada. These funds contribute to maintaining sustainable fishing opportunities for anglers.
Does Nevada Have Reciprocal License Arrangements With Neighboring States?
Nevada has reciprocal fishing license agreements with neighboring states, including California (see here for California fishing license info) and Arizona (see here for Arizona fishing license info). These agreements allow licensed anglers from these states to fish in specific shared waters without the need to purchase an additional license.
These reciprocal waters are the Colorado River, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Tahoe, and Topaz Lake.
Does Nevada Offer Lifetime Fishing Licenses?
At present, Nevada does not offer lifetime fishing licenses. Anglers must obtain annual or shorter-term licenses based on their residency and fishing preferences.
