If you’re planning to fish in Georgia as a non-resident in 2026, most anglers age 16 and older need a Georgia non-resident fishing license. The base prices are $50 for an annual license valid for 365 days, $10 for one selected day, or $3.50 for each additional consecutive day. You can add up to 10 additional days to a one-day license, giving you a maximum short-term period of 11 consecutive days. Mountain trout fishing requires a separate trout license, while saltwater fishing requires a free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP).
Last reviewed: September 22, 2026. License prices, durations, and permit requirements were checked against current Georgia licensing and fishing-regulation guidance. Paid licenses are also subject to transaction fees.
Quick Answer
A Georgia non-resident fishing license is generally required for anglers age 16 and older. The base options are a $50 annual license, a $10 one-day license, and $3.50 for each of up to 10 additional consecutive days, for 11 days total. Non-resident trout privileges cost $25 annually, $10 for one day, or $2 for each additional trout day and require the basic fishing privilege. Saltwater anglers age 16 and older also need a free annual Saltwater Information Permit. Georgia lists a $3 transaction fee online and at retail outlets and $5 by telephone.
Key Takeaways
- Non-resident anglers age 16 and older generally need a Georgia fishing license unless a specific exemption applies.
- The $50 annual non-resident fishing license is valid for 365 days from the purchase date.
- A short-term license starts at $10 for one day, with up to 10 additional consecutive days at $3.50 each, for 11 days total.
- Trout fishing requires an additional trout license; non-resident rates are $25 annual, $10 for one day, and $2 for each additional day.
- Saltwater fishing requires a free annual Saltwater Information Permit for anglers age 16 and older.
- Current transaction fees are $3 online or at retail outlets and $5 by telephone.
Overview of Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Non-residents age 16 and older generally need a valid Georgia fishing license to fish in Georgia freshwater or saltwater. Georgia lists specific exemptions, including fishing with permission in qualifying private ponds, so check the current rules if you believe an exemption applies.
The annual non-resident fishing license costs $50 and covers basic freshwater and saltwater fishing privileges for 365 days from the date of purchase. A one-day fishing license costs $10. You may add up to 10 consecutive days for $3.50 each, giving you a maximum short-term license period of 11 consecutive days.
For mountain trout fishing, anglers age 16 and older generally need both the basic fishing privilege and a trout license. The non-resident trout license costs $25 annually, $10 for one day, and $2 for each additional consecutive trout day.
If you plan on saltwater fishing, you also need a free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP). The SIP is valid for one year from issuance and is separate from the basic fishing license.
Note: License rules can vary by water body, species, season, and fishing method. Always check the current Georgia fishing regulations before your trip, especially if you plan to fish for trout, saltwater species, or on border waters.
Types of Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
Georgia gives visiting anglers annual and short-term options. The right combination depends on how long you will fish and whether your trip includes mountain trout or saltwater.
- Annual Fishing License: $50 for 365 days of basic freshwater and saltwater fishing privileges.
- One-Day Fishing License: $10 for one selected fishing day.
- Additional Fishing Days: $3.50 each for up to 10 additional consecutive days, giving the short-term license a maximum of 11 consecutive days.
- Annual Trout License: $25 and requires the appropriate basic fishing privilege.
- One-Day Trout License: $10, with additional consecutive trout days available for $2 each.
- Saltwater Information Permit: Free and required for saltwater anglers age 16 and older.
The base fishing license covers basic freshwater and saltwater privileges, but it does not replace the separate trout privilege or the free SIP requirement.
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Georgia Non-Resident Fishing License Prices for 2026
Georgia’s published license prices make it possible to build the cost around the length and type of trip. The prices below are base license prices. Georgia also lists transaction fees of $3 for online and retail-outlet transactions and $5 for telephone transactions.
| License Type | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Annual Fishing License | $50 | 365 days from purchase |
| Non-Resident One-Day Fishing License | $10 | 1 selected day |
| Additional Fishing Day | $3.50 | Up to 10 additional consecutive days; 11 days total |
| Non-Resident Annual Trout License | $25 | Annual |
| Non-Resident One-Day Trout License | $10 | 1 selected day |
| Additional Trout Day | $2 | Additional consecutive day |
| Saltwater Information Permit | Free | 1 year from issuance |
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What Will Your Trip Cost Before Transaction Fees?
| Trip Length | Basic Fishing | Basic Fishing + Trout |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | $10 | $20 |
| 3 consecutive days | $17 | $31 |
| 7 consecutive days | $31 | $53 |
| 11 consecutive days | $45 | $75 |
| Annual | $50 | $75 |
These examples exclude transaction fees. Saltwater anglers must also obtain the free SIP, but it does not add to the license price.
For a single basic-fishing trip of 11 days or less, the short-term base-license cost remains below the $50 annual base price before transaction fees. If your trip extends beyond the short-term window or you expect to return to Georgia later, compare the annual license because it remains valid for 365 days.
Pro Tip: Calculate the basic fishing license and any trout privilege together. An 11-day basic license costs $45 before transaction fees, but an 11-day basic-plus-trout combination totals $75, the same base price as annual fishing plus annual trout privileges.
Where to Purchase a Non-Resident Fishing License
Purchasing a non-resident fishing license in Georgia is straightforward. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources provides online, telephone, and in-person purchase options.
- Online: Visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com to purchase a license or manage your license account.
- Phone: Call 1-800-366-2661 during the current call-center hours.
- In Person: Purchase through an approved Georgia license agent.
When buying your license, have your identification and payment information ready. Decide whether you also need trout privileges or a free Saltwater Information Permit before completing the purchase. Current Georgia guidance lists a $3 transaction fee online and at retail outlets and a $5 transaction fee by telephone.
Additional Requirements for Non-Resident Fishing
The basic non-resident fishing license covers basic freshwater and saltwater fishing privileges, but your fishing location and target species can trigger additional requirements.
Mountain Trout
Non-resident anglers age 16 and older generally need both a valid basic fishing privilege and the appropriate trout license to fish for or possess mountain trout or fish designated trout waters. The non-resident trout rates are $25 annually, $10 for one day, and $2 for each additional consecutive day.
Saltwater
Saltwater anglers age 16 and older need a free Saltwater Information Permit in addition to the appropriate fishing privilege. The SIP is valid for one year from issuance and helps Georgia identify its saltwater angler population for fishery-management surveys.
Planning into 2027? Georgia’s current saltwater guidance says a new Reef & Migratory Fish Endorsement begins January 1, 2027 for nine specified species, with a $20 fee for non-residents. If you buy a 365-day license in late 2026 and will fish saltwater after January 1, check the current requirements for the species you plan to target.
Private Ponds and Other Exceptions
Georgia’s general non-resident license rule has exceptions. One important example is qualifying private-pond fishing with the owner’s permission. Do not assume an exemption applies simply because the water is privately accessible; verify the current Georgia rules for the property and activity before fishing without a license.
Warning: A license does not override creel limits, size limits, closed seasons, gear restrictions, public-access rules, or private-property rules. Keep your license available while fishing and review local regulations before keeping any fish.
How to Choose the Right Georgia Non-Resident Fishing License
Start with the number of consecutive days you will fish. For one day, the $10 one-day license is the lowest-cost basic option before transaction fees. For trips of two through 11 consecutive days, add $3.50 for each extra day. The full 11-day short-term basic license costs $45 before transaction fees, compared with $50 for 365 days of annual basic fishing privileges.
Next, add privileges based on the fishing you actually plan to do. Trout anglers need the appropriate trout license in addition to basic fishing privileges. Saltwater anglers age 16 and older need the free SIP. An annual license can be especially practical when you expect separate Georgia fishing trips within the next 365 days.
- Choose the one-day license for one fishing day.
- Add consecutive days for a trip lasting up to 11 consecutive days total.
- Compare the annual license if you will fish beyond the short-term window or return later within 365 days.
- Add trout privileges when fishing for or possessing mountain trout or fishing designated trout waters.
- Add the free SIP when saltwater fishing.
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Does a Georgia Fishing License Work in Bordering States?
Only in specified reciprocal waters. Georgia currently has fishing-license agreements covering certain waters shared with Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. A Georgia license does not automatically let you fish anywhere in those states.
Each agreement identifies the exact river, reservoir, lake, or other water covered and may contain special restrictions. Georgia also states that these reciprocal arrangements do not generally apply to saltwater fishing. Check the current border-water agreement for the exact water you plan to fish before crossing a state line or launching from the neighboring state.
Before You Go Fishing in Georgia
Buying the license is only one part of being ready. Before your trip, check the water body you plan to fish, confirm the season and limits for your target species, and make sure your fishing license, trout privilege, SIP, and any other applicable requirement match your plan.
Keep proof of your license available while fishing. If you use a digital copy, save it in a way you can access even when cellular service is poor near the water.
- Confirm whether the water is freshwater, saltwater, designated trout water, private water, or reciprocal border water.
- Check daily limits, possession limits, size limits, seasons, and gear rules before keeping fish.
- Respect private property, boat-ramp rules, state park rules, and posted signs.
- Keep the required license and permits available for inspection.
- Recheck your requirements if your plan changes from basic freshwater fishing to trout or saltwater fishing.
Bottom Line
For most non-resident anglers age 16 and older, start with Georgia’s $10 one-day fishing license or $50 annual license. Add consecutive days at $3.50 each when needed, remembering that a short-term license can cover up to 11 consecutive days total. Add the appropriate trout privilege for mountain trout or the free SIP for saltwater fishing, include the transaction fee in your budget, and verify the rules for the exact water and species before you fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Georgia non-resident fishing license?
A Georgia non-resident annual fishing license costs $50 before transaction fees and is valid for 365 days. A one-day license costs $10, and up to 10 additional consecutive days cost $3.50 each. Trout privileges cost extra, while the Saltwater Information Permit is free.
How many days can a Georgia short-term non-resident fishing license cover?
A short-term non-resident fishing license can cover up to 11 consecutive days: the initial one-day license plus as many as 10 additional consecutive days. The base price is $10 for the first day and $3.50 for each additional day.
Are there transaction fees when buying a Georgia fishing license?
Yes. Georgia’s current fee schedule lists a $3 transaction fee for online and retail-outlet transactions and a $5 transaction fee for telephone transactions. These fees are separate from the advertised license price.
Do non-resident seniors need a fishing license in Georgia?
Yes. Non-resident anglers age 16 and older generally need a Georgia non-resident fishing license unless a specific exemption applies. Georgia’s discounted senior fishing-license options are resident benefits, not a general non-resident senior exemption.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Georgia?
An out-of-state, or non-resident, Georgia fishing license costs $50 annually or $10 for one day before transaction fees. Up to 10 additional consecutive days may be added for $3.50 each. Trout privileges cost extra, while the Saltwater Information Permit is free.
What states honor Georgia’s fishing license?
Georgia has reciprocal fishing-license agreements covering specified waters with Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The agreements apply only to the waters and conditions listed for each state, not to fishing everywhere in those states. Saltwater reciprocity generally does not apply.
Do I need both a fishing license and a trout license in Georgia?
Generally, yes if you are a non-resident age 16 or older fishing for or possessing mountain trout or fishing designated trout waters. The trout license is an added privilege and does not replace the required basic fishing privilege.
Is the Saltwater Information Permit the same as a fishing license?
No. The Saltwater Information Permit is a separate free annual permit for saltwater anglers age 16 and older. It helps Georgia identify saltwater anglers for fishery-management surveys. Anglers who are required to have a fishing license still need the appropriate basic fishing privilege in addition to the SIP.
Sources
- Go Outdoors Georgia — online Georgia fishing license purchases and license account access.
- Georgia Wildlife Resources Division Licenses, Permits & Passes — Georgia license, duration, privilege, and permit information.
- Georgia Fishing Regulations — current fishing rules, license fees, seasons, limits, border-water agreements, and regulation updates.
