Last updated: September 22, 2026. Fees and rules were checked against the current Arizona Game and Fish Department licensing page and the amended 2025–2026 Arizona Fishing Regulations.
An Arizona fishing license costs $37 for a resident and $55 for a nonresident for a General Fishing License in 2026. Youth ages 10–17 can buy a Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for $5. Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish Licenses cost $15 per selected day for residents and $20 per selected day for nonresidents. Anglers age 10 or older generally need a valid license to fish publicly accessible Arizona waters, although specific exemptions apply.
Quick Answer
As of September 22, 2026, an Arizona General Fishing License is $37 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. The Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License is $5 for ages 10–17. Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish Licenses are $15 per selected day for residents and $20 per selected day for nonresidents. Annual fishing licenses include trout privileges and simultaneous fishing with two poles or lines.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona residents pay $37 and nonresidents pay $55 for a General Fishing License.
- Anglers age 10 or older generally need a valid license when fishing publicly accessible Arizona waters.
- Youth ages 10–17 can buy a Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for $5, whether resident or nonresident.
- Short-term Combination licenses cost $15 per selected day for residents and $20 per selected day for nonresidents; purchased dates do not have to be consecutive.
- At current rates, an annual General Fishing License costs less than three Short-Term Combination days if you only need fishing privileges.
- Fishing licenses include trout privileges and simultaneous fishing with two poles or lines, subject to water-specific restrictions.
Arizona Fishing License Costs at a Glance
| Resident General Fishing License | $37, valid for one year |
| Nonresident General Fishing License | $55, valid for one year |
| Resident Combination Hunt and Fish License | $57, valid for one year |
| Nonresident Combination Hunt and Fish License | $160, valid for one year |
| Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License | $5 for ages 10–17, resident or nonresident |
| Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License | $15 per selected day for residents; $20 per selected day for nonresidents |
Who Needs an Arizona Fishing License?
Arizona generally requires a valid fishing or combination license for both resident and nonresident anglers age 10 or older who fish publicly accessible water in the state. Children under 10 and blind Arizona residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license.
The license requirement applies when you fish, not only when you keep a fish. That means catch-and-release fishing generally still requires a license for anglers age 10 or older unless another exemption applies.
A fishing license authorizes the fishing privileges covered by that license, but it does not replace private-property permission, park or access fees, closures, tribal permits, or special regulations for a particular lake, stream, river, or species. Before a trip, check the Arizona Game and Fish Department licensing and regulations page.
License purchases also support Arizona Game and Fish Department conservation work, including fisheries management and fishing opportunities.
License exceptions to know: Arizona’s current regulations exempt children under 10 and blind residents from the state fishing-license requirement. A state license is also not required when fishing qualifying private waters, tanks, or ponds with the property owner’s permission, or on Arizona’s designated Free Fishing Day. The 2026 Free Fishing Day was June 6; other fishing regulations still applied.
Types of Fishing Licenses Available
Arizona’s main license choices are straightforward. Choose according to your age, residency, how many days you will fish, and whether you also need hunting privileges.
The General Fishing License is the standard fishing-only choice. It costs $37 for residents and $55 for nonresidents and is valid for one year.
The Combination Hunt and Fish License costs $57 for residents and $160 for nonresidents. In addition to fishing, it provides the hunting privileges specified by Arizona’s license rules.
The Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License costs $5 for both residents and nonresidents ages 10–17.
The Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License costs $15 per selected day for a resident and $20 per selected day for a nonresident. You can purchase more than one selected day, and the dates do not have to be consecutive.
Arizona’s listed fishing licenses include trout fishing privileges and allow simultaneous fishing with two poles or lines, subject to statewide and water-specific regulations. A separate trout or two-pole stamp is not listed as necessary for these licenses under the current fee structure.
Arizona residents may also qualify for lifetime or complimentary licenses. Eligibility and application requirements differ by license type.
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Arizona Fishing License Prices in 2026
As of September 22, 2026, the Arizona Game and Fish Department still lists the General Fishing License at $37 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. These figures match the state’s amended 2025–2026 fishing regulations.
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Resident License Fees
A resident who only wants to fish can buy the General Fishing License for $37. A resident Combination Hunt and Fish License is $57, while the Youth Combination license for ages 10–17 is $5. The resident Short-Term Combination license is $15 for each selected day.
Nonresident License Fees
A nonresident General Fishing License costs $55. The nonresident Combination Hunt and Fish License costs $160. Youth ages 10–17 pay $5 for the Youth Combination license, and the nonresident Short-Term Combination license costs $20 per selected day.
Money-saving comparison: Two short-term days cost $30 for a resident or $40 for a nonresident. Three days cost $45 or $60. If you only need fishing privileges, the $37 resident or $55 nonresident General Fishing License is therefore cheaper than buying three Short-Term Combination days.
Youth License Pricing
The Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License is available to residents and nonresidents ages 10–17 for $5. Children under 10 do not need an Arizona state fishing license.
The youth license gives the fishing and hunting privileges specified for that license and is a one-year license. Families should still check the special regulations for the exact water and species they plan to fish.
Who Qualifies for the Arizona Resident License Rate?
Arizona’s residency test for hunting and fishing licenses is more specific than simply owning property or spending part of the year in the state. Arizona Game and Fish residency guidance generally defines a resident as someone domiciled in Arizona for the six months immediately before applying and who does not claim residency for another purpose in another state or jurisdiction. Specific military exceptions also apply.
If your residency is uncertain, review the AZGFD residency guidance before buying a resident license.
How to Obtain a Fishing License
You can purchase an Arizona fishing license online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department, at AZGFD offices, or through authorized license dealers statewide.
Before purchasing, choose the license that matches your residency, age, fishing dates, and whether you need hunting privileges. Have the identification and residency information required for the license you are buying. Special and complimentary licenses can require additional documentation.
For most adults who only want to fish, the main decision is between the $37 resident or $55 nonresident General Fishing License and the $15/$20-per-day Short-Term Combination license.
If you are new to fishing regulations, the site’s fishing regulations basics guide explains common terms such as seasons, bag limits, size restrictions, legal methods, and special-water rules.
Warning: Obtain any required license before fishing and keep the required proof of the license with you while fishing. Buying a license after an enforcement check does not cure fishing without the required license.
What Arizona Fishing Rules Should You Check?
A fishing license is only the first requirement. Before fishing, check both Arizona’s general statewide regulations and any special regulations for the exact water you plan to visit.
Current Arizona rules allow holders of the applicable fishing licenses to fish with two poles or lines simultaneously. No more than two lines may be used at once, and fishing lines must remain constantly attended and under the angler’s immediate control. Special regulations can impose additional restrictions.
Daily bag limits vary by species and water. Arizona’s statewide rules generally set the possession limit at twice the daily bag limit unless another rule states otherwise. Once you have caught and kept a daily bag limit of a species, you may not continue fishing for that species that day.
Snagging game fish is not generally legal. Arizona rules allow snagging and certain other methods for specified species such as common carp, buffalo fish, mullet, tilapia, goldfish, and shad, subject to closures and special regulations.
For a trip-specific check, use the current Arizona fishing regulations and special-regulation resources rather than relying only on a statewide summary.
What About Fishing on an Indian Reservation?
Arizona Rule R12-4-117 states that an Arizona state license, permit, or tag is not required to fish on an Indian reservation in the state. That does not mean reservation fishing is permit-free. The applicable tribal government may require its own fishing or recreation permit and can set separate seasons, bag limits, access rules, and fishing methods. Check directly with the tribe responsible for the reservation before fishing there.
Special License Options
Arizona residents may qualify for lifetime, Pioneer, disabled-veteran, or other special license options. Eligibility rules differ, so use the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s current application requirements rather than assuming that age or disability alone is enough.
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Lifetime Licenses for Residents
Arizona offers lifetime license options to qualifying residents. The current Arizona fishing regulations state that lifetime options are available only to Arizona residents, must be purchased through Game and Fish offices, and use fee schedules that vary by license type and age.
Because lifetime-license prices depend on the applicant’s age and selected license, check the current AZGFD lifetime-license information before applying rather than relying on an old fixed price.
Complimentary License Eligibility
The two complimentary options most relevant to this guide are the Pioneer License and the qualifying disabled-veteran license.
- Pioneer License: A person must be at least 70 years old and have been a domiciled Arizona resident for 25 or more consecutive years immediately before applying. The license itself has no fee.
- Qualifying disabled veteran: The applicant must meet Arizona residency and service-connected disability requirements. AZGFD states that a qualifying applicant must have been an Arizona resident for at least one year immediately before applying.
- 100% qualifying service-connected disability: The complimentary license fee is $0. Depending on the VA certification and reevaluation status, the license can remain valid for life or expire after three years.
Check the official Pioneer License requirements and Disabled Veteran License requirements before applying.
Community Fishing Opportunities
Arizona’s Community Fishing Program provides stocked fishing opportunities at city park lakes and ponds around the state. The Arizona Game and Fish Department currently describes more than 50 Community Fishing waters in 23 communities.
Community waters are included in the privileges of Arizona’s General Fishing, Combination Hunt and Fish, Youth Combination, and Short-Term Combination licenses. Anglers who are required to hold a license still need one at these waters unless a specific exemption applies.
Species, stocking schedules, and local bag limits can vary by location, so check the Arizona Community Fishing Program page before your visit.
If this is your first trip, the fishing basics for beginners guide covers simple gear, fishing locations, basic technique, and pre-trip preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is an Arizona Fishing License in 2026?
In 2026, an Arizona General Fishing License costs $37 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. The Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License is $5 for ages 10–17. Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish Licenses cost $15 per selected day for residents and $20 per selected day for nonresidents.
Is There a Senior Fishing License in Arizona?
Arizona does not list a standard discounted annual senior fishing license. However, a qualifying resident age 70 or older who has been an Arizona resident for at least 25 consecutive years immediately before applying may qualify for the complimentary Pioneer License.
How Many Fishing Rods Can You Use in Arizona?
Arizona’s current fishing rules allow simultaneous fishing with up to two poles or lines for applicable fishing-license holders. The lines must remain attended and under the angler’s immediate control, and special regulations for a particular water can add restrictions.
Does an Arizona Fishing License Include Trout and Two-Pole Fishing?
Yes. Arizona’s current license fee structure states that licenses allowing fishing include trout privileges and simultaneous fishing with two poles or lines. Water-specific restrictions can still apply.
Do You Need an Arizona Fishing License for Catch and Release?
Yes, in most publicly accessible Arizona waters an angler age 10 or older needs the required fishing license even when every fish is released. Specific exemptions, such as children under 10, qualifying private waters, blind Arizona residents, and designated Free Fishing Day, can apply.
Do Kids Need a Fishing License in Arizona?
Children under 10 do not need an Arizona state fishing license. Youth ages 10–17 can buy the Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for $5 whether they are residents or nonresidents.
Is a Short-Term or Annual Arizona Fishing License Cheaper for Three Days?
For fishing only, the annual General Fishing License is cheaper at three paid fishing days. Three Short-Term Combination days cost $45 for a resident or $60 for a nonresident, compared with $37 and $55 for the General Fishing License.
Do You Need an Arizona State Fishing License on an Indian Reservation?
Arizona Rule R12-4-117 says a state license, permit, or tag is not required to fish on an Indian reservation in Arizona. The applicable tribal government may require its own fishing or recreation permit and can enforce separate fishing rules.
Where Can You Buy an Arizona Fishing License?
You can buy an Arizona fishing license online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department, at department offices, or through authorized license dealers statewide.
Conclusion
For most adult anglers, the main 2026 choice is simple: the Arizona General Fishing License costs $37 for a resident or $55 for a nonresident. Youth ages 10–17 pay $5 for the Youth Combination license, while short-term Combination licenses cost $15 or $20 per selected day. Before fishing, choose the correct license, check any special rules for your exact water and species, and purchase the required license or permit before you cast.
Sources
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — Licenses and Regulations — current license prices, age requirements, purchasing methods, annual validity, lifetime-license information, and links to the current regulations.
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — 2025 & 2026 Fishing Regulations — official fee table, exemptions, two-pole privileges, short-term license rules, and statewide fishing regulations.
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — Pioneer License — current age, residency, fee, and application requirements.
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — Disabled Veteran License — eligibility, documentation, fee, and validity information for qualifying veterans.
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — Community Fishing Program — current Community Fishing waters, stocking information, and program details.
- Arizona Game and Fish Department — Residency Guidance — explains residency and domicile rules used when purchasing resident hunting and fishing licenses.
