Arizona is a beautiful place to fish, with a diverse range of fishing opportunities, but before you drop a line, you’ll need to ensure that you have the correct fishing permit or license. Being a responsible angler means not only following season, bag, and size limits but also purchasing the correct fishing license for your target species and location.
As responsible anglers, we can all play our small role in ensuring that future generations of anglers in Arizona get to enjoy the same fantastic fishing opportunities we enjoy ourselves.
In the following guide to Arizona fishing licenses, we’ll cover:
If chasing a giant, elusive Catfish gets your blood pumping, then be sure to check out Exploring the Best Baits for Catfish Fishing! For a comprehensive look at the best baits for catfishing.
Even the best anglers need a little bit of help when it comes to discovering the best fishing spots, especially if you’re fishing in a new location or on a quick fishing trip somewhere that you haven’t fished before. Thanks to the premium fish finder app, you’ll know the perfect time to go fishing in Arizona or when you’re better off cleaning out your tackle box.
Types of Arizona Fishing Licenses
Arizona has several different fishing licenses available to both resident and non-resident anglers. Their fishing permits are available for purchase online, in person at Arizona Game and Fish Department Offices, and state-approved licensed vendors.
Arizona Resident Fishing Licenses:
- General Fishing.
- Combination Fishing and Hunting.
- Youth Combination Fishing and Hunting.
- Short-Term Combination Fishing and Hunting.
Arizona Non-Resident Fishing Licenses:
- General Fishing.
- Combination Fishing and Hunting.
- Youth Combination Fishing and Hunting.
- Short-Term Combination Fishing and Hunting.
Please note:
- All fishing licenses are valid for one year from the original date of purchase. All fishing licenses include Trout and the use of two fishing rods or lines.
- Licenses are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- You must have your permit in your possession while you are fishing.
- A fishing license isn’t required when fishing any of Arizona’s designated Free Fishing Days, which take place on the 1st Saturday of National Fishing and Boating Week. June 1st, 2024, is the Free Fishing Day for 2024.
Cost of Arizona Fishing Licenses
Arizona has several different fishing licenses available to both resident and non-resident anglers. Their fishing permits are available for purchase online, in person at Arizona Game and Fish Department Offices, and state-approved licensed vendors.
Arizona Resident Fishing Licenses:
- General Fishing – $37.
- Combination Fishing and Hunting – $57.
- Youth Combination Fishing and Hunting – $5.
- Short-Term Combination Fishing and Hunting – $15 Per Day.
Arizona Non-Resident Fishing Licenses:
- General Fishing – $55.
- Combination Fishing and Hunting – $160.
- Youth Combination Fishing and Hunting – $5.
- Short-Term Combination Fishing and Hunting – $20 Per Day.
Please note all fishing licenses are valid for one year from the original date of purchase. All fishing licenses include Trout and the use of two fishing rods or lines.
Age Requirements for Arizona Fishing License
If an angler is aged under ten, they are not required to purchase a fishing license. However, children aged 10 years or older, resident or non-resident, who are fishing any publicly accessible water in Arizona must have a valid fishing permit.
Residents with a disability who meet state eligibility requirements are not required to purchase a fishing license in Arizona.
Where to Obtain a Arizona Fishing License
Buying a fishing license is quick and easy in Arizona, and several different purchasing options are available to both residents and non-residents. There are over 150 licensed dealers located throughout the state, including many sporting goods stores, retailers, convenience stores, and bait and tackle shops.
You can also purchase your angling permit from one of the many Arizona Game and Fish offices.
If you prefer to purchase your permit online, you can do so by visiting the azgfd.gov website.
Valid identification and proof of residency must be supplied when purchasing any permits.
A license is not required when:
- You are fishing any public water during a state-sponsored Free Fishing Day.
- Registered and participated in an AZGFD-sponsored fishing clinic.
- Fishing any private waters such as tanks or ponds with the owner’s permission.
Complete Guide to Arizona Fishing Licenses – Conclusion
Now you know everything there is to know about Arizona fishing licenses, including where to purchase one, how much they cost, any age restrictions, and the different types of licenses available to anglers.
The Fishbox App will allow you to accurately track weather conditions in your chosen fishing area and accurately predict the best time to go angling. Fishbox App uses in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go fishing and when you’re better off cleaning out your tackle box.
If you have any questions about fishing licenses or permits in Arizona, drop a comment below. We love to read feedback and will do our best to answer your questions.