With thousands of streams, rivers, lakes, and dams, Pennsylvania offers residents and non-residents some truly fantastic freshwater fishing activities. Big Bass, Trout, Catfish, Pike, and many other freshwater fish species are lurking just below the water waiting for you. All you need to do is grab a fishing license and get out on the water.
Before you head out on one of the many lakes or rivers, do the right thing and grab a PA fishing license, and while you’re there, brush up on the local rules and regulations for your target species.
In the following guide to Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses, we’ll cover:
When the weather starts to cool off, it doesn’t mean that you have to stop fishing. In this article, The Ultimate Guide to the Best Winter Fishing Destinations, we’ll cover some of the United States fishing locations so that you can remember your next fishing holiday.
The premium Fishing Forecasting App, Fishbox, allows you to track weather, tide, and atmospheric conditions to accurately predict the best times to hit the water, significantly increasing your chances of catching fish. It even has helpful information about local hotspots and secret fishing locations contributed by users.
Types of PA Fishing Licenses
To make fishing as easy and accessible as possible, Pennsylvania offers several different license types for both residents and non-residents. Please visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website for more information about PA license types.
Pennsylvania Resident Fishing Licenses:
- 1 Day License;
- Annual License;
- 3 Year License;
- 5 Year License;
- 10 Year License;
- Lifetime License (Senior Resident Only).
Pennsylvania Non-Resident Fishing Licenses:
- 1 Day License;
- 3 Day License;
- 7 Day License;
- Annual License;
- 3 Year License;
- 5 Year License;
- 10 Year License.
Cost of Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses
Pennsylvania Resident Fishing Licenses:
- 1 Day License – $14.47;
- Annual License – $27.97;
- 3 Year License – $79.97;
- 5 Year License – $131.97;
- 10 Year License – $261.97;
- Lifetime License (Senior Resident Only) – $86.97.
Pennsylvania Non-Resident Fishing Licenses:
- 1 Day License – $31.97;
- 3 Day License – $31.97;
- 7 Day License – $39.47;
- Annual License – $60.97;
- 3 Year License – $178.97;
- 5 Year License – $296.97;
- 10 Year License – $591.97.
For an up-to-date list of all license types and costs, including disability, senior, and veteran discounts, please visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.
Age Requirements for PA Fishing License
Any angler planning on fishing in Pennsylvania over the age of 16 is required to have a valid fishing license. This age limit applies to both resident and non-resident anglers, regardless of whether they’re fishing alone, with a licensed adult, or on a chartered fishing trip.
If you want to fish on Lake Erie or take home Trout or Salmon, you will also need an additional permit.
Pennsylvania has two free fishing days, the last Sunday of May and on July 4th, where resident or non-resident anglers can fish for free without a license. However, all other regulations and rules apply, including but not limited to season, size, and bag limits.
For more information, please visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.
Where to Obtain a PA Fishing License
There are a variety of different ways that you can purchase a Pennsylvania fishing permit or license, including:
- In Person – There are over 1,300 licensed vendors in Pennsylvania that facilitate the sale of fishing licenses and permits. For more information about the location of licensed vendors, please click here.
- Online – The fastest and easiest way to purchase your PA fishing license is by going online. Once the transaction has been processed, your license will be valid. Perfect for those last-minute fishing trips. Visit the Hunt Fish PA website.
- Phone – If you can’t get to a store or go online, you can purchase your PA fishing license over the phone at 877-707-4085.
When you apply for a Pennsylvania fishing license, you will be asked to supply your Social Security number, so make sure you have it ready and a valid form of payment.
Complete Guide to Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses | Conclusion
Now, you should have a clear understanding of the Pennsylvania fishing rules and regulations, including who must have a license, how much PA fishing licenses cost, and where to buy one. The only thing left is to grab your fishing rod and reel and get out there and catch some fish.
Did you know that almost all of the money made from fishing licenses goes directly back into protecting fish stocks, research, upgrades, and habitat protection? By purchasing a fishing license or permit in Pennsylvania and following season, size, and bag limits set in place, we can all do our part to be responsible anglers.
The Fishbox allows anglers to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best time to go fishing. Fishbox App utilizes in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling and when you’re better off relaxing at home.
If you have any questions about Maine fishing licenses or would like to learn more about Maine permits, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below, and if you found it helpful, give it a share!