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As an avid angler looking to fish in Alabama’s abundant waters in 2025, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest fishing regulations and catch limits. Adhering to these rules not only ensures a successful and enjoyable fishing trip but also helps preserve Alabama’s diverse aquatic ecosystems for generations to come.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Alabama’s fishing license requirements, size and creel limits, seasons, and special regulations for both freshwater and saltwater fishing in 2025.
Alabama Fishing License Requirements 2025
General Requirements
Fishing in Alabama requires a valid license for most anglers. Here’s what you need to know about Alabama fishing license requirements for 2025:
- Age Requirement: Anglers 16 and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in public waters.
- Validity Period: Licenses are valid from September 1 to August 31 of the following year.
- Purchase Options: Licenses can be obtained online through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or from approved license agents such as sporting goods stores and bait shops.
It’s important to note that different licenses are required for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Always carry your license while fishing, as law enforcement may request to see it at any time.
License Types and Fees
Resident Licenses
- Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $16.60
- Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $29.35
- 7-Day Saltwater Trip License: $12.10
Non-Resident Licenses
- Annual Freshwater Fishing License: $64.60
- Annual Saltwater Fishing License: $63.30
- 7-Day Freshwater Trip License: $36.10
- 7-Day Saltwater Trip License: $34.80
Exemptions and Special Considerations
Some individuals are exempt from needing a fishing license in Alabama:
- Alabama residents 65 or older (must carry valid ID)
- Residents fishing from the bank in their county of residence with a hook and line (live bait only)
- Residents on active military duty home on leave (must have ID and leave paperwork)
Additional Considerations:
- A Saltwater Reef Fish Endorsement ($10) is required for fishing certain reef species in saltwater.
- Special fishing license fees may apply to residents of Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
- There is a free fishing day in June when residents can fish without a license in their county of residence.
How to Purchase a License
- Online: Visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website
- In-Person: Purchase from approved license agents or county probate offices
- By Phone: Call 1-888-848-6887 to purchase over the phone
Saltwater Angler Registration
Even if you’re exempt from purchasing an annual saltwater license (e.g., those 65 or older), you must still complete the free Saltwater Angler Registration.
Fishing Regulations and Conservation
Obtaining a fishing license not only ensures legal compliance but also contributes to conservation efforts. The fees collected from fishing licenses help fund habitat restoration, fish stocking programs, and research to maintain healthy fish populations for future generations.
Remember to always check the most current regulations on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website, as fees and requirements may change. By staying informed and following the rules, you’re helping to preserve Alabama’s rich aquatic ecosystems for years to come.
Alabama Freshwater Fishing Regulations 2025
Alabama’s freshwater fishing regulations aim to protect aquatic ecosystems while providing anglers with ample opportunities. These rules, set by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, cover licensing requirements, catch limits, and specific regulations for various fish species.
Licensing Requirements
- Age Requirement: Anglers aged 16-64 must have a valid fishing license
- Resident License Cost: $16.15 (includes $1 issuance fee)
- Exceptions:
- Residents fishing from the bank in their county of residence with ordinary hook and line
- Fishing in private lakes or ponds
- Alabama residents on military leave
Purchase your license: Outdoor Alabama License Portal
Statewide Regulations
- No Closed Season: Freshwater game fish can be caught year-round
- Rod Limit: Maximum 3 rods and reels, poles, or combination per angler on certain reservoirs
- Trotline and Setline Requirements: Must have tags with owner’s name and address, fishing license number, or phone number
Size and Creel Limits
| Species | Daily Limit | Size Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bass (all species) | 10 in combination | Varies by water body; often 12″ minimum |
| Crappie | 30 | 9″ minimum on most public waters |
| Catfish (under 34 inches) | No limit | No size limit |
| Catfish (over 34 inches) | 1 per day | 34″ minimum |
| Bream (Sunfish) | 50 | No statewide size limit |
Special Regulations for Specific Waters
- Sipsey Fork: From Lewis Smith Dam to Mulberry Fork confluence, 2 rod limit per person
- Lewis Smith Reservoir: Maximum 2 saltwater striped bass over 22″ in daily creel limit
- Chattahoochee River: Special creel limits in reciprocal waters
Measurement and Compliance
Fish should be measured with mouth closed and tail lobes pressed together, from snout tip to tail end. Immediately release fish not meeting minimum length requirements.
Additional Regulations
- Illegal to fillet fish while fishing or possess fillets on public waters (except for immediate cooking)
- Transporting more than one day’s creel limit beyond state boundaries is prohibited
- Use of snag lines, trot lines, or long lines with more than 5 hooks is unlawful in Marine Resources Division jurisdiction waters
Conservation Efforts
Adhering to these regulations helps maintain healthy fish populations and ensures sustainable fishing experiences. Always check for special regulations at access points or on the Outdoor Alabama website before fishing, as rules can vary by water body.
Recent Updates for 2025
- Whirling Disease Prevention: It’s now illegal to transport watercraft with drain plugs in place
- Kootenay Lake: Bull Trout quota changed from 5 to 1
- Peace River: New restrictions on Arctic Grayling, Mountain Whitefish, and Lake Trout
Stay informed about the latest changes by regularly checking the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
General Fishing Regulations
Some general rules apply statewide:
- You can’t transport more than one day’s creel limit of fish away from where they were caught
- You can’t fillet fish or remove their heads on public waters, unless being immediately eaten
- It’s illegal to release live baitfish into public waters
- The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries offers angler recognition programs for trophy-sized fish
Stay Informed and Fish Responsibly
Fishing regulations may change year to year based on the latest scientific data and management strategies. Always check the Outdoor Alabama website for the most current information before wetting a line.
Other helpful regulation resources include:
- The Fish Rules App for quick, on-the-go access to rules
- NOAA Fisheries for federal fishing rules in Gulf waters
- Local bait and tackle shops for area-specific updates
By staying informed and complying with Alabama’s fishing regulations, anglers play a vital role in conserving the state’s incredible fisheries for current and future generations to enjoy. So get your fishing license, know before you go, and get ready to make lasting memories fishing Alabama’s abundant waters!
