Bass Pro vs Walmart Fishing Licenses 2025: Price Comparison & State Guides

Planning Your 2025 Fishing Season

Planning your 2025 fishing trips? Understanding where to buy your license can impact both convenience and cost. This data-driven comparison analyzes Walmart and Bass Pro Shops fishing license prices across all 50 states, updated with 2025 regulation changes. Discover key differences in retailer services, state-specific requirements, and pro tips to maximize value while supporting fishery conservation efforts.

Whether you’re a weekend angler or a dedicated fishing enthusiast, having a valid fishing license isn’t just a legal requirement-it’s your contribution to sustainable fisheries across America. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about obtaining your 2025 fishing license through two of America’s largest retailers.

Understanding Fishing Licenses: The Basics

A fishing license is a legal permit required for recreational fishing in public waters throughout the United States. Every state mandates these licenses, though regulations, prices, and exemptions vary widely. License fees directly fund essential conservation programs, including:

• Fish stocking initiatives
• Habitat restoration projects
• Public access maintenance
• Research and biological surveys
• Education programs
• Conservation law enforcement

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, over 8.5 million recreational anglers took nearly 194 million fishing trips in recent years, making fishing licenses a critical funding source for aquatic resource management. Without these fees, state agencies would lack resources to maintain healthy fisheries.

Walmart Fishing Licenses: Overview and Availability

Walmart serves as an authorized agent for state wildlife agencies, selling official fishing licenses at locations with Sports & Outdoors departments. These licenses are identical to those obtained directly from wildlife departments.

Key advantages of Walmart fishing licenses include:

• Extensive store network (over 4,700 locations nationwide)
• Extended hours at many locations (some open 24/7)
• One-stop shopping for licenses and fishing gear
• Price matching with official state rates
• Convenient access for tourists and travelers

To locate a Walmart that sells fishing licenses, you can use their store locator tool and filter for locations with sporting goods departments. Calling ahead can confirm license availability and processing hours.

Bass Pro Shops Fishing Licenses: Overview and Availability

Bass Pro Shops also functions as an official agent for state wildlife agencies, offering fishing licenses at their retail locations. While their store network is smaller than Walmart’s (approximately 170 locations), they provide several unique advantages:

Bass Pro Shops license purchase benefits:

• Staff with specialized fishing knowledge
• Ability to use Bass Pro gift cards and rewards points for license purchases
• Comprehensive fishing department with expert advice
• Specialized knowledge of local fishing regulations
• Educational resources and fishing workshops

Bass Pro Shops requires in-person visits for license purchases, as they don’t currently offer online license sales through their website.

Price Comparison: Walmart vs Bass Pro Shops in 2025

Both retailers sell state-issued licenses at government-mandated prices, so there’s typically no price difference between Walmart and Bass Pro Shops for the same license type in the same state. The key differences lie in convenience factors rather than direct costs.

Factor	Walmart	Bass Pro Shops
Resident Annual License	$19-$25 (average)	$19-$25 (average)
Non-Resident Annual	$40-$60 (average)	$40-$60 (average)
One-Day License	$10-$11 (typical)	$10-$15 (typical)
Online Purchase	Available in some states	Not available
Store Hours	Extended (many 24/7)	Standard retail hours
Payment Options	Cash, credit, debit	Cash, credit, debit, gift cards, rewards points
Staff Knowledge	General	Specialized fishing expertise
Locations Nationwide	4,700+	~170

2025 State-Specific License Pricing Guide

License costs vary significantly by state. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of 2025 fishing license prices for some of the most popular fishing destinations:

Florida (2025)

Florida offers separate freshwater and saltwater licenses, with combination options available at reduced rates.

Resident Options:

• Annual Freshwater: $17.00
• Annual Saltwater: $17.00
• Annual Combination (Fresh & Salt): $32.50
• Five-Year Freshwater: $79.00
• Gold Sportsman’s License: $100.00 (includes hunting, freshwater, and saltwater fishing with permits)

Non-Resident Options:

• Annual Freshwater: $47.00
• Annual Saltwater: $47.00
• 3-Day Freshwater: $17.00
• 7-Day Freshwater: $30.00

Florida offers digital licenses through the Fish | Hunt Florida mobile app, allowing anglers to store licenses on smartphones.

California (2025)

California has some of the higher-priced fishing licenses in the nation, with differentiated pricing for residents and non-residents.

Resident Options:

• Annual License: $61.82
• One-Day License: $20.26
• Two-Day License: $31.06
• Lifetime License: $679.75-$1,112.00 (varies by age)

Non-Resident Options:

• Annual License: $166.89
• One-Day License: $20.26
• Two-Day License: $31.06
• Ten-Day License: $61.82

California has modernized its licensing system with a new smartphone app allowing anglers to display digital licenses instead of physical ones. The state also offers reduced-fee licenses (approximately $9.50) for blind, disabled, and low-income seniors.

Michigan (2025)

Michigan’s 2025 fishing licenses became available in March and remain valid through March 31, 2026.

License Options:

• Annual Resident: $26 (plus $1 surcharge)
• Annual Non-Resident: $76 (plus $1 surcharge)
• Daily Fishing License: $10
• Optional Youth License (16 and under): $2

Michigan offers digital licenses through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, with an auto-renewal option available at checkout.

Oregon (2025)

Oregon offers numerous license options for both residents and non-residents.

Resident Options:

• Annual Angling License: $44.00
• Annual Shellfish License: $10.00
• One-Day Angling License: $23.00
• Two-Day Angling License: $42.00
• Three-Day Angling License: $59.50
• Senior Angling License (70+ years): $29.00

Non-Resident Options:

• (Similar to resident options but typically higher-priced)

Oregon also offers special youth licenses, disabled veteran licenses, and senior combination packages.

For a complete list of all 50 states’ fishing license prices, visit the TackleVillage state-by-state guide.

How to Purchase a Fishing License at Each Retailer

Buying at Walmart

Follow these steps to purchase a fishing license at Walmart:

1. Locate a Store – Find a Walmart with a Sporting Goods department using their store locator.
2. Gather Documentation – Bring government-issued photo ID and proof of residency if purchasing a resident license.
3. Visit the Counter – Proceed to the sporting goods counter and request a fishing license.
4. Specify License Type – Indicate which license you need (freshwater, saltwater, annual, daily, etc.).
5. Complete Forms – Fill out any required application paperwork.
6. Pay Fees – Pay the license cost plus any additional processing fees.
7. Receive License – Get your printed license and keep it with you while fishing.

Some Walmart locations are now equipped to facilitate online license purchases for certain states, though availability varies by location.

Buying at Bass Pro Shops

The process at Bass Pro Shops is similar:

1. Visit a Location – Find your nearest Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s store.
2. Bring Identification – Have your ID and residency proof ready.
3. Go to Service Counter – Approach the customer service or fishing department counter.
4. Request License Type – Specify exactly which license and add-ons you need.
5. Complete Application – Fill out necessary paperwork.
6. Payment Options – Pay with cash, card, gift card, or rewards points.
7. Secure Your License – Store your license safely for use while fishing.

Bass Pro Shops does not currently offer online fishing license sales-all purchases must be made in person at their retail locations.

Digital Licensing: The 2025 Mobile Revolution

The fishing license landscape is experiencing significant digital transformation in 2025:

Mobile Apps and Digital Licenses

Multiple states have launched official apps for license purchasing and display:

• Michigan offers the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app for license purchases with auto-renewal options
• Florida provides the Fish | Hunt Florida mobile app for license storage and renewals
• California has introduced a new smartphone app allowing digital license display
• Texas has expanded digital license and tag options to all recreational hunting and fishing licenses as of September 2025
• Minnesota is launching a modernized electronic licensing system later in 2025, featuring mobile and online systems with digital license display options

Benefits of Digital Licenses

Digital licenses offer several advantages over traditional paper versions:

• Instant Access – Purchase and display licenses immediately
• Loss Prevention – No more lost or damaged paper licenses
• Auto-Renewal – Set up automatic renewals to avoid lapses
• Regulation Updates – Access current fishing regulations directly through apps
• Offline Capabilities – Many apps work even without cellular service

State Adoption Rates

As of 2025, 23 states have implemented digital license auto-renewal features, with more expected to follow suit by year’s end. This trend reflects the outdoor industry’s modernization while making compliance more convenient for anglers.

Special Considerations for License Purchases

Age-Based Exemptions and Discounts

Most states offer exemptions or significant discounts for certain age groups:

• Youth Anglers – Typically under 16 (varies by state)
• Senior Anglers – Usually 65+ (varies by state)
• Lifetime Licenses – Age-tiered pricing in many states

For example, Florida offers a Youth Freshwater Fishing License for $17.00 that remains valid until the angler’s 17th birthday. California offers lifetime licenses with age-based pricing tiers, ranging from $679.75 (ages 0-9) to $1,112.00 (ages 10-39).

Military, Veteran, and Disability Discounts

Many states provide free or discounted licenses for:

• Active military personnel
• Veterans (particularly disabled veterans)
• Individuals with disabilities

West Virginia, for instance, offers special combination licenses for veterans, while Oregon provides free Disabled Veteran Combination Licenses.

Additional Permits and Stamps

Standard fishing licenses often need supplementation with special permits:

• Trout/Salmon Stamps – Required for fishing for these species
• Saltwater Endorsements – For coastal fishing
• Specific Water Permits – For fishing in managed or premium waters

These add-ons vary by state and can significantly impact total costs. In Florida, for example, the Resident Gold Sportsman’s License ($100.00) includes all necessary permits and stamps, making it more economical than purchasing each separately.

Where Do Fishing License Fees Go?

Your license dollars directly support vital conservation and management programs:

Conservation Funding

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, fishing license fees contribute to:

• Fish Stocking Programs – Replenishing fish populations
• Habitat Restoration – Improving aquatic environments
• Public Access – Maintaining boat ramps, piers, and shore access
• Research – Studying fish populations and ecosystem health
• Education – Public outreach and angler education programs

The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (also known as the Dingell-Johnson Act) provides additional federal matching funds to states based on license sales, amplifying the impact of your license purchase.

Economic Impact

Beyond conservation, fishing licenses contribute to local economies. The recreational fishing industry generates billions in economic activity annually through:

• Equipment purchases
• Trip-related expenses (food, lodging, fuel)
• Guide and charter services
• Tourism revenue

Retailer Comparison: Making Your Choice in 2025

When to Choose Walmart

Prioritize Walmart when:

• Needing 24/7 access in 38 states
• Combining license purchase with camping supplies and other outdoor gear
• Requiring mobile print-on-demand in 15 states that offer this service
• Traveling to unfamiliar areas where Walmart locations are prevalent
• Shopping during extended hours or needing last-minute licenses

When to Choose Bass Pro Shops

Opt for Bass Pro Shops when:

• Seeking expert advice on license add-ons and local fishing conditions
• Using loyalty rewards (Up to 15% off with Bass Pro Card)
• Purchasing multi-state licenses for cross-border fishing trips
• Wanting a comprehensive shopping experience with specialized fishing gear
• Attending in-store fishing workshops or events

Pro Tip for 2025

23 states now offer digital license auto-renewal. Enable this feature during checkout to avoid expiration surprises. Always verify zone-specific rules using each retailer’s in-store GIS mapping tools.

Avoiding Common License Mistakes

Potential Pitfalls

Even experienced anglers can make license errors that lead to fines:

• Boundary confusion – Misunderstanding state lines, especially on shared waters
• Add-on oversights – Forgetting necessary stamps or permits
• Expiration lapses – Fishing with an expired license
• Documentation issues – Not having your license physically present while fishing

Penalty Information

Fishing without a valid license can result in:

• Fines ranging from $50 to $500+ depending on state and offense
• Gear confiscation in some jurisdictions
• Court appearances for repeated offenses
• License suspension for serious violations

Conclusion: Maximizing Value for Your 2025 License Purchase

Whether you choose Walmart or Bass Pro Shops for your 2025 fishing license, the key factors are convenience, service, and your specific needs as an angler. While prices remain identical between retailers (as they’re set by state agencies), the shopping experience and available expertise can differ significantly.

Remember these essential points:

• Verify requirements for your specific fishing location
• Consider annual licenses for frequent fishing (better value than multiple day licenses)
• Explore combination options that bundle multiple license types
• Take advantage of digital options where available
• Keep your license accessible while fishing (digital or physical)

For the most current information, always check your state’s wildlife agency website or contact the licensing department directly before heading out for your 2025 fishing adventures.