Do You Need a Fishing License in Wyoming?
Wyoming’s untamed rivers, alpine lakes, and vast reservoirs offer some of the most rewarding fishing experiences in the American West—but accessing these treasures requires compliance with state regulations. In 2025, all anglers aged 14+ must carry a valid Wyoming fishing license, whether casting a line in the legendary Bighorn River or exploring hidden streams in Grand Teton National Park.
This guide synthesizes the latest updates from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and local outfitters to provide a 360-degree view of licensing requirements, fee structures, conservation practices, and regional quirks. You’ll also discover pro tips for avoiding fines (up to $1,000 for unlicensed fishing) and maximizing your time on Wyoming’s waters .
Do You Need a Fishing License in Wyoming? Breaking Down the Basics
Who Needs a License?
| Category | License Required? | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Residents aged 14+ | Yes | Free on Wyoming Free Fishing Day (June 7, 2025) |
| Non-residents aged 14+ | Yes | Minors under 14 may fish without a license if supervised by a licensed adult |
| Disabled veterans | No | Must present VA disability certification to WGFD |
Key Updates for 2025:
- Artificial Lures Only Zones: To reduce fish mortality, sections of the North Platte River now mandate artificial flies/lures, banning live bait .
- Conservation Stamp: Still required for annual licenses, with proceeds funding trout habitat restoration in the Wind River Range.
Penalties to Avoid:
- Fishing without a license: $100–$1,000 fine + possible equipment confiscation.
- Violating size limits (e.g., keeping bass under 12”): $50–$300 per offense.
Types of Wyoming Fishing Licenses: Costs, Validity, and Discounts
Resident Licenses (Proof of WY Residency Required)
| License Type | Cost | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $27 | 365 days | Frequent anglers |
| 1-Day | $6 | 24 hours | Weekend explorers |
| Lifetime | $311 | Until death | Families passing down traditions |
| Senior (65+) | $10 | 365 days | Retirees |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | $102 | 365 days |
| 5-Day | $56 | 120 hours |
| 1-Day | $14 | 24 hours |
Money-Saving Tips:
- Multi-Year Packages: Save 10% by purchasing a 3-year non-resident license ($275).
- Family Discounts: Families of 4+ save 15% on combined licenses.
Where the Money Goes:
- 62% of license fees fund fish stocking programs (e.g., cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake).
- 23% supports invasive species control, like curbing zebra mussels in Glendo Reservoir.
How to Obtain a Wyoming Fishing License: 2025 Application Methods
Step 1: Choose Your Purchase Method
- Online
- Visit the Wyoming Game & Fish License Portal.
- Create an account with your SSN and valid ID (driver’s license/passport).
- Pro Tip: Print a temporary license or save a digital copy on your phone—game wardens accept both.
- In-Person
- WGFD Offices: Cheyenne HQ or regional centers in Cody, Jackson, and Lander.
- Retailers: Walmart, Cabela’s, and local tackle shops like North Fork Anglers in Cody.
- Mail/Fax
- Download Form 23 from the WGFD site and mail it with a check to:
Wyoming Game and Fish Department Attn: Licensing Cheyenne, WY 82006
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
- Residents: Utility bill + WY driver’s license.
- Non-Residents: Government-issued photo ID.
- Conservation Stamp: Automatically added to annual licenses ($21.50).
Step 3: Understand Processing Times
| Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online | Instant |
| In-Person | Immediate |
| 10–14 days |
Common Pitfalls:
- Expired Licenses: Double-check dates—Wyoming licenses expire at midnight on the last day of validity.
- Residency Fraud: Falsely claiming residency leads to permanent license revocation.
Wyoming Fishing Regulations: Seasons, Limits, and Local Exceptions
Wyoming’s fishing regulations balance conservation with accessibility, ensuring thriving populations of cutthroat trout, walleye, and mountain whitefish. Always consult the 2025 Wyoming Fishing Regulations before your trip—rules vary by waterbody and season.
Key Rules for 2025
| Regulation Type | Details |
|---|---|
| General Season | Most waters open year-round, but check closures (e.g., Snake River closes Nov 1–Apr 30). |
| Daily Catch Limits | – Trout: 6 per day (only 2 over 16” in Yellowstone River) |
| – Walleye: 6 per day (none between 15–20” in Glendo Reservoir) | |
| Gear Restrictions | – Single barbless hooks in Flaming Gorge (April–June) |
| – No live bait in North Platte River artificial lures-only zones |
Regional Exceptions:
- Bighorn River: Mandatory catch-and-release for brown trout over 20”.
- Yellowstone Lake: Lake trout must be killed if caught (invasive species control).
Pro Tip: Download the Fish Wyoming app for real-time regulation updates and GPS boundaries of special management areas.
Conservation and Ethical Angling: How Your License Fees Protect Wyoming’s Waters
Wyoming’s $6.7 million annual fishing license revenue directly funds initiatives critical to preserving the state’s aquatic ecosystems:
1. Habitat Restoration
- $2.1 million allocated to restoring spawning beds in the Green River, home to the largest genetically pure Colorado River cutthroat trout population.
- $1.4 million for removing irrigation dams blocking fish migration in the Wind River Basin.
2. Invasive Species Control
- Zebra mussel inspections required at Pathfinder Reservoir (free with valid license).
- New for 2025: All watercraft must undergo mandatory decontamination at Boysen State Park.
3. Stocking Programs
- 4.2 million fish stocked annually, including:
- 1.3 million rainbow trout in Alcova Reservoir.
- 800,000 kokanee salmon in Flaming Gorge.
Ethical Practices to Follow:
- Use circle hooks when bait fishing to reduce gut-hooking mortality.
- Report poachers to the WGFD hotline (1-877-WGFD-TIP).
Special Cases and Exemptions: Private Waters, Guided Trips, and Tribal Lands
Fishing on Private Property
- No license required on private ponds/lakes if you have landowner permission.
- Exception: Waters stocked with state-owned fish (e.g., Laramie Plains Lakes) require a license regardless of ownership.
Guided Fishing Trips
- Licenses are still required, but guides often provide gear and handle paperwork. Top-rated services:
- North Fork Anglers (Cody): Specializes in Shoshone River brown trout.
- Jack Dennis Outfitters (Jackson): Premier fly-fishing trips in Grand Teton Park.
Tribal Waters
- Wind River Indian Reservation: Requires a tribal permit ($20/day) + Wyoming license.
- Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming license valid, but check NPS fishing rules.
Conclusion: Cast Responsibly, Preserve Wyoming’s Legacy
Wyoming’s fishing license system isn’t just a legal formality—it’s an investment in sustaining the state’s world-class fisheries. By purchasing a $14 1-day license or $102 annual permit, you directly contribute to habitat projects that keep rivers like the Bighorn and Snake teeming with trophy trout.
Final Checklist Before You Fish:
- Buy the correct license type for your residency and trip duration.
- Review water-specific regulations via the Fish Wyoming app.
- Pack a measuring tape and camera—Wyoming’s waters are full of photo-worthy catches!
Pro Tip: Pair your Wyoming adventure with a Montana fishing trip using our guide to Montana’s 1-Day Licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my Colorado fishing license in Wyoming?
A: No—Wyoming requires its own license. Compare fees: Colorado Non-Resident Licenses.
Q: Are there free fishing days in Wyoming?
A: Yes! June 7, 2025, is Wyoming Free Fishing Day—no license required.
Q: Where can I fish without crowds?
A: Explore lesser-known spots like Middle Piney Lake (Bridger-Teton National Forest) or Lake Hattie near Laramie.
Need Gear? Check our Top Baits for Walleye to dominate Wyoming’s reservoirs.
