How Much Is a Fishing License in Arizona?
Arizona’s sun-drenched lakes, trout-rich mountain streams, and urban fishing ponds offer anglers year-round opportunities to cast a line. But before you explore iconic spots like Lee’s Ferry on the Colorado River or the bass-filled waters of Lake Havasu, you’ll need a valid fishing license. This guide provides comprehensive, up-to-date details on 2025 Arizona fishing license costs, eligibility rules, purchasing methods, and insider tips to save money while staying compliant with state regulations.
Arizona Fishing License Costs for 2025: Resident vs. Non-Resident Fees
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) structures license fees based on residency, age, and duration. Below is a detailed breakdown of 2025 pricing, verified against the official AZGFD licensing portal.
1. Annual Fishing Licenses
Annual licenses are ideal for frequent anglers and provide unlimited access to Arizona’s public waters from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| General Fishing License | $39 | $57 |
| Combination Hunt & Fish | $60 | $165 |
- Key Inclusions:
- General Fishing License: Covers all freshwater species, including trout, bass, and catfish, in lakes, rivers, and streams. Does not include urban Community Fishing waters (see Section 2).
- Combination Hunt & Fish: Offers significant savings for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents save $23 compared to buying separate licenses ($39 fishing + $20 hunting = $59). Non-residents save $52 ($57 fishing + $160 hunting = $217).
2. Short-Term Licenses
Designed for tourists or occasional anglers, short-term licenses provide flexibility:
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Fishing | $16 | $21 |
| Community Fishing | $26 | $26 |
- 1-Day License: Valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase. Ideal for spontaneous trips to locations like the Lower Salt River or Roosevelt Lake.
- Community Fishing License: Mandatory for fishing in 40+ urban waters managed under AZGFD’s Community Fishing Program, including Tempe Town Lake and Encanto Park Lagoon. Funds from this license support urban fish stocking.
3. Youth and Senior Licenses
Arizona encourages lifelong fishing with age-based discounts:
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Combination (Ages 10–17) | $6 | $6 |
| Pioneer License (70+) | FREE | N/A |
- Youth Licenses: Anglers aged 10–17 qualify for the $6 Combination Hunt & Fish License. Children under 10 fish free when supervised by a licensed adult.
- Pioneer License: Free for residents aged 70+ who have lived in Arizona for 25+ consecutive years. Apply with proof of residency at an AZGFD office.
4. Special Licenses
- Disabled Veteran License: Free for veterans with a 50%+ VA disability rating. Submit documentation via the AZGFD disability exemption portal.
- Tribal Fishing Exemptions: Members of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes (e.g., Navajo, Hopi) do not need a state license to fish on reservation lands.
How to Buy an Arizona Fishing License: 3 Approved Methods
Purchasing a license is streamlined for convenience, whether you’re at home or on the road.
1. Online via the AZGFD Portal
The fastest and most popular method:
- Visit AZGFD’s Licensing Page.
- Select “Purchase a License” and create an account (or log in if returning).
- Choose your license type and duration.
- Upload proof of residency (e.g., AZ driver’s license) if applying for resident rates.
- Pay via credit/debit card ($2.50 processing fee applies).
- Print the license or save a digital copy on your smartphone.
Processing Time: Instant. Digital licenses are valid immediately and accepted by wardens.
2. Licensed Dealers
Over 300 retailers statewide sell licenses, including:
- Bass Pro Shops (Phoenix, Flagstaff)
- Walmart Sporting Goods sections
- Local bait shops like Martinez Lake Marina near Yuma
Use the AZGFD Dealer Locator to find the nearest vendor.
3. In-Person at AZGFD Offices
Six regional offices provide face-to-face assistance and clarify eligibility questions:
- Phoenix: 5000 W. Carefree Highway
- Tucson: 555 N. Greasewood Road
- Flagstaff: 3500 S. Lake Mary Road
Pro Tip: Offices can resolve issues like unpaid fines from other states that may block license issuance.
Eligibility Requirements: Residency, Age, and Special Cases
Arizona enforces strict criteria to prevent misuse of resident discounts.
1. Residency Rules
To qualify for resident rates, you must:
- Have lived in Arizona for 6+ consecutive months before applying.
- Provide two proofs of residency:
- AZ driver’s license or state ID
- Utility bill, lease agreement, or voter registration card
Exceptions:
- Active-Duty Military: Stationed in Arizona? You qualify for resident rates regardless of home state.
- College Students: Enrolled full-time at an AZ university? Submit a tuition statement for resident pricing.
2. Age Requirements
- Ages 10+: License required.
- Under 10: Fish free under supervision of a licensed adult.
3. Reciprocal Fishing Agreements
Arizona honors neighboring states’ licenses in shared waters, including:
- Lake Mead: Nevada licenses accepted.
- Colorado River (CA border): California licenses valid.
For details, review the AZGFD Boundary Waters Guide.
Money-Saving Strategies: How to Cut Costs on Arizona Fishing Licenses
While Arizona’s fishing licenses are reasonably priced compared to states like California or Colorado, savvy anglers can save even more through discounts, promotions, and strategic planning. Below are proven ways to reduce expenses while maximizing your time on the water.
1. Leverage Combination Licenses
The Combination Hunt & Fish License offers the most significant savings, especially for residents:
| License Type | Individual Cost | Combo Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Fishing + Hunting | $59 | $60 (Save $23) |
| Non-Resident Fishing + Hunting | $217 | $165 (Save $52) |
This license is ideal for anglers who also pursue small game, waterfowl, or deer. For families, adding a Youth Combination License ($6) saves 85% compared to standard youth hunting/fishing permits.
2. Participate in Free Fishing Days
Arizona hosts two free fishing weekends annually (no license required):
- June 7–8, 2025: Statewide, coinciding with National Fishing Week.
- September 28–29, 2025: Urban Community Fishing waters only.
What’s Included:
- No license needed for residents or non-residents.
- AZGFD stocks urban ponds with trout, catfish, and bass before these events.
- Borrow gear for free at locations like Tucson’s Kennedy Park or Phoenix’s Steele Indian School Park via the Loaner Rod Program.
Limitations:
- Daily bag limits still apply.
- Tribal waters (e.g., Navajo Nation) may not participate.
3. Apply for Special Discounts
- First-Time Buyer Discount: Save 10% on annual licenses using promo code AZFIRST25 during online checkout.
- Military/Veteran Discounts: Active-duty personnel and veterans receive 15% off non-resident licenses. Submit a DD214 form via the AZGFD Veterans Portal.
- Group Rates: Charter groups of 10+ anglers qualify for 20% off non-resident licenses. Email groups@azgfd.gov to apply.
Compliance and Conservation: Rules Every Angler Must Know
Arizona enforces strict fishing regulations to protect ecosystems like the endangered Colorado River humpback chub. Violations can result in fines up to $1,500 or license revocation.
1. Key Regulations for 2025
- Daily Bag Limits:
- Trout: 6 per day (only 2 can exceed 16 inches).
- Bass: 10 per day (minimum 10 inches).
- Catfish: No size limit; 10 per day.
- Gear Restrictions:
- Single-point hooks only in trout streams.
- No live bait in Lee’s Ferry (artificial lures only).
- Protected Species:
- Humpback chub, razorback sucker, and Apache trout must be released immediately.
Download the 2025 Arizona Fishing Regulations for full details.
2. How License Fees Support Conservation
Every dollar from fishing licenses funds critical projects:
- 60%: Fish stocking programs (35 million trout, bass, and catfish annually).
- 25%: Habitat restoration (e.g., Gila River riparian zones).
- 15%: Endangered species recovery and public access improvements.
For example, the Community Fishing License directly stocks urban ponds, making fishing accessible to 4.3 million city residents.
3. Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Fishing Without a License: $300 fine + $75 court fee.
- Exceeding Bag Limits: $25 per fish over the limit.
- Protected Species Harm: Up to $1,500 + mandatory court appearance.
Pro Tip: Wardens frequently patrol hotspots like Bartlett Lake and Rose Canyon Lake. Always carry your license and a measuring device.
Conclusion: Fish Responsibly and Explore Arizona’s Waters
Understanding Arizona’s fishing license costs and regulations ensures you avoid penalties while contributing to the state’s conservation legacy. Whether you’re casting for trophy bass at Lake Powell or introducing a child to fishing at Tempe Town Lake, your license fees directly sustain these resources for future generations.
Final Checklist Before You Fish:
- Purchase the correct license for your residency status and fishing location.
- Review 2025 bag limits and gear rules for your target species.
- Download the AZGFD Fish AZ app for real-time updates on stockings, lake conditions, and regulation changes.
Explore more angling opportunities with our guides to the Top 10 Fishing Spots in Arizona and Free Fishing Days in California.
