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Fishing is a beloved pastime in Pennsylvania, with over 86,000 miles of streams and rivers and 4,000 lakes and reservoirs to explore. But before you can cast your line, you need to obtain a valid Pennsylvania fishing license. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your PA fishing license in 2025, including who needs one, the types of licenses available, costs, where to buy, and what information you’ll need to provide.
In Pennsylvania, anyone age 16 and older is required to have a valid fishing license to fish in the state’s waterways. This applies to both residents and non-residents, even if you’re fishing on a charter with a licensed guide. There are a few exceptions:
Pennsylvania offers a variety of fishing license options to cater to residents and visitors:
License Type | Resident | Senior Resident (65+) | Non-Resident |
---|---|---|---|
Annual | $22.97 | $11.97 | $52.97 |
3-Year | $62.97 | N/A | N/A |
5-Year | $102.97 | N/A | N/A |
10-Year | $211.97 | N/A | N/A |
1-Day | $11.97 | N/A | $26.97 |
3-Day | N/A | N/A | $26.97 |
7-Day | N/A | N/A | $34.97 |
Senior residents aged 65 and older are eligible for a discounted $11.97 annual license or a $51.97 lifetime license. Non-residents have the option of shorter-term tourist licenses ranging from 1 to 7 days, ideal for brief fishing trips.
In addition to a regular fishing license, trout anglers ages 16 and up must purchase a trout permit ($9.97) to fish for, take, or possess trout. An optional Lake Erie permit ($9.97) is required for those fishing in Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, and their tributaries. A combination trout/Lake Erie permit is available for $15.97.
The cost of a Pennsylvania fishing license depends on your residency status and the duration of the license. As of 2025, the fees are as follows:
Keep in mind that these prices include issuing agent fees and transaction costs. Multi-year licenses offer savings for residents planning to fish for several consecutive seasons.
You have several convenient options for purchasing a Pennsylvania fishing license in 2025:
Online: Visit the HuntFishPA website to buy licenses, permits, and vouchers 24/7. You can print your license immediately or save a digital copy to your smartphone.
Mobile App: Download the free FishBoatPA mobile app to purchase licenses directly from your phone.
In Person: Visit one of approximately 700 retail license issuing agents across the state, such as bait shops, sporting goods stores, county treasurers’ offices, and some state parks. Licenses bought in person include a printed copy of the current Fishing Summary/Boating Handbook.
By Phone: Call the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) at 877-707-4085 to purchase a license over the phone.
When buying a license, have your driver’s license or state-issued ID handy to verify your identity and residency. You’ll also need to provide your Social Security Number as required by federal and state law for child support enforcement purposes.
To obtain a Pennsylvania fishing license, you’ll need to provide the following:
If purchasing a resident license, you must prove your bona fide Pennsylvania residency by presenting one of these documents:
Active duty military personnel stationed in PA for 6+ months can obtain a resident license with proof of permanent change of station (PCS) orders.
Obtaining a Pennsylvania fishing license is a simple process with multiple convenient purchase options. By understanding the license requirements, age restrictions, residency qualifications, and associated permits, you’ll be well-prepared to get your license and enjoy fishing in the Keystone State’s abundant waters. Remember to buy your 2025 license early to take advantage of a full year of outdoor adventure! Tight lines!
Official Resources
For the most up-to-date information on Pennsylvania fishing licenses and regulations, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website or call (717) 705-7800.
No, you are no longer required to visibly display your license. However, you must carry it with you either printed or digitally and be able to present it to a PFBC law enforcement officer upon request.
Fishing licenses are non-refundable. If you purchased your license online, you can reprint it for free. Otherwise, you can replace it for $6.97 through the PFBC or an issuing agent.
Landowners and their immediate family members who reside on the property year-round may fish on their land without a license. All others must obtain a valid license, even if fishing on private property owned by a club, homeowner’s association, or friend.
Yes, the PFBC offers two “Fish for Free Days” each year, typically the Sunday before Memorial Day and on July 4th. On these days, anyone can legally fish in PA waterways without a license. All other fishing regulations still apply.
Yes, anglers in Pennsylvania are required to display their fishing license on an outer garment while fishing. This makes it easier for waterways conservation officers to verify that you have a valid license.
No, your Pennsylvania fishing license is only valid for fishing in the waters of Pennsylvania. If you plan to fish in other states, you’ll need to purchase a separate fishing license for each state you’ll be visiting.
Non-residents age 16 and older must purchase either an annual non-resident fishing license or one of the shorter-term tourist licenses (1-day, 3-day, or 7-day). Non-residents will also need to purchase any required permits, such as the trout permit or Lake Erie permit, depending on where and what they plan to fish.