Can You Fish Without a License in Oklahoma in 2024?

As an avid angler in Oklahoma, you may be wondering if you can fish without a license in 2024. The short answer is no, with a few exceptions. In the Sooner State, most residents and nonresidents are required to have a valid fishing license to legally fish in public waters.

License Requirements for Oklahoma Residents

According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, residents 16 years of age and older must purchase a fishing license to fish in the state’s waters. However, there are several exemptions:

• Residents under 16 years of age are exempt from purchasing a fishing license.
• Residents 64 years of age or older are exempt from purchasing a fishing license.
• Residents who are legally blind or physically impaired and unable to properly use fishing apparatus, along with one accompanying companion, are exempt from purchasing a fishing license.
• Residents fishing with pole and line, trotline, or throwline in streams, natural lakes, natural ponds, and mine pits in the county in which they reside, or in waters forming the boundary of their county of residence, using bait other than commercial or artificial bait, blood, stink bait, cut fish, and shrimp, are exempt from purchasing a fishing license.

License Requirements for Oklahoma Nonresidents

Nonresidents 14 years of age and older must purchase a fishing license to fish in Oklahoma. Nonresidents under 14 years of age are exempt from purchasing a fishing license. Additionally, nonresidents under 16 years of age from states that do not require nonresident fishing licenses for persons under 16 are also exempt.

Types of Fishing Licenses Available in Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers several types of fishing licenses for both residents and nonresidents:

Resident Licenses:

• Annual fishing license for legal residents 18 years of age and older: $24.00
• Annual fishing license for legal residents 16 or 17 years of age: $4.00
• Two-day fishing license for legal residents: $14.00

Nonresident Licenses:

• 1-Day Fishing License: $15.00
• 6-Day Fishing License: $35.00
• Annual Fishing License: $55.00
• Lake Texoma Fishing License: $12.00
• Paddlefish Permit (Valid fishing license also required, unless exempt): Free
• Annual Land Access Permit for Honobia Creek and Three Rivers Wildlife Management Areas (no exemptions): $85.00

Where to Purchase a Fishing License in Oklahoma

Anglers can purchase their Oklahoma fishing license in two ways:

1. Online: Licenses can be purchased through the Go Outdoors Oklahoma website. Anglers must create an account to purchase licenses online.
2. In-person: Licenses can be purchased from authorized licensing agents across the state. A map of agent locations is available on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website.

It’s important to note that in addition to an Oklahoma fishing license, anglers planning to fish in waters within the Honobia Creek or Three Rivers Wildlife Management Areas must also have a valid Land Access Permit.

Free Fishing Days in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation designates two days per year as Free Fishing Days, during which residents and nonresidents may fish without a license. In 2024, the Free Fishing Days are scheduled for June 1-2.

While anglers are not required to purchase a fishing license on these days, they may still need to obtain a free paddlefish permit if fishing for paddlefish. Additionally, some city permits may still be required.

In conclusion, while most anglers in Oklahoma are required to purchase a fishing license in 2024, there are several exemptions and options available. By understanding the license requirements and purchasing a license through the appropriate channels, anglers can enjoy fishing in the Sooner State’s abundant waters while staying compliant with state regulations.