In Pennsylvania, the rules regarding displaying your fishing license have recently changed. As of 2024, anglers are no longer required to visibly display their fishing licenses while fishing in the state. Instead, a general possession requirement is now in effect, which means anyone fishing must have a valid license with them and must present it to a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) law enforcement officer upon request.
Purchasing Your 2024 Pennsylvania Fishing License
If you plan to fish in Pennsylvania in 2024, it’s important to purchase your fishing license and any necessary permits or stamps before hitting the water. Fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers for the 2024 season can be purchased starting December 1, 2023, through the HuntFishPA online portal on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com), the FishBoatPA mobile app, or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents.
2024 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024. Licenses may be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally to a smart device, which serves as proof of possession.
License Fees for 2024
In 2024, anglers in Pennsylvania will pay up to $5 more for their fishing licenses compared to 2023. The general resident adult license increased by $2.50 to $27.97, and a trout permit also increased $2.50 to $14.97. Nonresidents will pay $60.97 for a general license, a $4 increase over 2023.
Voluntary Permits and Collectible Buttons
In addition to the required licenses and permits, customers who purchase a 2024 fishing license can support their favorite PFBC programs through the purchase of voluntary permits for Bass, Musky, Wild Trout/Enhanced Waters, and Habitat/Waterways Conservation. These permits are not required for fishing and carry no additional privileges, but all funds generated through them are reinvested into their respective programs.
Anglers can also purchase a collectible fishing license button for 2024. This year’s button features a navy blue background with a golden yellow keystone design and costs $11.94. The PFBC is producing a limited edition of 10,000 buttons, and customers will receive a randomly numbered button between 00001-10000. Please note that buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer.
Exemptions and Special Permits
While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in any special youth opportunities throughout the 2024 season. This includes the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
Persons under 16 years of age and those who are 65 years of age or older and have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or non-driver photo identification card are exempt from the trout permit requirement. Additionally, Pennsylvania residents who have been certified as 100% disabled by the United States Veterans Administration and have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or non-driver photo identification card may initially obtain a reduced-fee resident fishing license upon application to the PFBC or county treasurers.
Important Dates for Pennsylvania Anglers in 2024
March 30: Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day
April 6: Statewide opening day of trout season
May 26 and July 4: Fish-for-Free Days
November 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024: Mandatory life jacket requirement for boaters in effect
Remember, while you no longer need to display your fishing license in Pennsylvania, you must have it in your possession while fishing and be prepared to present it to a PFBC law enforcement officer upon request. Purchasing your license early ensures you’ll be ready for all the fishing adventures that await in 2024.