Do You Need a Fishing License in Arizona in 2024?

As an angler, it’s crucial to understand the fishing license requirements in the state where you plan to cast your line. In Arizona, the rules are clear: a valid fishing or combination license is required for both resident and non-resident anglers aged 10 and older who wish to fish in any publicly accessible water. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule that every angler should be aware of.

Who is Exempt from Needing a Fishing License in Arizona?

While most anglers aged 10 and above must purchase a fishing license, there are a couple of groups that are exempt from this requirement:

Youth under the age of 10: Children under 10 years old can fish in Arizona without a license.
Blind residents: Blind individuals who are Arizona residents do not need to purchase a fishing license.

Additionally, anglers of any age can fish without a license on the first Saturday of National Fishing and Boating Week, which is designated as Free Fishing Day in Arizona. In 2024, Free Fishing Day will fall on June 1.

Types of Fishing Licenses Available in Arizona

Arizona offers several types of fishing licenses to cater to the needs of different anglers:

General Fishing License: This license allows the take of all fish species statewide, including at Community Fishing waters. The cost is $37 for residents and $55 for non-residents.
Combination Hunt and Fish License: This license permits the take of all fish species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters), small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds. The cost is $57 for residents and $160 for non-residents.
Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License (ages 10–17): Available to youth aged 10-17, this license allows the take of all fish species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters), small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, migratory birds and upland game birds. The cost is $5 for both residents and non-residents.
Short-term Combination Hunt and Fish License: This license allows the take of all fish species statewide (including at Community Fishing waters), small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds for a specific day or days. The cost is $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for non-residents.

In addition to these basic licenses, Arizona also offers lifetime fishing and combination licenses for residents, as well as special licenses for certain groups, such as the Honorary Scout combination license for Boy and Girl Scouts with the highest level in their organization.

Where to Purchase an Arizona Fishing License

Anglers have several options when it comes to purchasing their Arizona fishing license:

Online: Licenses can be purchased online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website, with the option to print out the license immediately.
License Dealers: There are approximately 150 license dealers statewide, including many local sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, major retailers, and convenience stores.
Arizona Game and Fish Department Offices: Licenses can be purchased directly from the Arizona Game and Fish Department offices.

It’s important to note that all required licenses must be in possession while engaging in fishing activities in Arizona.

Conclusion

In summary, anglers aged 10 and older must possess a valid fishing or combination license to fish in any publicly accessible water in Arizona, with a few exceptions for youth under 10 and blind residents. By understanding the license requirements and purchasing the appropriate license, anglers can enjoy the diverse fishing opportunities the state has to offer while contributing to the conservation efforts of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.