What is a Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters Fishing License and How Does it Work?

If you plan to fish in Nevada’s interstate boundary waters, you’ll need a special license to do so legally. The Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License is an annual permit that allows anglers to fish in specific shared waters between Nevada and neighboring states. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what this license entails, where it’s valid, how much it costs, and more.

What is the Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License?

The Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License is a specialized fishing permit that grants anglers the right to fish in reciprocal waters shared between Nevada and other states. According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), this license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and allows fishing solely in the following interstate waters:
Colorado River
Lake Mead
Lake Mohave
Lake Tahoe
Topaz Lake
To fish in these shared waters, anglers 14 years of age and older must possess either the Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License or a fishing license from the state in which they are fishing, unless they are fishing from the shore of the state where they are licensed.

Who Needs a Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License?

Any angler, regardless of age, who wishes to fish in Nevada’s interstate boundary waters must have a valid fishing license. However, the specific license requirements vary depending on the angler’s age and residency status.
For anglers 18 years of age and older, the options are:
Resident annual fishing license: $40
Nonresident annual fishing license: $80
Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License: $30
Youth anglers between 12 and 17 years old can obtain a youth combination license for $15, which covers both fishing and hunting privileges.

Where is the Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License Valid?

As mentioned earlier, the Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License is valid for fishing in the following shared waters between Nevada and neighboring states:
Colorado River
Lake Mead
Lake Mohave
Lake Tahoe
Topaz Lake
It’s important to note that this license is only valid for fishing in these specific interstate waters and does not grant access to other Nevada fisheries.

How to Purchase a Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License

Anglers can purchase the Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License through various authorized vendors, including:
NDOW offices
Sporting goods stores
Online at the NDOW website
When purchasing the license, anglers will need to provide proof of residency if applying for a resident license. The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and must be carried with the angler while fishing in the designated interstate waters.

Fishing Regulations and Restrictions

While the Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License grants anglers the right to fish in shared waters, it’s crucial to be aware of the specific fishing regulations and restrictions in place. These vary depending on the water body and may include:
Bag limits
Size restrictions
Gear restrictions
Seasonal closures
Anglers should familiarize themselves with the current regulations for the specific water they plan to fish and ensure they are in compliance with all rules and regulations.

Conclusion

The Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License is a valuable tool for anglers who wish to fish in Nevada’s shared waters with neighboring states. By understanding the requirements, costs, and restrictions associated with this license, anglers can ensure they are fishing legally and responsibly in these unique and diverse fisheries. Whether you’re a resident or nonresident angler, the Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters License provides access to some of the state’s most popular and productive fishing destinations.