Resident, non-resident, and short-term fishing license prices for Arizona — plus the add-ons and rules that catch anglers off guard, and where to buy from AZGFD.
Written and fact-checked by Jordan Whitfield, Site Editor
An Arizona resident annual fishing license costs $37.00 (365 days from purchase). Non-residents pay $55.00 for the same annual license. Arizona keeps things simple: one General Fishing license covers every legal species statewide, including urban Community Fishing ponds — there's no separate trout stamp to worry about.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $37.00 | $55.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| 1-Day | $15.00 | $20.00 | Single-day fishing |
| Combo Hunt & Fish | $57.00 | $160.00 | See notes above |
| Youth (10-17) | $5.00 | $5.00 | See notes above |
| Youth (Under 16) | Free | Free | Most states exempt young anglers |
Unlike many Western states, Arizona doesn't charge extra for trout fishing or for using two poles at once — both privileges are built into every General Fishing and Combo license automatically. Your license also covers the Arizona shoreline of the Colorado River and shared waters like Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake Havasu.
If you only fish stocked urban ponds in the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas, the Community Fishing License ($24, all ages) is a cheaper alternative to the full General Fishing license — though the General license already includes Community Fishing waters, so it's really a budget option rather than an add-on.
The Combo license bundles a General Fishing license with a hunting license for $57 — a $20 premium over the $37 fishing-only license. It only pencils out if you actually plan to hunt during the same license year; buying it purely for fishing wastes the hunting half. Arizona doesn't prorate or refund the difference, so it's worth confirming your plans before checking that box at purchase.
These are Arizona's default statewide season windows and bag/size limits for the most commonly targeted species. Many individual lakes, rivers, and reservoirs carry their own special regulations that override these defaults — always confirm the rules for your specific water before you fish.
| Species | Season | Min. Size | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (combined species) | Year-round, statewide default | No statewide min. | 4/day (2/day at Community Fishing Program waters) |
| Bass (Largemouth/Smallmouth, combined) | Year-round, no closed season on most waters | No statewide min. | 6/day combined |
In addition to the official state portal linked above, Arizona fishing licenses are typically available at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and Dick's Sporting Goods locations statewide, along with independent bait & tackle shops. Call ahead if you need a specific license type (combination, lifetime, or trout stamp) since not every retail counter carries every product.
An Arizona resident General Fishing license costs $37.00. Non-residents pay $55.00 for the same license. Both are valid for 365 days from the purchase date.
Yes. Every Arizona fishing and combo license automatically includes trout fishing privileges and two-pole fishing at no extra charge — there's no separate stamp needed.
Not based on age alone. Arizona residents 70 or older with 25+ consecutive years of residency qualify for a free Pioneer Combination License covering both hunting and fishing.
Arizona licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, not a fixed calendar date.
Yes. Your Arizona license covers the Arizona shoreline and shared waters of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake Havasu. California and Nevada residents can also fish the Arizona shoreline of these lakes using their home state's license under a reciprocal agreement.
Buy online at license.azgfd.com, at any AZGFD office, or at 200+ license dealers statewide including Walmart and Bass Pro Shops.