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Arizona Fishing License Cost 2026

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

Arizona License Price Calculator

Your Residency
Annual License
$37.00
365 days from purchase
1-Day License
$15.00
Single-day fishing
Combo Hunt & Fish
$57.00
 
Youth (10-17)
$5.00
 
Arizona fishing licenses run 365 days from date of purchase. 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. Verify current rates at license.azgfd.com before purchasing.
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How Much Is a Fishing License in Arizona?

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.

Arizona Fishing License Price Table (2026)

License TypeResidentNon-ResidentNotes
Annual$37.00$55.00365 days from purchase
1-Day$15.00$20.00Single-day fishing
Combo Hunt & Fish$57.00$160.00See notes above
Youth (10-17)$5.00$5.00See notes above
Youth (Under 16)FreeFreeMost states exempt young anglers
Arizona fishing license cost compared to the U.S. average annual fee
Arizona resident and non-resident annual fees vs. the 50-state average.

No Trout Stamp, No Two-Pole Fee — All Included

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.

Community Fishing License for Urban Ponds

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.

Is the $57 Combo Hunt & Fish License Worth It?

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.

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Arizona Fishing Seasons & Bag Limits (2026)

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.

SpeciesSeasonMin. SizeDaily Limit
Trout (combined species)Year-round, statewide defaultNo statewide min.4/day (2/day at Community Fishing Program waters)
Bass (Largemouth/Smallmouth, combined)Year-round, no closed season on most watersNo statewide min.6/day combined
Arizona's possession limit is generally twice the daily bag limit unless a specific water sets a different rule — individual lakes can also add their own gear restrictions or seasonal access rules. Season dates and limits are set annually and can change mid-year by emergency order — verify current rules with Arizona Game and Fish Department before you fish.

Where to Buy a Arizona Fishing License Locally

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.

How we verified this: Season dates and bag/size limits sourced from Arizona Game and Fish Department — Fishing Regulations (official source), checked July 2026. Regulations are set annually and can be amended by emergency order — always confirm current rules with the state agency before fishing.

Arizona Fishing License — FAQs

How much is an Arizona fishing license?

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.

Does an Arizona fishing license cover trout and two-pole fishing?

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.

Is there a senior discount for Arizona fishing licenses?

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.

When does an Arizona fishing license expire?

Arizona licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, not a fixed calendar date.

Can I fish Lake Mead or Lake Havasu with an Arizona license?

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.

Where can I buy an Arizona fishing license?

Buy online at license.azgfd.com, at any AZGFD office, or at 200+ license dealers statewide including Walmart and Bass Pro Shops.

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Disclaimer: Prices shown are approximate 2026 rates based on Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) published data. Always verify current fees at license.azgfd.com before purchasing.