South Carolina License Price Calculator
How Much Is a Fishing License in South Carolina?
A South Carolina resident annual fishing license costs $10.00 (Freshwater annual). Non-residents pay $35.00 for the same annual license. South Carolina has one of the cheapest resident licenses in the country, and a simple geographic rule for deciding which one you need: Highway 17 marks the line between freshwater and saltwater fisheries.
South Carolina Fishing License Price Table (2026)
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $10.00 | $35.00 | Freshwater annual |
| 1-Day | N/A | $10.00 | Single-day fishing |
| Saltwater Annual | $15.00 | $35.00 | See notes above |
| Lifetime (64+) | $9.00 | N/A | See notes above |
| Youth (Under 16) | Free | Free | Most states exempt young anglers |
Highway 17 Is the Freshwater/Saltwater Dividing Line
South Carolina uses Highway 17 as the practical boundary: everything landward (west) of the highway counts as freshwater, and everything seaward (east) toward the coast counts as saltwater. Pick your license based on which side of that line you're fishing — a freshwater license won't cover you on the coast, and vice versa.
One of the Cheapest Lifetime Licenses Around
South Carolina residents who've lived in-state for 180+ days and are 64 or older can buy a lifetime license covering freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and hunting for just $9.00 — a one-time fee that never needs renewing. It's one of the best senior deals of any state on this list.
Residents Pay Twice for Both Waters; Non-Residents Pay Once
There's no bundled combo license for South Carolina residents — fishing both sides of the Highway 17 line means buying the $10 freshwater and $15 saltwater licenses separately, $25 total. Non-residents, by contrast, pay a flat $35 for either license and that single purchase doesn't cover the other side either — it's the same price whichever one you pick, so non-residents planning to fish both waters should budget for two $35 purchases, not one.
South Carolina Fishing Seasons & Bag Limits (2026)
These are South Carolina'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bass (Largemouth, general statewide) | Year-round | 12" min. (most public waters) | 5/day |
| Gamefish (combined, statewide default) | Year-round | Varies by species | 40/day combined, subject to per-species limits |
Where to Buy a South Carolina Fishing License Locally
In addition to the official state portal linked above, South Carolina 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.
South Carolina Fishing License — FAQs
How much is a South Carolina fishing license?
A South Carolina resident freshwater annual license costs $10.00, and a saltwater annual license costs $15.00. Non-residents pay $35.00 for either the freshwater or saltwater annual license.
How do I know if I need a freshwater or saltwater license in South Carolina?
Highway 17 is the dividing line — waters landward of the highway are freshwater, and waters seaward toward the coast are saltwater. Choose your license based on where you're fishing.
Is there a lifetime license for South Carolina seniors?
Yes. Residents 64 and older who've lived in South Carolina for 180+ days can apply for a lifetime license covering freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and hunting for a one-time $9.00 fee.
Are there free fishing days in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina designates May 31 and July 4 as free fishing days each year, when no license is required for anyone.
When does a South Carolina fishing license expire?
Annual licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Three-year licenses are also available at a discount over three separate annual purchases.
Where can I buy a South Carolina fishing license?
Buy online through Go Outdoors South Carolina, by mail, or at SCDNR offices and authorized license vendors statewide.