If you need a short-term option, a 7-day Combination Hunt-and-Fish license costs $15 for Arizona residents and $20 for nonresidents, and it covers fishing (and hunting) on public waters for seven consecutive days. You’ll buy it online, at AGFD offices, or from licensed dealers, and it’s valid 365 days from purchase with proof required while fishing. Exemptions and extra stamps apply; keep conservation rules in mind — keep going to see permit details and savings tips.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Arizona
Who needs a fishing license in Arizona? You do if you’re 10 years or older and fishing public waters; Arizona’s fishing regulations mandate a valid license for all anglers aged 10+ to legally take fish and other aquatic wildlife.
If you’re 10 or older and fishing public waters in Arizona, you must carry a valid fishing license.
You don’t need one if you’re under 10 or a blind resident—these exemptions are explicit in state licensing requirements. If you plan to harvest frogs, crayfish, softshell turtles, or fish species, a license covers those take activities under the same regulatory framework.
Service members should note that members of the armed forces can purchase a resident fishing license under certain conditions regardless of their actual residency, so check eligibility before relying on nonresident status.
Follow posted rules at each waterbody and carry proof of your license when fishing. Adhering to these licensing requirements supports conservation goals, guarantees sustainable harvest limits, and helps fund habitat management and fishery monitoring programs across Arizona.
Types of Short-Term and 7-Day Licenses
You can choose a short-term Combination Hunt and Fish license at $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for non-residents, which lets you fish and hunt on public waters for that day while carrying required permits.
Youth ages 10–17 have a 7-day Youth Combination option for $5 that covers all aquatic wildlife and suits short visits.
Compare daily versus weekly pricing to balance cost and conservation—short-term permits minimize barriers while ensuring anglers follow regulations and support resource management.
Short-Term Combo Details
A short-term combination hunt-and-fish license in Arizona lets holders legally hunt and fish for specific day(s) at $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for non-residents, making it an economical option for brief trips. It’s valid only on the day(s) purchased and required for everyone aged 10 and older.
You’ll find short term benefits include cost-effective access to both activities without committing to annual fees. Purchase day(s) to match your itinerary, and always carry the license while afield or on the water.
You must follow fishing regulations, bag limits, seasons, and area-specific restrictions; the combo doesn’t exempt you from permits, tags, or quota rules for certain species. Plan trips with conservation and compliance as priorities.
Youth 7-Day Options
For youth anglers, Arizona offers clear short-term options: those aged 10–17 can get a Youth Combination Hunt and Fish license for $5 that covers all aquatic wildlife.
Residents and non-residents can also choose daily combination licenses ($15/day for residents, $20/day for non-residents) for brief trips, and children under 10 fish free.
You’ll find the $5 youth option ideal for occasional youth fishing activities; short-term licenses match trip length and must be carried while fishing.
Follow fishing safety tips and local limits to protect stocks.
Numeric list to evoke commitment:
- $5 youth license — affordable access.
- $15/$20 daily — flexible for families.
- Under-10 exemption — encourages early participation.
- Carry license & follow rules — conservation-first approach.
Daily Vs Weekly Pricing
After looking at youth options, compare short-term pricing to see what makes sense for a week of fishing: daily combination hunt-and-fish licenses cost $15/day for Arizona residents and $20/day for non-residents, so buying seven successive day permits would total $105 for residents and $140 for non-residents.
There isn’t a distinct 7-day fishing license, so anglers must purchase multiple daily permits to cover a week, though the one-year general fishing license ($37 resident, $55 non-resident) becomes more economical if you plan to fish beyond a few days.
You should weigh daily license advantages—flexibility, short trips, lower upfront cost for infrequent anglers—against weekly fishing benefits like predictable expense and reduced per-day cost if you buy the annual instead.
Always carry your short-term license and follow conservation rules to protect fisheries.
Resident Vs Non-Resident Pricing for Short-Term Licenses
Wondering how short-term fishing access differs by residency? You’ll see clear resident benefits: a short-term combination hunt-and-fish license costs $15 per day for residents versus $20 per day for non-residents, a 33% premium that steers casual effort toward in-state anglers and supports local conservation funding.
You must be at least 10 years old, carry the one-day license while fishing, and use it only for that single calendar day.
- You feel rewarded by lower resident fees that promote regular stewardship and access.
- You notice non-resident challenges in price sensitivity and reduced spontaneous participation.
- You recognize the one-day window encourages targeted, low-impact trips that align with habitat protection.
- You understand pricing is a policy tool: it balances revenue, visitation, and resource conservation.
This data-driven gap makes cost a clear lever for managing angler numbers and funding habitat work without complicating how you obtain the license.
How to Purchase a 7-Day Fishing License
Having compared short-term resident and non-resident pricing, you’ll find the 7-day Combination Hunt and Fish license offers a week-long option priced the same as the daily rate multiplied out: $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents, valid for seven consecutive days from purchase.
To buy one, you can complete an Online Purchase for immediate printout, visit any Arizona Game and Fish office, or use over 150 licensed dealers. You’ll need to confirm age—anglers 10 and older require a license; under-10s are exempt.
Note that all licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable, and they remain valid for 365 days from purchase; the seven-day use window begins on the purchase date. Keep purchase documentation accessible while fishing to support compliance and conservation enforcement.
For recurring anglers, set reminders for License Renewal rather than re-buying last-minute; renewing on schedule helps fund habitat and stocking programs and maintains continuous legal coverage without gaps that could risk fines.
Where You Can Fish With a 7-Day License
With a 7-day Combination Hunt and Fish license you can fish any public waters in Arizona for up to seven consecutive days, so carry your proof of purchase and follow all local regulations, bag limits, and seasonal closures.
With a 7-day Combination Hunt and Fish license you can fish Arizona public waters — carry proof and follow local rules.
You’ll have access to lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams statewide; the $15/day resident or $20/day non‑resident option suits short visits and tourist trips without a year-long commitment.
Use a fishing regulations overview before you fish — limits, size rules and seasonal closures differ by water and species. The license isn’t transferable and’s required for each angler 10 and older.
- Expect to find trophy opportunities at designated best fishing spots, but confirm local rules first.
- Respect species-specific quotas to support sustainable populations.
- Check seasonal restrictions (spawning closures, ice conditions) to avoid violations.
- Carry proof of purchase and ID; enforcement is active at popular access points.
Plan trips with measured data: match targeted species to waterbody-specific regulations to fish legally and conserve resources.
Exceptions and License Exemptions
You’re exempt from a license if you’re under 10 or a blind Arizona resident, and youth 10–17 can get a Combination Hunt and Fish license for $5.
You don’t need a license on designated free fishing days (next: June 7, 2025 and June 6, 2026) or when fishing private waters with the owner’s permission.
For short trips consider the daily Combination license—$15 for residents, $20 for non‑residents—to reduce pressure on public fisheries while staying compliant.
Who’s Exempt From Licensing
Although most anglers need a license, Arizona exempts specific groups and situations to balance access with conservation:
You should know the exempt categories under fishing regulations so you stay legal and support resource protection. Data shows clear carve-outs: youth under 10 and blind residents don’t need licenses; private waters are exempt with owner permission; designated free fishing days (e.g., June 7, 2025 and June 6, 2026) open public access; military status affects residency licensing eligibility.
Note that taking certain species—frogs, waterdogs, crayfish, softshell turtles—still requires a valid license.
Consider these rules when planning trips; they reduce barriers without compromising stock management. Follow posted rules and verify dates to avoid unintentional violations.
- Youth under 10; blind residents
- Private waters with permission
- Designated free fishing days
- Military residency provisions
When Licenses Not Required
Because Arizona balances public access with resource protection, certain anglers don’t need a license: children under 10 and blind residents are exempt, you can fish on private waters with the owner’s permission, and designated free fishing days (next on June 7, 2025 and June 6, 2026) waive the requirement; detailed exemptions are codified in R12-4-311 and all other anglers must carry required licenses while fishing.
You should confirm status before you fish: these Fishing License Exemptions are statutory, not discretionary. On private waters, obtain written or verbal permission to avoid disputes.
During Free Fishing Days you still must follow bag, size, and gear regulations. Conservation measures remain in force year-round; reporting harvests and following limits helps manage populations.
When unsure, check the Arizona Game and Fish Department for current rules.
Additional Stamps, Tags, and Permit Requirements
When planning a trip, check for required stamps, tags, or permits beyond a basic license: Arizona offers a short-term Combination Hunt and Fish license at $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for non-residents, but certain activities—like taking frogs, waterdogs, crayfish, or softshell turtles—require specific permits or licenses and may carry separate fees.
You’re responsible for meeting stamp requirements and reviewing permit fees before you fish. Carry your license; enforcement issues and fines follow if you can’t present it. Consult the Arizona Game and Fish Department for current rule changes.
You’re responsible for meeting stamp and permit requirements—carry your license and check Arizona Game and Fish rules to avoid fines.
- Know target species: some require special permits—don’t guess.
- Check local waters: exemptions and closures change seasonally.
- Record-keeping: keep receipts and permit numbers accessible.
- Conservation priority: proper permits protect populations and habitats.
Acting on accurate, agency-sourced information minimizes legal risk and supports conservation. Verify requirements online before each trip to confirm compliance and avoid penalties.
Tips for Saving on Short-Term Fishing Licenses
If you plan short-term outings, prioritize multi-day licenses and free fishing days to cut per-day costs—Arizona’s daily Combination Hunt and Fish license is $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents, so two- or three-day options typically lower your average daily spend.
You should compare multi-day pricing against single-day tickets when doing budget planning: the per-day rate drops as duration increases, making multi-day purchases more economical for consecutive trips.
Use designated free fishing days to eliminate license costs altogether for occasional outings. Buy licenses online to get immediate proof and avoid dealer convenience fees; that small saving adds up across seasons.
Coordinate group fishing trips so you can share logistics and reduce individual expense per outing.
While saving, maintain conservation-focused practices: choose appropriate fishing techniques to minimize stress on fish and follow local regulations.
These cost-conscious actions protect fisheries and keep your short-term angling affordable and sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Refund a Unused 7-Day Fishing License?
No, you generally can’t get a refund for an unused 7-day fishing license; the refund process is limited, tied to license expiration rules, and often denied unless clerical error or specific agency exception documents your claim.
Are Youth Pricing Discounts Available for 7-Day Licenses?
Yes — you qualify for youth discounts if you meet youth eligibility requirements (age limits, residency, documentation). You’ll follow a discount application process online or at agents, supplying ID, proof of age, and paying reduced fees to support conservation.
Do Boat Rentals Include a Fishing License?
Like renting a kayak once, you learned licenses aren’t automatic: boat rental policies rarely include a fishing license. You should confirm with the provider, follow fishing regulations, and purchase required permits to stay compliant and protect fisheries.
Can I Transfer My 7-Day License to Another Person?
No — you can’t transfer your 7-day license to another person. Follow the license transfer process overview in fishing regulations overview: licenses are nontransferable, each angler needs their own valid permit to comply with conservation-focused rules.
Is Night Fishing Allowed With a 7-Day License?
Yes — you can night fish with a 7-day license, but you must follow local night fishing regulations and fishing license restrictions, including species, area-specific closures, gear limits, and conservation-oriented rules to protect fish populations.
Conclusion
When you plan a quick fishing trip in Arizona, remember a 7-day license usually applies to anyone aged 10 and up who isn’t otherwise exempt; residents and nonresidents pay different short-term rates. Buy it online, at license agents, or via the app, and know where it’s valid and which stamps or permits you’ll need. Think of the fee as a modest stewardship contribution: it’s a temporary token that funds lasting habitat protection and fishery management.
