Arizona offers annual, youth, combination, and short-term fishing licenses for residents and visitors. The right option depends on your age, residency, how many days you plan to fish, and whether you also want hunting privileges. Fees and regulations can change, so confirm the current rules before heading to the water.
Quick Answer
An annual Arizona General Fishing License costs $37 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. A Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for ages 10–17 costs $5. Short-term combination licenses cost $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for nonresidents. Annual licenses are normally valid for 365 days.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona residents pay $37 for an annual General Fishing License, while nonresidents pay $55.
- Anglers ages 10–17 can purchase a Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for $5, regardless of residency.
- Children under 10 and blind Arizona residents do not need a state fishing license.
- Annual licenses are valid for 365 days and are generally nonrefundable, nonexchangeable, and nontransferable.
- A state license does not replace tribal permits or water-specific rules for seasons, methods, closures, and bag limits.
Overview of Arizona Fishing Licenses
A valid Arizona fishing or combination license is generally required for residents and nonresidents who are 10 or older and fish in publicly accessible Arizona waters. The current license prices and requirements are published by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Arizona offers four main choices for most anglers:
- General Fishing License: Best for adults who want to fish throughout the year but do not need hunting privileges.
- Combination Hunt and Fish License: Covers statewide fishing and several hunting privileges.
- Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License: A low-cost option for residents and nonresidents ages 10–17.
- Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License: A per-day option for occasional anglers and visitors.
Note: Arizona’s fishing and combination licenses include trout privileges and generally allow an angler to use two poles or lines at the same time. Special rules for a particular lake, river, or season can still be more restrictive.
Who Qualifies as an Arizona Resident?
For license purposes, an Arizona resident is generally someone who has made Arizona their true, fixed, and permanent home for the six months immediately before applying and who does not claim residency in another state or jurisdiction.
Active-duty military members stationed in Arizona may qualify for resident licenses. Certain active-duty members who are stationed elsewhere but list Arizona as their home of record may also qualify. Review the current AZGFD residency requirements before purchasing a resident license.
Types of Fishing Licenses Available
The General Fishing License is usually the simplest option for year-round fishing. Combination licenses are useful for anglers who also want to hunt, while the short-term option can cost less for a brief trip.
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General Fishing License Overview
The annual General Fishing License costs $37 for Arizona residents and $55 for nonresidents. It allows the holder to take legal fish species statewide, including at Community Fishing Program waters, subject to current regulations.
This license also covers trout without a separate trout stamp. Current fishing licenses allow two poles or lines to be used at once unless a special regulation for the water says otherwise.
Combination Hunt and Fish License
The annual Combination Hunt and Fish License costs $57 for residents and $160 for nonresidents. It includes statewide fishing, including Community Fishing waters, along with privileges for small game, fur-bearing animals, predatory animals, nongame animals, and upland game birds.
Big-game hunting still requires the proper tag, and migratory-bird hunting may require an additional stamp. Anglers who do not plan to hunt can usually save money with the General Fishing License.
Youth Fishing License Options
The Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License costs $5 for both residents and nonresidents ages 10–17. It includes statewide fishing and the youth combination hunting privileges described by AZGFD.
Children under 10 may fish without purchasing an Arizona state fishing license. Adults should still review the rules for the water, supervise young anglers, and make sure that all catch and equipment requirements are followed.
Short-Term Combination License
The Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License costs $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for nonresidents. It provides statewide fishing privileges, including Community Fishing waters, on the purchased date or dates.
Multiple days can be purchased at one time, and the selected dates do not have to be consecutive. Because the fee is charged per day, an annual license may be cheaper for a longer trip.
Pro Tip: A resident who plans to fish for three days would spend $45 on short-term licenses, which is more than the $37 annual General Fishing License. A nonresident reaches the $55 annual-license price after three short-term days.
Lifetime Fishing Licenses
Arizona lifetime licenses are available only to qualifying Arizona residents. Fees depend on the applicant’s age and the type of lifetime license selected.
Lifetime licenses must be processed through an Arizona Game and Fish Department office. Because the age-based fee schedule and application requirements can change, request the current application and total directly from AZGFD instead of relying on an unofficial price range.
Arizona Fishing License Costs for Residents and Nonresidents
The following prices are listed in the 2025 and 2026 Arizona Fishing Regulations.
| License | Who Can Buy It? | Resident Cost | Nonresident Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Fishing | Anglers who need fishing privileges only | $37 | $55 | 365 days from purchase |
| Combination Hunt and Fish | Adults who want fishing and qualifying hunting privileges | $57 | $160 | 365 days from purchase |
| Youth Combination Hunt and Fish | Residents and nonresidents ages 10–17 | $5 | $5 | 365 days from purchase |
| Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish | Residents and nonresidents needing selected fishing dates | $15 per day | $20 per day | Purchased date or dates |
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Which Arizona Fishing License Should You Buy?
| Situation | Likely Best Option |
|---|---|
| Adult fishing several times during the year | Annual General Fishing License |
| Adult who also wants qualifying hunting privileges | Annual Combination Hunt and Fish License |
| Angler age 10–17 | $5 Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License |
| Resident fishing for one or two days | Short-Term Combination License may cost less |
| Nonresident fishing for one or two days | Short-Term Combination License may cost less |
| Arizona resident seeking lifetime privileges | Contact an AZGFD office for the current lifetime schedule |
Exemptions From Arizona Fishing License Requirements
Most anglers who are 10 or older need a valid license to fish publicly accessible Arizona waters. However, the state recognizes several exemptions and complimentary-license programs.
Youth License Exemptions
Children under age 10 do not need to purchase an Arizona state fishing license. Once a young angler turns 10, a valid license is required for public waters unless another exemption applies.
Anglers ages 10–17 can purchase the Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for $5. The price is the same for residents and nonresidents.
Blind Residents Exemption
Blind Arizona residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license. All other fishing laws still apply, including water closures, legal methods, seasons, and catch limits.
Private Waters and Free Fishing Day
An Arizona state fishing license is not required when fishing a private water, tank, or pond with the property owner’s permission.
Arizona also holds an annual Free Fishing Day. The 2026 event took place on June 6. A state license was not required at state waters or Community Fishing Program lakes that day, but bag limits and other regulations still applied. Free Fishing Day did not cover tribal waters, private waters, or CAP canals.
Disabled Veteran and Purple Heart Licenses
A free license is not automatically available to every disabled veteran. According to the AZGFD Disabled Veteran License program, a qualifying applicant for the no-fee license must provide the required Department of Veterans Affairs documentation for a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability and satisfy Arizona’s residency requirement for the program.
AZGFD also publishes reduced-fee options for qualifying veterans with a service-connected disability below 100% and for eligible Purple Heart recipients. Current published fees are $42 for the reduced-fee disabled-veteran license and $28 for the Purple Heart license. Applications are processed through an AZGFD office or by mail.
Pioneer License for Long-Term Arizona Residents
A person may qualify for Arizona’s complimentary Pioneer License after reaching age 70 and completing at least 25 consecutive years as a bona fide Arizona resident immediately before applying.
The Pioneer License includes combination hunting, fishing, and Community Fishing privileges. It must be obtained through an Arizona Game and Fish Department office.
Where to Purchase an Arizona Fishing License
Arizona fishing licenses can be purchased in three main ways:
- Online: Purchase and print a license through the official AZGFD license portal.
- AZGFD offices: Department employees can help with standard licenses, lifetime applications, and complimentary-license programs.
- Authorized dealers: Arizona has about 150 dealers statewide, including sporting-goods stores, bait and tackle shops, major retailers, and convenience stores.
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What You Need to Buy a License
Be prepared to enter your legal name, date of birth, contact information, residency information, and other identifying details requested by the license system. Select the correct license and check the start date before completing payment.
Online purchasers can print the license immediately. Keep the license or a Commission-approved proof of purchase available whenever you fish. Under A.R.S. § 17-331, an angler must produce it when requested by a game ranger, wildlife manager, or peace officer.
Validity, Refunds, and Auto-Renewal
Annual Arizona fishing and combination licenses are valid for 365 days from the purchase date. Licenses are nontransferable and generally cannot be returned for a refund or exchange.
AZGFD offers an optional auto-renewal program for eligible hunting and fishing licenses. Review the renewal terms carefully and keep your payment and contact information current.
Special Licenses and Discounts
Arizona’s special options can reduce the cost for youth, qualifying veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and long-term senior residents.
| Program | Published Cost | Basic Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Combination License | $5 | Resident or nonresident age 10–17 |
| Pioneer License | No license fee | Age 70 or older and 25 consecutive years of qualifying Arizona residency |
| 100% Disabled Veteran License | No paper-license fee | Qualifying Arizona resident with required VA disability documentation |
| Reduced-Fee Disabled Veteran License | $42 | Qualifying veteran with a service-connected disability below 100% |
| Purple Heart License | $28 | Qualifying Purple Heart recipient with required Arizona residency |
| Lifetime License | Varies by age and license type | Qualifying Arizona residents |
Warning: An Arizona state fishing license does not give unrestricted permission to fish every water. Tribal lands may require a separate tribal permit, private waters require the owner’s permission, and individual lakes or rivers may have special seasons, closures, tackle rules, or catch limits.
What an Arizona Fishing License Covers
A current Arizona fishing or combination license generally covers the legal take of fish throughout the state, including trout and fishing at Community Fishing Program waters. It also allows two poles or lines to be used simultaneously unless a special rule says otherwise.
A valid fishing or combination license is also required when legally taking certain other aquatic wildlife, including crayfish, frogs, waterdogs, and softshell turtles. Separate Commission Orders control legal methods, open areas, seasons, and possession limits for those species.
The license does not override:
- Daily bag and possession limits
- Minimum or maximum size limits
- Seasonal or emergency closures
- Bait, hook, lure, or tackle restrictions
- Protected-species rules
- Private-property access requirements
- Tribal permit requirements
Check the latest statewide and water-specific regulations before every trip, especially if you are visiting an unfamiliar lake, river, creek, or canal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish without a license in Arizona if I am under 10?
Yes. Children under 10 do not need an Arizona state fishing license. All water-specific seasons, catch limits, method restrictions, and access rules still apply.
How long is an Arizona fishing license valid?
Annual General Fishing, Combination Hunt and Fish, and Youth Combination licenses are normally valid for 365 days from the purchase date. Short-term licenses are valid only for the date or dates purchased.
Are there age discounts for Arizona fishing licenses?
Yes. Residents and nonresidents ages 10–17 can purchase the Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for $5. Children under 10 do not need a state license. A complimentary Pioneer License is available to qualifying residents age 70 or older who have completed 25 consecutive years of Arizona residency immediately before applying.
Can I get a refund on my Arizona fishing license?
Arizona fishing licenses are generally nonrefundable and cannot be returned for exchange. Check the license type, residency status, personal details, and start date before completing the purchase.
What are the penalties for fishing without a license in Arizona?
Arizona law requires a valid license or approved proof of purchase unless an exemption applies. A violation of Arizona wildlife law is generally a class 2 misdemeanor when no different penalty is specified. A court may impose a fine of up to $750 for a class 2 misdemeanor, and additional wildlife or license consequences may apply depending on the conduct.
Do I need a separate trout stamp in Arizona?
No separate trout stamp is required with the current Arizona fishing and combination licenses listed in the 2025 and 2026 regulations. A valid license covers trout, subject to the regulations for the water you fish.
Can I fish with two poles in Arizona?
Current Arizona fishing and combination licenses generally allow two poles or lines to be used at the same time. The lines must be attended, and special rules for an individual water may be more restrictive.
Does an Arizona fishing license cover tribal waters?
Not necessarily. Tribal governments manage fishing permits and regulations on their lands. Contact the tribe that controls the water and obtain any required tribal permit before fishing.
Conclusion
For most adults, an annual Arizona General Fishing License costs $37 for residents or $55 for nonresidents. Youth ages 10–17 can get a $5 combination license, while short-term licenses cost $15 or $20 per day based on residency.
Before fishing, confirm your residency category, choose the correct license, keep your license or approved proof of purchase with you, and review the rules for the specific water. Pay special attention to tribal permits, private-property access, closures, legal methods, and current catch limits.
Sources
- Arizona Game and Fish Department: Fishing Licenses and Regulations — current license prices, validity, exemptions, purchasing, and auto-renewal.
- 2025 and 2026 Arizona Fishing Regulations — official fee table, license privileges, exemptions, private-water rules, dealer information, and fishing regulations.
- Arizona Game and Fish Department: Hunting Licenses — combination-license privileges, residency rules, and complimentary licenses.
- AZGFD Disabled Veteran and Purple Heart License — eligibility, documentation, application process, and reduced fees.
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 17-331 — requirement to possess and produce a valid license or approved proof of purchase.
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 17-309 and § 13-802 — violation classification and possible misdemeanor fines.
