You’ll pay $15 for a Georgia resident annual fishing license and $50 for a nonresident annual license; youth, senior, and disabled rates differ and some residents qualify for reduced or free credentials. If you’ll fish trout, add a Trout License ($10 resident, $25 nonresident). Sportsman and combination packages cost more. Licenses are valid one year and must be carried while fishing. Scroll on to see purchase options, permit specifics, and cost comparisons.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Georgia
Who needs a fishing license in Georgia? You do if you’re 16 or older — Georgia requires all anglers 16+ to carry a valid fishing license while fishing.
You’ll need standard resident or nonresident credentials unless you qualify under specific license exemptions established in state fishing regulations.
You must carry either a resident or nonresident fishing license unless you meet specific state exemption criteria.
If you’re active-duty military or a full-time Georgia student, you may meet residency criteria and still need a license; verify your status to confirm correct classification.
If you have a disability, you might be eligible for discounted or free licensing based on documented criteria — contact the wildlife agency for eligibility verification and application steps.
Regardless of fishing method, you must carry the license on your person while angling.
Remember that certain activities require additional permits: trout waters and Atlantic shore fishing demand special endorsements on top of your base license.
Follow posted rules and carry required permits to stay compliant with Georgia fishing regulations.
Resident Annual Fishing License Fees and Eligibility
Since Georgia requires anglers 16 and older to carry a license, let’s look at resident fees and eligibility: residents aged 16–64 pay $15 annually, youth under 16 pay $10, and seniors 65+ qualify for a $7 senior sportsman’s license.
You need a registered Georgia address for at least three months to meet fishing license eligibility. All residents must carry a valid license while fishing in state waters; enforcement is routine. Resident license benefits include lower fees and streamlined purchase online or at agents. Note that certain fisheries require additional permits (for example, trout), so check species-specific rules before you fish.
| Category | Age Range | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | Under 16 | $10 |
| Adult Resident | 16–64 | $15 |
| Senior Sportsman | 65+ | $7 |
Keep documentation of residency when applying; that preserves your resident license benefits and guarantees compliance.
Non‑Resident Fishing License Options and Pricing
If you’re a non-resident planning to fish in Georgia, expect to pay $50 for an annual license or $10 for a one‑day permit, and remember you must carry that valid license while fishing if you’re 16 or older.
You’ll choose the annual if you visit multiple times; the one‑day fits short trips. Non resident benefits are limited to these basic purchase options—there’s no youth non‑resident license equivalent to the resident 12–15 $10 youth permit.
Pricing note: a trout license for non‑residents is $25 and is required in addition to your basic fishing license when targeting trout, so budget accordingly.
Non‑residents targeting trout must buy a $25 trout license in addition to their basic fishing license.
Follow fishing regulations: always carry your license, check species-specific rules, and confirm season and bag limits before you fish.
Transaction channels include online, license agents, and regional offices; bring ID and payment.
This section focuses on license costs and mandatory carry—see other sections for species-specific permit details.
Trout Permit Requirements and Costs
You’ll need a Trout License on top of a basic fishing license to fish Georgia’s designated trout waters.
Residents pay $10 for the one‑year Trout License, while non‑residents pay $25.
Make sure you hold a current fishing license before purchasing the trout permit.
Trout Permit Necessity
Anyone targeting mountain trout in Georgia’s designated trout waters must carry a trout license in addition to a basic fishing license; residents pay $10, non-residents $25.
You need that trout permit specifically for activities targeting trout species—basic licenses don’t cover it—so follow fishing regulations by carrying both documents while on the water.
Licenses are valid one year from purchase and require annual renewal; mark your calendar to avoid lapses.
Field practice: check and display both licenses during inspection, and confirm permit validity for the stream or section you plan to fish.
Enforcement focuses on targeted trout angling, so having the trout permit eliminates citation risk.
Budget accordingly when planning season-long trout trips or multi-day guides.
Resident Trout Pricing
Budget-wise, plan on paying $25 total for resident trout fishing: the state requires a $15 basic annual fishing license for ages 16–64 plus a $10 resident trout permit.
You need both permits valid for the duration of your trip to comply with regulations for mountain trout fishing. This delivers clear license benefits: legal access, conservation funding, and enforcement protection. Carry proof of both when you fish.
- Cost breakdown: $15 basic license + $10 trout permit = $25.
- Eligibility: resident only; trout permit not offered to non-residents.
- Validity: both must be current during activity.
You’ll find this pricing efficient for regular trout fishing and straightforward to renew annually to maintain compliance.
Non-Resident Trout Fees
If you’re coming from out of state, note that trout fishing in Georgia requires an additional permit beyond the base fishing license: non-residents must hold a standard $50 annual non-resident fishing license and purchase a $25 Trout permit to fish for trout in Georgia waters.
You’ll need both because the Trout permit is mandatory for anyone targeting trout under state rules. Non resident regulations require you obtain the fishing license first; agencies won’t issue a Trout permit without that valid license.
The Trout permit’s term matches your license, expiring one year from purchase. For planning, budget $75 total and confirm purchase procedures with the issuing office or online portal.
Compliance avoids citations and keeps your field time legal and uninterrupted.
One‑Day and Short‑Term Fishing License Rates
You’ll find one-day license pricing starts at $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents, with the one-day pass valid only for the purchase date.
For residents, additional days can be added at $1 per day and short-term licenses span one to ten days to match trip length.
Remember everyone over 16 must hold a valid license regardless of duration.
One‑Day License Pricing
One-day and short-term fishing licenses give you flexible, low-cost options: residents can buy a single day for $5 and add extra days at $1 each, while non-residents pay $10 for a one-day permit.
You’ll see clear one day license benefits when you compare costs to annual permits in fishing license comparisons: short trips or irregular outings are cheaper.
Consider these quick facts:
- Resident one-day: $5; additional day: $1 each.
- Non-resident one-day: $10.
- Note: saltwater anglers must also obtain a free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP) valid 365 days alongside any fishing license.
You’ll choose short-term pricing for targeted trips; annual resident rates still make sense if you fish frequently.
Multi‑Day Rate Options
When you need flexibility for short trips, multi-day rates let residents buy a single-day license for $5 and add extra days—typically $1 each—up to 10 days, while non-residents pay $10 for a one-day permit; compare that to annual fees ($15 residents, $50 non-residents) to decide which saves you money. You’ll use multi day options when occasional outings beat the upfront cost of an annual permit. Price math: a resident reaches annual parity at 10–11 single days; non-residents cross it sooner. Apply straightforward pricing strategies: count planned trips, add per-day fees, and compare to annual cost.
| Scenario | Break-even |
|---|---|
| Resident extra days | ~10–11 days |
| Non-resident single days | ~5 days |
Resident Vs Non‑Resident
Although residents pay far less overall, your choice between resident and non‑resident one‑day and short‑term rates comes down to trip frequency and age bracket: residents (16–64) can buy a $15 annual license or single days at $5 with extra days at $1 each, while non‑residents pay $50 annually or a flat $10 for a one‑day permit.
Note residents aged 12–15 get a $10 youth annual license that non‑residents can’t access, and both groups must obtain the free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP) for saltwater fishing.
Use this concise license comparison and pricing breakdown to decide:
- If you fish >3 days/year, compare $15 vs $50 annual.
- For occasional trips, one-day: $5 (resident) vs $10 (non-res).
- Short-term add-ons: residents $1/day; non-residents lack add-ons, pay $10 per day.
Sportsman and Combination License Details
If you plan to hunt and fish in Georgia, the state offers several sportsman and combination options to match residency and duration: You’ll see clear sportsman benefits and combination advantages depending on residency and time frame. Annual sportsman’s licenses let residents ( $65 ) and non‑residents ( $400 ) engage in both activities. A resident combination hunting and fishing permit is $15 annually; youth residents (age 15 and under) pay $15 for a youth sportsman’s license. One‑day sportsman’s licenses cost $25 for residents and $170 for non‑residents, providing a short‑term option. The Georgia Sportsman package bundles a one‑year sportsman license, harvest record, and hard card for $71.00.
| License Type | Key Price |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual Sportsman | $65 |
| Non‑Resident Annual Sportsman | $400 |
| Resident Combination (annual) | $15 |
| Georgia Sportsman Package | $71.00 |
Where and How to Purchase Your License
Because you’ll want your license before you head out, Georgia makes purchasing fast and flexible: buy online 24/7 through Go Outdoors Georgia, visit WRD/CRD offices, state parks, major retailers or bait shops in person, or call 1-800-366-2661 to order by phone.
You’ll choose between an online purchase or an in person purchase; both require a valid Social Security number and correct license selection to avoid processing delays.
Follow these clear options:
- Online purchase: use Go Outdoors Georgia for immediate issuance and printable proof.
- In person purchase: visit WRD/CRD offices, state parks, retailers or bait shops for staff assistance.
- Phone order: call 1-800-366-2661 to complete the transaction with a representative.
Check the license type before submission; incorrect selection is the primary cause of rework.
Keep your receipt or confirmation number accessible during inspection. Using online purchase yields the fastest turnaround; in person purchase gives hands-on help if you need guidance.
Discounted, Lifetime, and Special‑Category Licenses
Now that you know how and where to buy a license, consider who qualifies for reduced rates or lifetime options so you can pick the most cost-effective permit.
You’ll pay $15 for an annual resident license (age 16–64) versus $50 for non-residents; residents aged 12–15 get a youth annual license for $10.
Discounted licenses are available if you’re 100% disabled or blind; these provide significant savings on permits. A one-time honorary veteran’s license is free for residents, removing annual costs entirely.
If you plan long-term, evaluate lifetime options: residents can buy youth lifetime licenses (ages 2–15) for $600 and adult lifetime licenses (ages 16–49) for $750.
Seniors (65+) benefit from a special senior lifetime license priced at $70, an exceptional value if you expect many years of fishing.
Use your age, residency, and status to calculate break-even points and choose the most economical permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a License for Catch-And-Release Only Fishing?
Usually you do need a license; catch and release regulations vary by state and species, and fishing license exemptions are limited. Check local regulations and agency resources so you comply with specific rules and avoid fines.
Are There Refund Options for Unused Annual Licenses?
Generally no, you can’t get refunds for unused licenses except in specific refund policies for administrative errors or medical exemptions; check your agency’s terms, provide required documentation, and expect narrow, case-by-case approvals with limited prorated returns.
Can I Fish on Private Ponds With a State License?
Absolutely — you can often fish private ponds with a state license, but private pond regulations vary; check property owner permission and local rules for fishing rights clarification before you fish, ensuring compliance with size, species, and bag limits.
Do License Fees Support Conservation and Habitat Restoration?
Yes — your license fee allocation directly funds habitat improvement initiatives; agencies track revenue, allocate percentages to restoration, stocking, monitoring, and enforcement, and report measurable outcomes like improved spawning habitat area and increased fish population surveys.
Is There a Mobile App to Show My Digital License?
Yes — you can use a digital license app to display permits; download your state’s fishing regulations app, log in, and it shows your digital license, expiry, and zone details so enforcement checks are quick and verifiable.
Conclusion
You’ve seen the fees and options laid out—resident, non‑resident, trout permits, one‑day passes, combos, discounts, lifetime choices—so you can pick what fits your season and budget. Think of your license as a map: one purchase opens rivers, lakes, and legal peace of mind. Buy online, at agents, or regional offices; carry proof while fishing. Check eligibility and renewal dates so you don’t lose time on the water.
