A 1-day Combination Hunt and Fish license in Arizona costs $15 for residents (youth ages 10-17 pay the same) and $20 for non-residents. Anyone age 10 or older must carry a valid license while fishing public waters. Licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable and can be bought online or from licensed dealers, including many Walmart locations. Bag, size, and location rules still apply, so check special or free-day exceptions before you head out.
Quick Answer
- A 1-day Arizona fishing license costs $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents.
- Anyone age 10 or older must carry a valid license while fishing public waters.
- Youth ages 10-17 can get a $5 youth combination license as an alternative.
- Licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable. Buy online or at a licensed dealer.
- Bag, size, and location rules still apply even on a 1-day permit.
Who Needs a 1-Day Fishing License in Arizona
If you are age 10 or older and plan to fish public waters for a single day, you need a 1-day fishing license. Children under 10 are exempt.
The 1-day license is a short-term option that lets you try fishing without committing to an annual permit. You must carry it on your person whenever you fish. Failing to show it during an enforcement check can result in a citation.
You can buy the license online, at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices, or from licensed dealers statewide.
Note that the 1-day license does not cover camping on state trust land. That requires a separate permit.
Use this license for single-day recreational outings. It is not designed for extended or multi-day trips.
Cost Breakdown: Resident vs. Non-Resident Day Licenses
Arizona residents pay $15 per day for the short-term Combination Hunt and Fish license. Non-residents pay $20 per day.
Both licenses cover hunting and fishing on public waters for anyone 10 and older. All short-term licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Resident Daily Cost
The resident daily rate is $15. That lets you fish and hunt on the same day under a single short-term combination license, valid for exactly 24 hours from purchase.
Youth ages 10-17 qualify at the same $15 rate. You do not need a separate youth product for a single day.
You must carry proof of purchase while fishing or hunting. Keep the timestamped receipt to show compliance with season, bag, and gear rules.
Non-Resident Daily Cost
Non-residents pay $20 per day for the short-term Combination Hunt and Fish license. That is $5 more than the resident rate and still provides single-day access to fishing and aquatic wildlife within designated areas.
Like the resident permit, it is non-transferable and non-refundable.
A few practical points to keep in mind:
- Cost difference: $20 non-resident vs. $15 resident. A small gap for tourists seeking short-term access.
- Scope: Permits authorize taking fish and aquatic wildlife only within designated fishing areas.
- Compliance: Carry proof of purchase at all times to meet regulatory checks.
When Day Licenses Apply
Day licenses work well when you fish infrequently, need only a single-day permit, or do not have a full-year license. Arizona fishing regulations require a valid license for anyone age 10 and up.
Buy online or at a licensed dealer. Fees fund conservation and habitat maintenance. Check local rules specific to your destination before you go.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Valid for | Public waters |
| Purchase | Online or license dealers |
| Purpose | Short-term access; conservation funding |
Short-Term Combo Hunt and Fish Options
The Short-term Combination Hunt and Fish license costs $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for non-residents. It covers both hunting and fishing for a single day.
You can buy it through the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s online portal, at AGFD offices, or through licensed dealers statewide. Anyone age 10 or older fishing public waters must carry a valid license.
Daily Price Breakdown
A one-day short-term combo license costs $15 for Arizona residents and $20 for non-residents. It covers both hunting and fishing for that single calendar day, including all aquatic wildlife.
Purchase it before you go. The license is non-transferable and non-refundable.
- Purchase: Buy before your activity. Non-transferable and non-refundable.
- Coverage: Hunting and fishing for one calendar day. All aquatic species included.
- Eligibility: Provides the same privileges as a regular license for that day. Keep proof of purchase available for officers during enforcement checks.
Who Needs One
Anyone 10 or older who plans to fish public waters for a single day must carry the short-term combination license. Residents pay $15 per day and non-residents pay $20 per day. Youth ages 10-17 may instead buy a $5 youth combination license.
You must have it on your person while fishing. The combo covers both hunting and fishing, so it gives you flexibility if your plans shift during the day.
All standard fishing regulations still apply: bag limits, seasons, and gear restrictions are enforced. Officers actively check licenses and can cite anglers without one.
Age Exemptions and Youth Licensing Rules
Children under 10 are exempt from licensing on public waters. Anglers ages 10-17 must carry a valid youth Combination Hunt and Fish license, available for $5, to legally fish or hunt. That license expires on the holder’s 18th birthday, after which an adult license is required.
Key points:
- Youth ages 0-9: No license required for public waters. Exemptions apply automatically.
- Youth ages 10-17: Must obtain the $5 Combination Hunt and Fish license. Valid until the 18th birthday.
- Free fishing days: On designated days, anyone who would normally need a license can fish without one.
You must carry the license while fishing. Once you turn 18, you must get the appropriate adult license before fishing on public waters.
These rules are statutory. Noncompliance can result in fines or citations.
Where to Buy a 1-Day Fishing License
Short-term combination hunt-and-fish licenses are sold statewide. Residents pay $15 and non-residents pay $20.
You can buy through the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s online portal or at licensed dealers, including sporting goods stores, convenience stores, and many Walmart locations. The 1-day license is valid on the date of purchase. Carry it while fishing.
Tips for buying:
- Buy online for an immediate electronic receipt.
- If buying in person, check dealer hours and stock ahead of time to avoid delays.
- Have ID and payment ready. Dealers vary in card and cash acceptance.
Match your license to the intended waters and species. Keep a copy of the current Arizona fishing regulations and your license accessible during your outing.
License Validity, Refunds, and Transfer Rules
When you buy a short-term Combination Hunt and Fish license in Arizona, it is non-transferable and non-refundable. Residents pay $15 per day and non-residents pay $20 per day. Carry it while fishing to stay in compliance.
A few rules to know:
- Validity: Valid from the date of purchase.
- Transfer: Licenses cannot be loaned, sold, or assigned to another person.
- Refunds: No refunds or exchanges. Treat every purchase as final.
Keep proof of purchase whenever you fish. Enforcement officers will cite anglers who cannot show a physical or digital license.
Special Licenses, Lifetime Options, and Complimentary Permits
Arizona offers several license types beyond the standard short-term permit.
Lifetime licenses are available to Arizona residents only. Costs range from $296 to $1,500 depending on your age. They grant long-term fishing privileges with no annual renewal.
Youth combination licenses are available to anglers ages 10-17 for $5, for both residents and non-residents.
Complimentary permits go to qualifying individuals. Pioneer licenses are issued to residents age 70 or older with at least 25 years of state residency. Disabled Veteran licenses are available to veterans with a 100% disability rating.
All licenses, whether special, lifetime, or complimentary, must be carried while fishing. All are non-transferable and non-refundable. Confirm eligibility and required documentation before applying.
Free Fishing Days and Private Water Exceptions
Arizona designates specific free fishing days each year. For example, June 7, 2025 and June 6, 2026 are free fishing days. On those dates you can fish without a license, but all bag, size, and location regulations still apply.
Private water works differently. If you have permission from the property owner, you do not need a license to fish on private waters.
- On free fishing days, the license requirement is waived. All other limits remain fully enforced. Carry photo ID in case you are asked to verify identity.
- For private waters, confirm permission from the owner before fishing. Without it, the exemption does not apply and you may face enforcement action.
- If you do not qualify for any exemption, the short-term combination license is your best option. Residents pay $15 per day and non-residents pay $20 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Fishing License for Catch-and-Release Only?
Yes. A fishing license is required even for catch and release. Some exceptions exist based on age, residency, or tribal status. Check Arizona Game and Fish rules to confirm whether an exemption applies to you.
Can I Buy a 1-Day License for Someone Else as a Gift?
Yes. You can buy a 1-day license for someone else. You will need to provide both the purchaser’s and recipient’s details and follow Arizona Fish and Game transaction rules for purchasing on behalf of another person.
Are There Discounts for Veterans or Active Military?
Yes. Arizona offers reduced license fees for veterans and active service members when you provide valid ID. Check AZGFD directly for the specific discount amounts and documentation required.
Does a 1-Day License Cover Fishing from a Private Dock?
Yes, if state law allows access from that dock. You still must follow bag limits, seasons, and species-specific rules, as well as local access requirements.
What ID Is Required When Carrying a 1-Day License?
Carry a government-issued photo ID along with your license. A driver’s license, state ID, or passport all work. Officers may check both to confirm your identity and verify that the license is valid.
Conclusion
A 1-day Arizona fishing license is a practical option for visitors or anyone who only needs a quick outing. Residents pay $15 and non-residents pay $20 for the short-term combination hunt and fish permit. Youth rules, special licenses, and complimentary permits each have their own eligibility requirements. Buy online or at a licensed dealer, carry proof of purchase, and always check local regulations before you go.
