You’ll pay $15 for a 1‑day Combination Hunt & Fish license if you’re an Arizona resident (youth 10–17 pay the same), and $20 if you’re a non‑resident. Licenses are required for anglers 10 and older on public waters, must be carried while fishing, are non‑transferable and non‑refundable, and can be bought online or from licensed dealers (many Walmarts). Bag, size and location rules still apply; keep the receipt and check special/free‑day exceptions if you want more details.
Who Needs a 1-Day Fishing License in Arizona
Who needs a 1‑Day Fishing License in Arizona? You do if you’re age 10 or older and intend to fish public waters for a single day.
The 1‑Day license is a short‑term option that lets you try fishing without committing to an annual permit. Under state fishing regulations, anyone 10+ must carry a valid license while fishing; children under 10 are exempt.
You’ll need to have the license on your person whenever you fish—failure to present it during license enforcement checks can result in citations.
Purchase options are online, at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices, or from licensed dealers statewide, ensuring access across regions.
The 1‑Day license doesn’t cover camping on state trust land; that requires a separate permit.
Use the 1‑Day license for single‑day recreational efforts, compliance with regulatory requirements, and to avoid penalties during enforcement actions.
It’s designed for short visits, not extended or multi‑day activities.
Cost Breakdown: Resident Vs Non‑Resident Day Licenses
You’ll pay $15 per day as an Arizona resident for the short-term combination hunt-and-fish license and $20 per day as a non-resident.
These one-day licenses cover both hunting and fishing on public waters and are required for anyone aged 10 and older while fishing.
All short-term licenses are non-transferable, non-refundable, and subject to applicable regulations.
Resident Daily Cost
One day of resident short-term Combination Hunt and Fish coverage costs $15, while non-residents pay $20 for the identical 24-hour, non-transferable permit.
For residents, that $15 daily license lets you fish and hunt within the same day under state license types and fishing regulations; it’s issued as a short-term combination license and valid exactly 24 hours from purchase.
Youth aged 10–17 qualify at the same $15 rate, so you don’t need a separate youth product for a single day.
You mustn’t transfer the license, and you must carry proof of purchase while engaging in regulated activities.
Purchase channels include authorized vendors and the state portal; keep the timestamped receipt to demonstrate compliance with season, bag, and gear rules.
Non‑Resident Daily Cost
Although non-residents pay a slightly higher rate, the short-term Combination Hunt and Fish license still provides straightforward single-day access: it costs $20 per day compared with the resident $15, is valid for taking fish and aquatic wildlife within designated areas, and—like the resident permit—is non-transferable and non-refundable.
You’ll find the policy clear and enforcement-focused: a license is required for anglers aged 10+ on public waters, and privileges are strictly tied to designated areas under Arizona fishing regulations.
Consider these practical points:
- Cost differential: $20 non-resident vs $15 resident — minimal for tourists seeking short-term access.
- Use scope: permits authorize taking fish and aquatic wildlife only within designated fishing areas.
- Compliance: licenses are non-transferable, non-refundable; carry proof to meet regulatory checks and secure non resident benefits.
When Day Licenses Apply
When you need short-term access to Arizona’s public waters, day licenses provide a clear, cost-effective option: residents pay $15 per day and non-residents $20 per day for the short-term Combination Hunt and Fish license. You’ll use these license types when you fish infrequently, need a single-day permit, or lack a full-year license; fishing regulations require a valid license from age 10. Buy online or at licensed dealers. Fees fund conservation and habitat maintenance. Check specific local rules 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
You’ll pay $15 per day if you’re a resident and $20 per day as a non‑resident for the Short‑term Combination Hunt and Fish license.
The permit covers both hunting and fishing for a single day and is sold online, at AGFD offices, and through licensed dealers statewide.
Anyone aged 10 or older who fishes public waters must carry a valid license, so use this short‑term option if you only need one day of coverage.
Daily Price Breakdown
One-day short-term combo licenses cost $15 per day for Arizona residents and $20 per day for non-residents, and they authorize both hunting and fishing for that single calendar day.
You’ll comply with fishing regulations and license enforcement by purchasing before you fish; anglers 10 and older must hold a license. The short-term combo covers all aquatic wildlife and mirrors general license privileges for that day.
- Purchase: buy prior to activity; non-transferable, non-refundable.
- Coverage: hunting + fishing for one calendar day; all aquatic species included.
- Eligibility & use: provides same privileges as regular licenses during the day; keep proof of purchase available for officers conducting license enforcement or compliance checks.
Who Needs One
Anyone 10 years and older who plans to fish public waters for a single day must carry the short-term combination hunt and fish license—$15/day for Arizona residents and $20/day for non-residents—while youth ages 10–17 may instead buy a $5 youth combination license; you’ll need it on your person while fishing.
The short-term combo covers both hunting and fishing activities for that day, giving you flexibility without a full-season permit. Follow fishing regulations: bag limits, seasons, and gear restrictions still apply.
License enforcement is active; officers can cite anglers without the required document. If you’re uncertain which option fits your trip, choose the combo for maximum coverage, especially if you may engage in both hunting and fishing during a single outing.
Age Exemptions and Youth Licensing Rules
Although children under 10 are exempt from licensing when fishing public waters, anglers aged 10–17 must have a valid youth Combination Hunt and Fish license — available for $5 — to legally fish or hunt; that youth license expires on the holder’s 18th birthday, after which an adult license is required.
You should follow clear youth fishing regulations and license eligibility criteria.
Key points you need to know:
- Youth 0–9: no license required for public waters; exemptions apply automatically.
- Youth 10–17: must obtain $5 Combination Hunt and Fish license to fish or hunt; card valid until 18th birthday.
- Free fishing days: annually designated days when anyone, including youth who’d normally need a license, can fish without one.
You must carry the license while fishing.
Once you turn 18, you must obtain the appropriate adult fishing license before fishing in public waters.
These rules are statutory; noncompliance can result in fines or citations.
Where to Buy a 1‑Day Fishing License
After confirming youth licensing requirements, you’ll want to know where to buy a 1‑day fishing license: residents pay $15 and non‑residents $20.
Short‑term combination hunt-and-fish licenses are sold statewide through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website or at licensed dealers such as sporting goods stores, convenience stores, and many Walmart locations.
You’ll need to carry the license while fishing; the 1‑day product is valid the purchase date. For planning, verify dealer hours and stock online to avoid travel delays.
License purchasing tips: buy online for immediate electronic receipt, or confirm physical dealer location if you prefer an in-person transaction.
Have ID and payment ready; dealers vary in card/cash acceptance. Match your purchase to intended waters and species to guarantee compliance.
Pair the license decision with fishing gear recommendations: lightweight rod, appropriate terminal tackle, and local bait choices.
Keep a copy of local regulations and your license accessible during outings to satisfy enforcement.
License Validity, Refunds, and Transfer Rules
When you buy a short‑term Combination Hunt and Fish license in Arizona, it’s valid for 365 days from the purchase date, non‑transferable, and nonrefundable.
Residents pay $15/day and non‑residents $20/day. You must carry the license while fishing to comply with state regulations.
You’ll follow clear license regulations: carry evidence, present it on request, and accept that sales are final. The rules support consistent fishing enforcement and reduce fraud.
- Validity: 365 days from purchase; applies to all short‑term and standard fishing licenses.
- Transfer & Use: Licenses are non‑transferable; you can’t loan, sell, or assign them to another person.
- Refunds & Exchanges: No refunds or exchanges; treat purchases as final financial commitments.
You should retain proof of purchase whenever you fish.
Enforcement officers will cite anglers who lack a physical or digital license.
Plan purchases accordingly to avoid penalties and guarantee compliance with state license regulations and fishing enforcement practices.
Special Licenses, Lifetime Options, and Complimentary Permits
If you qualify for a special or lifetime license, you’ll find clearly defined fee structures and eligibility rules that differ from standard short‑term permits. You can purchase lifetime licenses only as an Arizona resident; costs range from $296 to $1,500 depending on your age, granting long‑term fishing privileges without annual renewal.
Special licenses include youth combination hunt and fish options for anglers aged 10–17 at a nominal $5 fee for residents and non‑residents. Short‑term combination permits remain $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for non‑residents, but special licenses alter that standard structure.
Complimentary permits are issued to qualifying individuals: Pioneer licenses for residents aged 70+ with at least 25 years’ residency and Disabled Veteran licenses for veterans with a 100% disability rating.
All licenses—special, lifetime, and complimentary permits—must be carried while fishing, are non‑transferable, and non‑refundable. You should confirm eligibility documentation and purchase procedures before applying.
Free Fishing Days and Private Water Exceptions
Because Arizona designates specific free fishing days (for example June 7, 2025, and June 6, 2026), you can fish without a license on those dates but must still follow all bag, size, and location regulations.
You’ll treat those days as temporary waivers within the broader fishing regulations overview; regulatory limits and area rules remain fully enforceable.
Private water situations differ: if you have private property permissions, you don’t need a license to fish on those waters.
- On free fishing days you’re exempt from license purchase, but all other statutory limits apply; carry proof of identity if requested.
- For private waters, confirm written or verbal owner permission; absence of permission removes the exemption and may trigger enforcement.
- If you don’t qualify for exemptions (youth under 10 and blind residents are exempt), consider the short-term combination hunt and fish license — $15/day resident, $20/day non-resident — and always carry required licenses when not on exempt dates or properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Fishing License for Catch-And-Release Only?
Yes — you generally need a fishing license even for catch and release. Check statewide catch and release regulations and fishing license exemptions; some specific age, residency, or tribal exceptions apply, so verify Arizona Game and Fish rules.
Can I Buy a 1-Day License for Someone Else as a Gift?
Yes — you can purchase a 1-day license for someone else, but you’ll follow gift license regulations: provide purchaser and recipient details, abide by purchasing-for-others ID requirements, and comply with Arizona Fish and Game transaction rules.
Are There Discounts for Veterans or Active Military?
Yes — coincidentally, if you’re a veteran or active service member, you’ll qualify: Arizona offers veteran discounts and military benefits on licenses when you provide ID; check AZGFD rules for specific reduced fees and documentation requirements.
Does a 1-Day License Cover Fishing From a Private Dock?
Yes — your 1-day license covers fishing from a private dock if state laws allow access; you’ll follow private dock regulations, local access rules, and fishing etiquette guidelines, and you must comply with bag limits, seasons, and species-specific rules.
What ID Is Required When Carrying a 1-Day License?
You need to carry a valid identification with your 1-day license for license verification; bring government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport) so officers can confirm identity and license validity during compliance checks.
Conclusion
You can grab a 1-day Arizona fishing license if you’re visiting or need only a quick outing — residents and nonresidents pay different rates — and combo short‑term hunt/fish permits give flexible options. Know age exemptions, youth rules, buy online or at license agents, and remember validity, refund and transfer limits. Special, lifetime, and complimentary permits exist, plus free fishing days; think of the license as your compact, legal key to Arizona’s waters.
