Last Updated: July 28, 2026 | Fact-Checked & Reviewed by: Outdoor Policy Team
Arizona does not sell a separate seven-day fishing-only license. Adults who want short-term access can buy a Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License for selected calendar days at $15 per day for residents or $20 per day for nonresidents. However, the 365-day General Fishing License is cheaper once an adult plans to fish for three or more days.
Quick Answer
Arizona does not offer a separate seven-day fishing license. Seven short-term days cost $105 for a resident or $140 for a nonresident. Because a 365-day General Fishing License costs only $37 or $55, it is the better buy for any adult trip lasting three days or more.
Key Takeaways
- The short-term Arizona option costs $15 per selected day for residents and $20 per selected day for nonresidents.
- Seven short-term days total $105 for residents or $140 for nonresidents.
- A General Fishing License costs $37 resident or $55 nonresident and lasts 365 days, making it cheaper at three days.
- Youth ages 10–17 can buy a 365-day Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for $5, regardless of residency.
- Always check water-specific rules and separate tribal or private-water requirements before fishing.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Arizona?
A valid Arizona fishing or combination license is generally required for residents and nonresidents age 10 or older who fish publicly accessible waters in the state. Children under 10 and blind Arizona residents do not need to buy a state fishing license.
Youth ages 10–17 have a low-cost option: the Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License is $5 for both residents and nonresidents. Adults age 18 or older usually choose between the General Fishing License, an annual Combination Hunt and Fish License, or the per-day Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License.
Note: A fishing license gives legal fishing privileges, but it does not grant permission to cross private property, enter closed land, or fish waters controlled by a tribe or private owner.
Arizona residency is not based only on owning property or having an Arizona mailing address. In general, a person must be domiciled in Arizona for the six months immediately before applying and must not claim residency elsewhere. Certain active-duty military members qualify under separate residency provisions. Review the current Arizona Game and Fish Department residency guidance before choosing the resident price.
Arizona Fishing License Types and Seven-Day Costs
Arizona’s license menu does not include a product officially named a “7-day fishing license.” Instead, an adult may buy a Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License for one or more selected calendar days. Each day costs $15 for a resident or $20 for a nonresident.
| License | Resident | Nonresident | Validity and best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Fishing | $37 | $55 | 365 days; best adult value for three or more fishing days |
| Combination Hunt and Fish | $57 | $160 | 365 days; for adults who also want covered hunting privileges |
| Youth Combination Hunt and Fish, ages 10–17 | $5 | $5 | 365 days; the standard youth option |
| Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish | $15 per day | $20 per day | Selected calendar day or days; best for one- or two-day adult trips |
Short-Term Combination License Details
Each short-term unit is valid for the calendar date selected at purchase, from midnight to midnight. A buyer may select multiple dates, and the dates do not have to be consecutive. The license covers statewide fishing privileges, including Community Fishing Program waters, plus certain small-game hunting privileges. It does not replace required big-game tags, migratory-bird stamps, federal waterfowl stamps, or other hunting authorizations.
For a seven-day trip, the calculation is simple:
- Resident: 7 × $15 = $105
- Nonresident: 7 × $20 = $140
Youth License Options
Arizona does not require a youth to assemble seven daily licenses. A resident or nonresident age 10–17 can purchase the Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for $5, and it is valid for 365 days. Children under 10 may fish without a state license, although all bag limits, methods, closures, and other fishing rules still apply.
Daily Versus Annual Pricing (Breakeven Analysis)
The annual General Fishing License is less expensive than three short-term days for both residents and nonresidents. Here is how the cumulative costs stack up day-by-day:
- 1 Day: $15 Resident / $20 Nonresident (Short-term is best)
- 2 Days: $30 Resident / $40 Nonresident (Short-term is best)
- 3 Days: $45 Resident / $60 Nonresident — Breakeven Point Passed! Annual license ($37 Resident / $55 Nonresident) is now cheaper.
- 7 Days: $105 Resident / $140 Nonresident vs. $37 Resident / $55 Nonresident (Annual saves $68 Resident / $85 Nonresident).
Warning: Do not buy seven short-term days without comparing the annual license. The annual fishing-only option saves $68 for a resident and $85 for a nonresident on a seven-day trip.
Resident Versus Nonresident Short-Term Pricing
The Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License costs $15 per selected day for an Arizona resident and $20 per selected day for a nonresident. The difference is $5 per day. The correct price depends on Arizona’s legal residency rules, not simply where an angler is staying during the trip.
In general, an Arizona resident must have made Arizona a true, fixed, and permanent home for the six months immediately before applying and must not claim residency in another jurisdiction. Active-duty military provisions can allow resident treatment in specific circumstances. Anyone who does not qualify must purchase the nonresident license.
For adults, the annual General Fishing License becomes the lower-cost choice on the third fishing day.
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How to Buy License Coverage for Seven Days
Arizona hunting and fishing licenses are sold online, at Arizona Game and Fish Department offices, and through authorized license dealers. For the fastest option, use the official AZGFD license portal.
- Choose your residency status and enter the requested identity information.
- Compare the General Fishing License with the Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License.
- If buying short-term coverage, select every calendar date you plan to fish.
- Complete payment and save the license or receipt where you can show it while fishing.
Licenses cannot be returned for a refund or exchange after purchase. Review the name, date of birth, residency, and selected short-term dates before paying. Keep a saved digital copy or a printed copy where it is easy to produce while fishing.
Pro Tip: For any adult trip of three days or longer, select the General Fishing License instead of adding short-term days one by one.
Where Short-Term License Holders Can Fish
The Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License allows fishing statewide, including Community Fishing Program waters, during the selected date or dates. It can be used at many public lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams, and community ponds, subject to each waterbody’s current regulations.
A statewide license does not make every place open or every fish legal to keep. Before fishing, check:
- Daily bag and possession limits
- Minimum or maximum size limits
- Seasonal closures and special-regulation areas
- Legal bait, tackle, hook, and method restrictions
- Boat-launch, watercraft, and aquatic-invasive-species requirements
- Property access rules, posted closures, and hours
The Fish & Boat AZ map provides water-specific information and identifies many locations with special regulations. Tribal waters and privately controlled waters may require separate permission, access fees, or tribal permits, even when an Arizona state license is not the controlling document.
Arizona Fishing License Exemptions
The two broad exemptions listed by AZGFD are children under age 10 and blind Arizona residents. Arizona also holds an annual Free Fishing Day, but its date and covered waters must be confirmed each year. Even on a free day, bag limits, size limits, legal methods, and closures remain in force.
Who Is Exempt From Licensing?
- Children under 10: They may fish without buying an Arizona state license.
- Blind Arizona residents: They do not need to purchase a state fishing license.
- People fishing during an announced Free Fishing Day: The temporary waiver applies only as stated in the current AZGFD notice.
Arizona also offers certain complimentary or special licenses, including qualifying pioneer and disabled-veteran licenses. These are not automatic exemptions. Applicants must meet the stated eligibility rules and obtain the license through AZGFD.
When a State License May Not Be the Controlling Requirement
Arizona describes its general licensing requirement in terms of publicly accessible water. Private and tribal waters can operate under separate access and permit systems. Obtain the owner’s or managing authority’s permission and verify the applicable fishing rules before casting. Never assume that permission to enter private land automatically authorizes fishing, or that a state exemption waives tribal requirements.
Note: The 2026 Arizona Free Fishing Day took place on June 6, 2026. Check the AZGFD Portal in early 2027 for next year’s scheduled date.
Additional Stamps, Tags, and Permit Requirements
For ordinary Arizona fishing, the current fishing and combination licenses cover legal aquatic wildlife, including fish, crayfish, frogs, waterdogs, and softshell turtles. They also include trout privileges and fishing with two poles or lines. A separate trout stamp or two-pole stamp is not required.
That does not remove species, season, method, or water-specific restrictions. Review the current fishing regulations before taking any aquatic wildlife. If you use the combination license for hunting, separate tags or stamps may still be required for big game, migratory birds, or waterfowl, and a short-term license is not valid for every hunting purpose.
Warning: A license is only one part of compliance. Possessing an undersized fish, exceeding a bag limit, using prohibited bait, entering closed water, or fishing without required property permission can still lead to enforcement action.
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Tips for Saving on an Arizona Fishing License
- Buy annual coverage for three or more adult fishing days. The $37 resident or $55 nonresident General Fishing License beats the third short-term day.
- Use the $5 youth license. Anglers ages 10–17 do not need seven short-term licenses.
- Choose short-term dates carefully. Purchased licenses are not refundable or exchangeable.
- Watch for the annual Free Fishing Day. Confirm the current date, locations, and limitations on the official AZGFD site.
- Buy directly through AZGFD. This reduces the risk of using an outdated third-party fee table or an unofficial sales page.
- Check your existing account first. A still-valid annual license may already cover the planned trip.
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Sources
- Arizona Game and Fish Department: Licenses and Regulations — current license fees, age requirements, validity, refunds, and purchase locations.
- Arizona Game and Fish Department: Hunting Licenses — combination-license privileges, residency rules, military provisions, and complimentary licenses.
- Arizona Fishing Regulations: License and Fee Structure — short-term date selection, aquatic-wildlife coverage, trout and two-pole privileges, and boundary-water notes.
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: Arizona Administrative Code R12-4-102 — official fee schedule.
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: Arizona Administrative Code R12-4-210 — short-term combination license duration and limitations.
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: Arizona Administrative Code R12-4-311 — private-water and Free Fishing Day exemptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arizona sell a seven-day fishing license?
No. Arizona sells a Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License by the selected calendar day. Seven days cost $105 for a resident or $140 for a nonresident, but the annual General Fishing License is cheaper.
Can I refund an unused short-term fishing license?
Generally, no. AZGFD states that purchased licenses cannot be returned for a refund or exchange. Check all personal details and selected fishing dates before completing payment.
Are youth discounts available?
Yes. Residents and nonresidents ages 10–17 can buy a Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License for $5. It lasts 365 days. Children under 10 do not need an Arizona state fishing license.
Do boat rentals include a fishing license?
Usually not. A boat rental and an individual fishing license are separate unless the operator clearly states otherwise. Each angler should confirm personal license requirements before fishing.
Can I transfer my license to another person?
No. A fishing license is issued to the named license holder and cannot be shared or transferred. Each angler who is not exempt needs the appropriate license.
Is night fishing allowed with a short-term license?
A short-term license does not create a statewide ban on night fishing. However, individual waters, parks, access sites, or local authorities may set hours or closures. Check the specific location before fishing after dark.
Must multiple short-term days be consecutive?
No. The buyer selects the valid date or dates when purchasing, and multiple short-term days do not have to be consecutive.
Conclusion
For a seven-day Arizona fishing trip, do not look for a separate weekly license. Seven short-term days would cost $105 for a resident or $140 for a nonresident, while the 365-day General Fishing License costs only $37 or $55. Youth ages 10–17 can use the $5 Youth Combination license. Buy through AZGFD, carry proof, and check the rules for the exact water before fishing.
