You’ll usually pay very little to fish as a junior: residents aged 13–15 often pay about $5, nonresidents around $50, while many states let anglers under 16 fish free or under a mentored permit at no cost. Licenses run 365 days from purchase; trout stamps or program fees may apply. Rules, age bands, and reciprocity vary by state, so check local regs — keep going and you’ll find the specific steps and exceptions.

License Term and Validity for Junior Anglers

Youth fishing licenses run for 365 days from the purchase date, so you get a full year of coverage like adult anglers. That clear license duration means you won’t need to renew mid-season, and it aligns youth eligibility rules with standard license administration.

If you’re 13 to 15 and considering a junior hunting license, note the separate fee structure — $5.00 for residents, $50.00 for non-residents — but fishing follows the one-year validity pattern.

You’ll also find options that affect whether you need a formal license at all: many states exempt anglers under 16 from requiring a fishing license, though you must still follow local regulations.

The Mentored Youth Permit, free and tied to supervised fishing days, gives you a no-cost way to participate. For ongoing support and perks, the Voluntary Youth License at $2.97 backs year-round programs while keeping your youth eligibility intact and affordable.

Who Qualifies for a Junior Fishing License

Although kids between 13 and 15 are the primary group eligible for a Junior Fishing License, you’ll also want to check other pathways like mentored or voluntary permits that affect who needs a formal license.

You’ll find junior fishing eligibility centers on age, but mentorship and program rules shift who must hold a license. Generally, youth under 16 are exempt unless they join specific events or programs that require one.

• Ages 13–15: qualify for a Junior Fishing License and must follow youth angling requirements tied to that license.
• Under 16: usually exempt from a general license, unless participating in regulated programs or competitions.
• Mentored Youth Permit: lets you fish while accompanied by a licensed adult angler; it’s designed to teach and comply with youth angling requirements.
• Voluntary Youth License: supports fishing programs and may be required by organizers even if state law exempts your age group.

Check local rules before you fish to confirm which pathway applies to you.

Junior License Fees: Resident Vs Nonresident

Now that you know who generally needs a junior license or can fish exempt, you’ll want to compare costs for residents versus nonresidents.

You’ll notice clear junior licensing trends: residents pay much less. A resident junior hunting license is $5 for ages 13–15, while nonresidents in that bracket pay $50. For fishing, resident licenses for ages 16–64 run $8.50; nonresidents pay $20. Residents who fish and fall in the 16–64 range also need a $4.20 trout stamp, a charge nonresidents don’t pay separately because their standard license covers it.

If your child is under 16, they can fish in Maryland without a license, which keeps participation accessible and supports youth conservation initiatives by removing cost barriers.

Be aware special rules like Mentored Youth Permits or Voluntary Youth Licenses may apply in specific situations, so check current regulations before you head out.

What the Junior License Permits You to Do

If you get a Junior Fishing License for your child, it lets them fish on their own and legally catch and possess species under the state’s limits while following size and bag rules.

You’ll give them a chance to practice fishing techniques and build confidence without adult-only restrictions, and the license encourages responsible use of waterways through conservation practices taught on the water.

You should expect the license to:

• Allow independent angling within state regulations, including size and bag limits.
• Enable hands-on learning of fishing techniques like casting, baiting, and catch handling.
• Require adherence to all rules and promote reporting violations or unusual catches.
• Support outdoor skill development and awareness of conservation practices such as catch-and-release and habitat care.

Age Restrictions and Transition to Adult Licenses

When your child reaches the age where youth exemptions end, you’ll need to switch them to an adult fishing license and any required permits so they’re compliant with state rules.

When your child ages out of youth exemptions, transition them to an adult fishing license and any required permits to stay compliant.

Pay attention to age considerations: many states exempt anglers under 16, so a child who’s been fishing freely will typically need a license at 16. Licensing differences matter — junior hunting licenses (ages 13–15) cost $5 for residents and $50 for non-residents, but fishing rules differ by state and activity.

At the changeover, you’ll buy a valid adult fishing license and any extra permits the state requires — for example, Pennsylvania mandates a Trout Permit for anyone 16 or older who wants trout in nontidal waters.

You can guide your teen through required paperwork and explain season, bag, and species rules so they understand compliance. Planning ahead avoids fines and keeps outings legal and enjoyable.

How to Apply: Online, In Person, and By Mail

You can apply for a youth fishing license online by creating an account on your state wildlife agency’s website, selecting the youth option, and completing payment.

If you prefer face-to-face help, visit a licensed agent statewide to submit your application and get immediate assistance.

Or download the mail-in form, fill it out, and send it with a check — note the free Mentored Youth Permit is required for Mentored Youth Fishing Days.

Online Purchase Steps

Wondering how to get a youth fishing license? You can complete online registration quickly through your state wildlife agency’s website.

Create an account using the youth’s date of birth and Social Security number, upload required digital documentation, pay fees, and download the license right away. Follow prompts carefully to avoid delays.

• Visit the official state wildlife agency site and choose “Buy a License”
• Create an account with the youth’s DOB and SSN, then verify identity
• Upload proof of residency and ID as digital documentation, if requested
• Pay online and save or print the electronic license

If you hit a snag, use the site’s help or call the agency rather than visiting in person.

In-Person Options

If online signup isn’t convenient, head to one of over 250 sport license agents or a regional service center for immediate help and same-day issuance of youth fishing licenses.

You’ll find agents across the state—search by your area to pick the most convenient location. Staff at regional centers can walk you through the application, answer questions, and connect you with youth outreach programs or local fishing education events.

Bring ID and payment method accepted by the agent; they’ll complete the transaction on site. In-person service works well if you want hands-on guidance or have questions about rules and seasons.

If you can’t visit, the mail option exists, but note that’s covered in the next section.

Mail Application Process

When online or in-person signup isn’t convenient, you can download and mail a completed youth fishing license application with a check to the regional service center; this option works well if you prefer paperwork or don’t need the license immediately.

You’ll still create an account on the Fish and Boat Commission site if you want records, but mailing handles both Mentored Youth Permit and Voluntary Youth License forms.

Follow these mail application tips to avoid delays and speed application processing:

• Complete all sections and sign; incomplete forms slow application processing.
• Include the correct fee by check and write the applicant’s name on the memo line.
• Mail to the designated regional service center listed on the commission site.
• Submit before planned fishing dates and carry required adult supervision.

Trout Stamp and Additional Requirements for Youth

If you plan to catch trout in Pennsylvania nontidal waters and are 16 or older, you’ll need a valid fishing license plus a current Trout Permit and should know how to buy one.

Youth under 16 are exempt from the standard license but still need either the free Mentored Youth Permit for supervised events or the $2.97 Voluntary Youth License for broader benefits.

I’ll explain who needs a stamp, the youth exemptions, and the simple purchasing options next.

Who Needs a Stamp

Wondering who needs a Trout Stamp? You’ll want to know trout regulations that affect youth anglers so you don’t get caught off guard.

If you’re 16 or older, you must have a valid Trout Stamp to catch, attempt to catch, or possess trout in nontidal waters.

Note special situations that change what you need:

• Trout Stamp not required for trout taken from privately owned or licensed fee fishing lakes.
• Youth anglers can fish with a free Mentored Youth Permit or a $2.97 Voluntary Youth Fishing License.
• On Mentored Youth Trout Day, you must be accompanied by a licensed adult with a Pennsylvania Fishing License and Trout Permit.
• Anglers under 16 don’t need a license or Trout Stamp when accompanied by a licensed adult in designated areas.

Exemptions for Youths

You’ve seen who needs a Trout Stamp; now let’s look at how youths are handled. In Maryland, you don’t need a fishing license if you’re under 16, so youth fishing is very accessible.

For specific trout events, a Mentored Youth Permit is required to take part in Mentored Youth Trout Days, but that permit is free. During those days, youth anglers may keep up to two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of 7 inches.

When you mentor, remember adults must hold a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit to supervise. Rules can differ by state, so check local regulations before you go.

These mentorship opportunities are great for introducing kids to responsible fishing.

How to Purchase

Ready to buy a youth trout stamp or permit? You’ll use HuntFish.pa.gov to create an account, enter the youth’s personal info, and select the right item—Mentored Youth Permit (free) for Mentored Youth Trout Day, or a Trout Permit if they’re 16+.

Keep youth fishing regulations and license application tips in mind as you proceed.

• Check age-specific requirements: Junior Hunting License fees apply for ages 13–15; Trout Permit is mandatory at 16+.
• Select the Voluntary Youth License ($2.97) if you want to support programs.
• Note the Mentored Youth Permit allows two trout on Mentored Youth Trout Day.
• Non-resident fee differences: junior licenses cost $5.00 residents, $50.00 non-residents.

Complete payment and print or save proof for outings.

Exemptions That Affect Young Anglers

When you’re planning a fishing trip with young anglers, it’s good to know which exemptions make participation easier: in Maryland kids under 16 don’t need a license, Mentored Youth Trout Day offers a free permit (with a two-trout limit of 7 inches minimum), and active duty military on leave can fish without a license—just remember adults fishing alongside youth must carry a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and Trout Permit when required.

You’ll want to check local fishing regulations before you go so you’re sure which rules apply where. The Mentored Youth Permit lets a youth take two trout total, encouraging early participation without cost.

Check local regulations before you go — the Mentored Youth Permit lets a child take two trout free.

If you’re an active duty service member on leave, take advantage of the license exemption but keep ID handy. As an adult mentor, carry the proper Pennsylvania credentials when supervising youth.

These exemptions reduce barriers to youth fishing while keeping limits and permit requirements clear, so everyone fishes legally and safely.

Reciprocity and Fishing Across State Lines

If you plan to fish near state lines, check which reciprocal license areas apply so you don’t get caught out.

Many agreements let licensed anglers use neighboring waters—like parts of the Potomac, Conowingo, Youghiogheny, and tidal zones—provided you follow the other state’s registration and rule requirements.

Always confirm the specific interstate fishing rules and registration steps before you go.

Reciprocal License Areas

Because several states have limited reciprocity agreements, you can often fish across certain stretches of the Potomac and a few reservoirs with your home-state nontidal license, but only within the specified waters and while following the host state’s rules.

These reciprocal agreements make it simpler to enjoy nearby waters, but you must know local fishing regulations and where reciprocity actually applies.

• Maryland and Virginia residents may fish designated opposite banks of the Potomac with their nontidal licenses.
• West Virginia license holders can fish nontidal Potomac waters opposite West Virginia; Maryland anglers have limited access to WV banks.
• Pennsylvania licenses cover Conowingo and Youghiogheny reservoirs in Maryland.
• Reciprocity excludes tributaries and most shore fishing; always check boundary maps and rules before you go.

Interstate Fishing Rules

Those reciprocity pockets make it easier to fish nearby waters, but you’ll still need to know the rules that govern crossing state lines while angling.

Reciprocal agreements let you fish specific stretches—Maryland nontidal licensees can fish parts of the Potomac in Virginia and Virginia anglers can fish from Maryland banks; West Virginia licensees may fish opposite WV on the Potomac and Maryland anglers may use West Virginia banks without a WV license; Pennsylvania license holders can use Conowingo and Youghiogheny reservoirs in Maryland and Maryland licensees may fish the Pennsylvania portions.

Even with reciprocity, you must follow the fishing regulations of the water you use and confirm any special limits, seasons, or gear restrictions.

Check state agencies before you go to avoid fines.

Mentored Youth Programs and Voluntary Youth Permits

When you want to introduce young anglers to fishing safely, Pennsylvania’s mentored youth programs and voluntary youth permit make it easy: you can choose a free Mentored Youth Permit for supervised trout days or a low-cost Voluntary Youth License for independent year-round fishing.

Mentored programs focus on hands-on instruction and youth conservation while letting a licensed adult guide novices.

Mentored programs provide hands-on instruction and conservation education while a licensed adult guides young anglers.

• Mentored Youth Permit: free, valid for designated Mentored Youth Trout Days under a licensed adult’s supervision.
• Catch limit on Mentored Days: two trout total (combined species), minimum 7 inches.
• Voluntary Youth License: $2.97, supports year-round youth fishing programs and lets youth fish without supervision.
• Age rules: once you’re 16 or older you must carry a valid PA Fishing License and current Trout Permit to catch or possess trout.

Both options promote participation and stewardship, so you can pick supervision or independence while supporting conservation and education for young anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Fishing Safety Courses Required for Junior License Holders?

No, you usually won’t need mandatory fishing safety courses for junior license holders, though some states require them; check local fishing regulations overview and junior license eligibility details so you’ll meet any course or safety requirements.

Can Junior Anglers Sell Fish They Catch?

Generally, you can’t sell fish caught under a junior license; regulations overview requires recreational catches stay noncommercial, and ethical considerations stress conservation and honesty. Check local rules, though, since some areas allow exceptions with permits.

Are There Discounts for Families Buying Multiple Junior Licenses?

Yes — families often reel in family package discounts and multiple license savings, so you’ll pay less buying together. Check your state agency’s site for specific rates, eligibility, and how many licenses qualify for the discount.

Do Junior Licenses Cover Saltwater Fishing in Coastal Areas?

Yes — your junior license often covers coastal fishing, but you’ll need to follow saltwater regulations specific to that area; check local rules and any additional saltwater endorsements or permits before fishing from shore or boat.

Is Gear or Tackle Included With the Junior License Purchase?

No—you’re not getting free gear or a tackle treasure chest with the junior license; it only covers permission to fish. You’ll still need to meet gear requirements and choose your own tackle options before heading out.

Conclusion

You’re ready to get your junior fishing license and start casting — and no, it won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a resident or visiting, junior fees are usually lower, age limits are clear, and some programs even let an adult mentor you without extra cost. If you’re worried about confusing rules, check your state’s site once and you’ll be set: permits, trout stamps, and reciprocity details are all straightforward and easy to follow.