You’ll pay about $5 for a one‑year junior fishing license if you’re a resident aged 13–15, and roughly $50 if you’re a nonresident; at 16 you move to the regular license. Buy online from the Fish and Boat Commission or authorized agents, download immediately, and keep a digital or printed copy. Youth under 16 often must fish with a licensed adult; trout and special permits may have extra rules and fees — read on for full specifics.
License Term and Eligibility for Ages 13–15
When you’re 13–15, you’re eligible for a junior hunting license that also covers fishing in many jurisdictions; it’s priced at $5.00 for residents and $50.00 for non-residents and is generally valid for the same one‑year term as adult licenses from the purchase date.
You’ll need that license to meet license eligibility standards that states enforce for youth anglers. Policy requires a valid fishing license for anyone 13 and older in most states, so you shouldn’t assume exemptions apply.
The junior license aligns with fishing regulations and lets you fish under youth-specific rules and access youth programs and events that emphasize safety and compliance.
Note that at 16 you shift to a regular fishing license with different fees and obligations.
For enforcement and planning, keep documentation of purchase and expiration dates, follow local bag, size, and season limits, and consult state agency resources to confirm regional variations in license eligibility and regulation enforcement.
Junior Fishing License Fees for Residents and Nonresidents
Because states set clear fee tiers, junior fishing licenses cost $5.00 for resident anglers aged 13–15 and $50.00 for nonresidents, and both permit fishing in designated waters subject to local bag, size, and season regulations.
Junior fishing licenses: $5 for resident anglers 13–15, $50 for nonresidents — valid in designated waters with local limits.
You’ll find that the fee structure reflects policy goals: affordable access for residents and cost recovery from nonresident use. The junior license benefits include equivalent access to most fisheries and simplified compliance with fishing regulations tailored to age-specific limits.
You can fish independently under a junior license, although certain events require a licensed adult present; that condition aligns with event safety and liability policy. Licenses generally mirror adult privileges but remain constrained by size, bag, and season rules that you must follow.
From a regulatory perspective, the fee differential funds local conservation while keeping youth participation affordable. When evaluating value, compare permitted activities, enforcement standards, and any age-based exceptions to confirm the license meets your angling needs.
Where and How to Purchase a Junior License
Having covered fee tiers and privileges, you’ll next need to buy the appropriate credential: junior hunting and fishing licenses (ages 13–15) and related permits are issued online through the Fish and Boat Commission.
You’ll create an account on the Commission’s site, complete required youth information, and select the product: Junior Hunting License ($5 resident, $50 nonresident), Voluntary Youth License ($2.97) or the free Mentored Youth Permit. The Mentored Youth Permit is mandatory for Mentored Youth Trout Day and requires presence of a licensed adult angler.
Complete the online purchase, pay applicable fees, and immediately download license documents. Keep digital and printed copies available during outings; enforcement officers will expect proof.
The Voluntary Youth License supports youth programs and grants year‑round fishing privileges. Follow site prompts to update personal or guardian details and verify the transaction reference.
If you’ve questions, the Commission’s help resources and FAQs clarify account setup, permitted activities, and document retrieval procedures.
Exemptions and When a License Is Not Required
Anyone under 16 doesn’t need a Maryland fishing license, but they must fish with a licensed adult angler present; active-duty military on leave with official orders are also exempt, as are family members fishing from a waterfront owner’s property and anglers of any age on designated free fishing days. You should know these license exemptions are narrow and tied to specific conditions in state fishing regulations. You must remain with the licensed adult, carry proof of orders if claiming military exemption, or be clearly on the waterfront property to qualify.
| Exemption Type | Condition | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| Youth under 16 | Must be accompanied | Presence of licensed adult |
| Active-duty military | On official leave | Official orders |
| Waterfront family | Fishing from owner’s property | Property access |
| Free fishing days | State-declared dates | Date confirmation |
Follow fishing regulations closely; enforcement targets violations where exemptions aren’t fully documented.
Trout Stamp and Additional Permit Requirements
You must carry a valid Trout Stamp to catch, attempt to catch, or possess trout in nontidal waters if you’re 16 or older.
Youth anglers also need either a free Mentored Youth Permit (restricted to designated Mentored Youth Trout Days and prohibits adults from possessing trout the youth caught) or a $2.97 Voluntary Youth Fishing License to legally fish for trout.
Note that Trout Stamps don’t apply to trout taken from private or licensed fee fishing lakes.
Trout Stamp Requirement
Because trout in nontidal waters are a regulated species, anglers 16 and older must purchase a trout stamp to catch, attempt to catch, or possess trout, though trout taken from privately owned lakes or licensed fee-fishing lakes are exempt.
Youths under 16 are exempt from the stamp requirement, and on Mentored Youth Trout Day participants need either a Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License.
You should carry the stamp when fishing regulated waters and confirm area-specific rules, since local trout fishing regulations can impose additional requirements.
This policy supports conservation and funds hatchery programs tied to youth angler programs.
Check official agency resources before you fish, record compliance actions, and retain receipts or proof of purchase to avoid violations during enforcement checks.
Youth Permit Rules
While youth under 16 are exempt from the trout stamp, anglers aged 16 and older must hold a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit to catch or possess trout in nontidal waters; mentors must also carry both a license and permit when supervising youth.
You’ll need the free Mentored Youth Permit to participate on Mentored Youth Trout Day; it authorizes two trout (combined species) with a 7-inch minimum. A Voluntary Youth Fishing License ($2.97) funds year‑round youth programs and lets youth fish independently when accompanied by a licensed adult.
For mentored fishing, mentors must maintain proximity and supervision per site-specific youth regulations. Always verify local Mentored Youth Fishing Day rules and carry required documentation to comply with enforcement.
Reciprocity and Fishing Across State Lines
When fishing near state borders, check specific reciprocal agreements that let residents use their home-state licenses only on designated waters.
For interstate fishing you must confirm which license agreements apply to each waterbody: Maryland nontidal licensees can fish from Virginia banks of the Potomac, and Virginia residents can fish designated Potomac areas with their valid Virginia licenses.
Maryland Chesapeake Bay license holders may fish Virginia tidal saltwater under reciprocal registration. A Pennsylvania license permits fishing in Conowingo and Youghiogheny reservoirs within Maryland; conversely, Maryland nontidal license holders may fish the Pennsylvania portions of those reservoirs.
West Virginia residents can fish nontidal Potomac waters opposite West Virginia with a valid license, and Maryland nontidal licensees may fish from West Virginia banks.
These reciprocal policies typically cover only specific waters and rarely include tributaries or shore fishing unless the regulations explicitly state otherwise.
Always verify current state regulations before crossing lines to avoid violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Fish With a Guardian’s Adult License Instead of a Junior License?
No, you can’t use a guardian’s adult license in lieu of a junior one; regulations require minors to hold their own valid license unless a specific exemption applies. Verify adult supervision and check local fishing regulations for exceptions.
Are Sponsorships or Scholarships Available for License Fees?
Yes — about 40% of state programs report funding help; you’ll find sponsorship opportunities and scholarship programs through nonprofits, schools, or state fish agencies, so check official sites and apply with required income or activity documentation.
Is Catch-And-Release Encouraged or Required for Junior Anglers?
It’s generally encouraged, not always required; you’ll follow specific local regulations. Catch and release benefits population management and conservation. Programs emphasize fishing ethics education, providing data-driven guidelines, mandatory rules, and best-practice handling techniques.
Do Junior Licenses Include Access to Special Youth Fishing Events?
Yes — you’ll often get access to youth events and fishing programs with a junior license; check local agency rules and event listings for specific eligibility, age limits, and required registration or permits before attending organized youth fishing activities.
Can a Junior License Be Renewed Online Automatically Next Year?
Yes, you can: check eligibility, confirm details, authorize payment. The renewal process offers online options in many states, but policies vary—verify your agency’s guidelines, update records promptly, and schedule automatic renewal if available.
Conclusion
You now know the core rules for junior angler licensing: ages 13–15 need a license, fees differ for residents and nonresidents, purchase is available online or at licensed vendors, and exemptions/extra permits (like trout stamps) may apply. Follow reciprocity policies when fishing across state lines. Treat the regulations like a map—follow it to stay compliant and avoid fines. Check your state’s agency for exact fees, application steps, and current exemptions.
