Fishing License

Most licenses, except the Lifetime Sportsman License and specialty licenses, such as Wheelchair, Disabled Veteran, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and Blind Fishing licenses, are available from most county clerks, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, boat docks, online, and from all TWRA offices. If you're 15 or older, you need a fishing license before casting your line. Fees vary depending on your age, whether you're a state resident, and whether you have a disability. All fishing licenses expire at the end of the calendar year Log into MassFishHunt to buy a license. A valid fishing license with a freshwater or saltwater endorsement is required to take fish, mussels, clams, crayfish, or other aquatic life in the public waters of Texas. A hunting license is required to take turtles and frogs. After purchasing a license: Carry a signed license (and applicable federal stamps and HIP number) or the electronic copy on you while fishing, hunting or trapping. Present or show the license upon request from a DNR Conservation Officer or any other authorized law enforcement officer.

Resident Requirements

A resident fishing license is required of any resident who fishes in the public waters of Texas.

Exceptions

A license/package is not required for the following residents:

• a person under 17 years of age.
• a person born before January 1, 1931.
• a person with an intellectual disability fishing as part
  of medically approved therapy, under the immediate supervision of personnel approved or employed by a hospital, residence, or school for persons with an intellectual disability. The person with an intellectual disability must carry an authorization identifying the entity supplying the service. This authorization may be in the form of an identification card that contains the name of the sponsoring entity; or
• a person with an intellectual disability fishing under the direct supervision of a licensed angler who is either a family member or has permission from the family to take the person fishing. While fishing, the person with an intellectual disability needs a note from a doctor stating the person has been diagnosed as having an intellectual disability.

Federal Fishing License

Non-resident Requirements

A non-resident fishing license is required of all non-residents who fish in the public waters of Texas.

Exceptions

Licenses/Packages are not required for:

• non-residents under 17 years of age;
• Louisiana resident 65 years of age or older who possesses a valid Louisiana Recreational Fishing License (includes Senior Fish/Hunt License); or
• Oklahoma resident 65 years of age or older.

Requirements for Aquatic Species

A valid fishing license with a freshwater or saltwater endorsement is required to take fish, mussels, clams, crayfish, or other aquatic life in the public waters of Texas.

A hunting license is required to take turtles and frogs.

Freshwater Packages

Includes a resident, senior resident, or non-resident fishing license valid from the date of sale to Aug. 31 of the same year and a freshwater endorsement. A saltwater endorsement may also be purchased.

Senior freshwater package is available to any Texas resident who is at least 65 years of age and was born on or after January 1, 1931.

Saltwater Packages

Includes a resident, senior resident, or non-resident fishing license valid from the date of sale to Aug. 31 of the same year and a saltwater endorsement with a red drum tag. A freshwater endorsement may also be purchased.

Senior saltwater package is available to any Texas resident who is at least 65 years of age and was born on or after January 1, 1931.

All-Water Packages

Includes a resident, senior resident, or non-resident fishing license, a freshwater endorsement, and a saltwater endorsement with a red drum tag.

All-water package licenses are valid from the date of sale to Aug. 31 of the same year. Year-from-purchase all-water packages are valid from the date of purchase through the end of the purchase month of the next license year.

Senior All-Water Package is available to any Texas resident who is at least 65 years of age and was born on or after January 1, 1931.

All-Water Licenses

Special resident all-water fishing license is available to any Texas resident who is legally blind. Endorsements are not required for this license. Includes one red drum tag.

One-day all-water license includes a resident or non-resident fishing license valid for the selected day or days purchased. Endorsements are not required for this license. Consecutive days may be bought at the time of purchase. One red drum tag is available at no additional charge with purchase of the first one-day license only.

Fishing Guide Licenses

Fishing Guide Licenses are required for any person who for compensation, accompanies, assists or transports any person engaged in fishing in the waters of the state. For fees and details, see Commercial Licenses or download the Commercial Fishing Guide.

Lake Texoma License

With this license, valid until December 31 following the date of issuance, a person may fish in both the Texas and Oklahoma waters of Lake Texoma without any additional Texas or Oklahoma fishing licenses. A Texas resident 65 years of age or older does not need this license to fish in the Oklahoma portion of Lake Texoma. Lake Texoma license is valid only on Lake Texoma.

Sport Oyster Boat Licenses

Required when using a sport oyster dredge or tongs to harvest oysters recreationally. For this license only, residency is based on the boat's records. Available only at TPWD HQ or Law Enforcement offices.

The resident sport oyster boat license is for boats with a current registration in Texas, or having a current certificate of documentation from the U.S. Coast Guard that shows the owner's address is in Texas.

The non-resident sport oyster boat license is for boats with a current registration not in Texas or having a current certificate of documentation from the U.S. Coast Guard that shows the owner's address not in Texas.

Lifetime Fishing Licenses and Tags

Lifetime licenses and tags are available to Texas residents and are valid for the lifetime of the license holder.

Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. Everyone age 15 and older needs a fishing license. You do not need a license if you are fishing for common carp, crawfish, bullfrogs, or collecting relic shells.

If you're fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab, your license will come with a catch record card to track your harvest. Everyone, including those younger than 15, must carry a catch record card when fishing. All catch record cards must be returned to WDFW by the appropriate deadline, even if you didn't catch anything.

Buying a license

If you're ready to buy a license, you can visit our online licensing system, contact us by phone at 360-902-2464, or visit one of the hundreds of license dealers around the state. When buying online or by phone, it may take up to 10 days to receive your license in the mail. If your WILD ID has an email address associated with it, you will be emailed a temporary license to use for that 10-day period. There are no temporary catch record cards or tags. If you need immediate use of a catch record card or tag, please visit a local license dealer to make your purchase.

Federal and state law require everyone 15 and older to provide their social security number before purchasing a license, whether buying in person, online, or by phone.

Fishing license types and fees

View a table of all available recreational fishing licenses, permits, and endorsements

Catch record cards

You must have a catch record card in your possession when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness crab.

Fishing license endorsements

Endorsements may be purchased along with your fishing license to enhance your fishing opportunities.

Fishing License Near Me

Group fishing permits

Specialty permits for group fishing activities by state-run facilities, non-profits, and angler training classes.

Print My Fishing License

Fishing contest rules and permits

A fishing contest is any event where six or more licensed anglers fish competitively for gamefish and determine winners.

Canadian salmon trip notification

Anglers who plan to fish for salmon in Canadian marine waters and return to Washington with their catch must notify WDFW before leaving state waters.

Fish stocking and transport permits

Permits are required to transport fish into and through Washington state, and to stock approved private ponds and water bodies with fish.

Free Florida Fishing License Online

Shellfish import and transfer permits

Information on how to apply for a permit to import out of state shellfish or transfer shellfish within Washington State.

Voluntary Trip Report program

Buy A Fishing License Online

Voluntary trip reports help WDFW maximize recreational salmon fishing opportunities each year.