Arizona boasts over 100 fishable lakes, dozens of urban community fishing ponds, and world-class trout streams in the White Mountains — and every license includes trout and two-pole privileges at no extra cost. Whether you’re chasing bass at Roosevelt Lake, trout at Lee’s Ferry, or catfish in the urban fishing ponds around Phoenix and Tucson, here’s exactly what you’ll pay for a 2026 Arizona fishing license.
2026 Arizona Fishing License Costs at a Glance
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| General Fishing License | $37.00 | $55.00 |
| Combination Hunt & Fish | $57.00 | $160.00 |
| Youth Combo (ages 10–17) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Short-Term Combo (per day) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
Source: Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), current as of March 2026.
Who Pays What? Quick Reference
| Angler | Annual Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident 18+ | $37.00 | General Fishing — includes trout & two-pole |
| Non-Resident 18+ | $55.00 | General Fishing — includes trout & two-pole |
| Youth 10–17 | $5.00 | Combo (fish + hunt) — same for R and NR |
| Under 10 | Free | No license required |
| Blind Resident | Free | No license required |
What’s Included with Every License
Arizona stands out among states for the inclusive value of its standard fishing license:
- ✅ Trout fishing — no separate stamp or endorsement
- ✅ Two-pole fishing — fish with two rods simultaneously
- ✅ All public waters — freshwater lakes, streams, rivers, and community fishing waters
- ✅ Community Fishing Program waters — formerly required a separate license (discontinued 2022)
Bottom line: In Arizona, one license covers everything. No hidden add-ons.
Lifetime License Options (Residents Only)
Arizona offers lifetime fishing licenses at prices that vary by age at purchase:
Lifetime Fishing Only
| Age at Purchase | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0–13 | $629.00 |
| 14–29 | $666.00 |
| 30–44 | $592.00 |
| 45–61 | $555.00 |
| 62+ | $296.00 |
Lifetime Hunt & Fish Combo
| Age at Purchase | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0–13 | $969.00 |
| 14–29 | $1,029.00 |
| 30–44 | $912.00 |
| 45–61 | $855.00 |
| 62+ | $456.00 |
Lifetime Wildlife Benefactor
| License | Fee | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Benefactor | $1,500.00 | Hunting, fishing, trout, two-pole + conservation donation |
Key benefit: Lifetime licenses remain valid even if you move out of Arizona. They cover the same privileges as an annual license — forever.
Cost Comparison: Short-Term vs. Annual
| Duration | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| 3 Days | $45.00 | $60.00 |
| 7 Days | $105.00 | $140.00 |
| Annual | $37.00 | $55.00 |
Pro Tip: The annual license is cheaper than just 3 days of short-term licenses. Even for a short trip, buy the annual — it’s valid for a full year from purchase.
License Validity
- Duration: Valid for one year from date of purchase (not calendar year)
- Coverage: All public freshwater and community fishing waters
- Includes: Trout, two-pole, and community fishing privileges
- Digital accepted: Print or save to your phone
Where to Buy
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | AZGFD License Portal — instant digital license |
| In Person | Sportsman’s Warehouse, Walmart, Bass Pro, tackle shops, AZGFD offices |
| By Phone | Call (602) 942-3000 |
2026 Free Fishing Day
Arizona designates one Free Fishing Day per year during National Fishing and Boating Week.
2026 Free Fishing Day: Saturday, June 6, 2026
On this day, no fishing license is required for anyone fishing in Arizona’s public waters. All regulations — including bag limits, size limits, and method restrictions — remain in effect. AZGFD typically hosts special stocking events and loaner gear programs on Free Fishing Day. Children under 10 can fish free year-round regardless of this event.
Where Your License Fees Go
Arizona fishing license revenue directly funds:
- Fish hatcheries — weekly stocking of trout, bass, catfish, and sunfish across 100+ waters
- Habitat restoration — lake and stream projects, riparian area protection
- Research — population monitoring, endangered species recovery
- Public access — boat ramps, fishing piers, and community fishing waters
- Education — youth fishing clinics and Free Fishing Day events
- Enforcement — AZGFD wildlife managers patrolling public waters
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Arizona fishing license in 2026?
A resident general fishing license costs $37.00. Non-residents pay $55.00. Youth (10–17) pay $5.00 for both resident and non-resident.
Do I need a trout stamp in Arizona?
No. All Arizona fishing licenses include trout fishing privileges — no separate stamp or endorsement needed.
How much is a lifetime fishing license in Arizona?
Lifetime fishing licenses range from $555.00 (ages 45–61) to $666.00 (ages 14–29) for residents. Seniors 62+ pay $296.00. A Lifetime Hunt & Fish Combo ranges from $456.00 to $1,029.00.
Is the short-term license worth it?
Usually not. The annual license ($37 resident / $55 non-resident) is cheaper than just 3 days of short-term licenses ($45/$60). Buy the annual even for a short trip.
When is Arizona’s Free Fishing Day?
Arizona’s Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 6, 2026, during National Fishing and Boating Week. No license required for anyone.
Related Guides:
How to Get a Fishing License in Arizona
How Much Is a Fishing License in California?
