A Georgia fishing license is one of the most affordable in the southeastern United States. Residents pay just $15.00 per year for a license that covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing across the entire state. Non-residents pay $50.00 annually.
This guide breaks down every license fee for 2026, including trout add-ons, short-term options, senior discounts, lifetime licenses, and free fishing days.
Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, updated for 2026 fishing season.
2026 Georgia Fishing License Fees at a Glance
Annual Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $15.00 | $50.00 |
| Annual Sportsman’s License (hunting + fishing) | $65.00 | $400.00 |
| Annual Combination (hunting + fishing) | $30.00 | $150.00 |
A $3.00 online transaction fee applies to all purchases through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com.
Short-Term Licenses
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| One-Day Fishing License | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Each Additional Consecutive Day | +$1.00 | +$3.50 |
| One-Day Sportsman’s License | $25.00 | $170.00 |
Quick math for non-residents: If you’re visiting Georgia for a week (7 days), a daily license would cost $10.00 + (6 × $3.50) = $31.00, which is cheaper than the $50.00 annual license. For trips longer than ~11 days, the annual license is the better deal.
Trout Fishing Licenses (Add-On)
A trout license is required in addition to your base fishing license if you fish in designated trout waters or possess trout.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Trout License | $10.00 | $25.00 |
| One-Day Trout License | $5.00 | $10.00 |
Senior & Disability Discounts
| License Type | Cost | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Sportsman’s License (annual) | $7.00 | Georgia residents 65 and older |
| Senior Lifetime Sportsman’s License | $70.00 | Georgia residents 65 and older (born after June 30, 1952) |
| Senior Lifetime Fishing Only | $35.00 | Georgia residents 65 and older (born after June 30, 1952) |
| Free Lifetime Sportsman’s License | $0.00 | Georgia residents born on or before June 30, 1952 |
| Disability Fishing License (annual) | $3.00 | Residents with permanent total disability |
| Disability Fishing License (3-year) | $9.00 | Residents with permanent total disability |
Lifetime Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Lifetime Sportsman’s | $70.00 | Seniors 65+ (born after June 30, 1952) |
| Resident Lifetime Fishing Only | $35.00 | Seniors 65+ (born after June 30, 1952) |
| Resident Born Before July 1, 1952 | Free | All hunting and fishing privileges |
Note: Georgia does not offer lifetime fishing licenses for all age groups like some other states. The lifetime option is only available to qualifying seniors.
Saltwater Fishing Permit
| Permit | Cost | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Saltwater Information Program (SIP) Permit | Free | All saltwater fishing in Georgia |
The SIP permit is valid for 365 days from the date of registration. Register online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com or by calling 1-800-366-2661.
How Georgia Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Resident Annual | Non-Resident Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $15.00 | $50.00 |
| Florida | $17.00 (freshwater) | $47.00 (freshwater) |
| Alabama | $15.10 | $55.75 |
| South Carolina | $10.00 | $35.00 |
| North Carolina | $25.00 | $45.00 |
| Tennessee | $28.00 | $50.00 |
Georgia’s $15.00 resident license is among the most affordable in the Southeast, and unlike many states, a single license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing (with the free SIP registration).
Where to Buy a Georgia Fishing License
Online (24/7)
Visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com — the fastest and most convenient option. A $3.00 transaction fee applies.
By Phone
Call 1-800-366-2661 — Monday–Friday 8 AM – 6 PM, Weekends 9 AM – 5 PM.
In Person
- Georgia DNR/WRD regional offices
- Georgia State Parks
- Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports
- Local bait & tackle shops, marinas, convenience stores
What You’ll Need
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Mailing address
- Georgia driver’s license or state ID (residents)
- Social Security Number (residents)
Georgia Free Fishing Days 2026
Georgia offers free fishing days each year when residents can fish without a license, trout stamp, or Lands Pass:
- Late May / Early June 2026: Two free fishing days during National Fishing and Boating Week (exact dates TBA — check georgiawildlife.com)
- Late September 2026: One free fishing day for National Hunting & Fishing Day
All other fishing regulations remain in effect. Non-residents should verify whether free fishing days apply to them.
Who Doesn’t Need a License?
| Group | License Required? |
|---|---|
| Children under 16 | ❌ No |
| Residents fishing on their own land/private ponds | ❌ No |
| Residents born on or before June 30, 1952 | ❌ No (apply for free lifetime) |
| Active-duty military on leave (with GA residency) | ❌ No |
| Everyone else 16 and older | ✅ Yes |
Penalties for Fishing Without a License
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Fishing without a license | Misdemeanor — fines up to $1,000, up to 12 months in jail |
| Fishing in trout waters without a trout license | Additional citation and fine |
| Failure to present license to Game Warden | Citation |
At $15 per year, a Georgia fishing license costs less than a fast-food lunch for two. Don’t risk the fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Georgia fishing license valid for both freshwater and saltwater?
Yes. A single Georgia fishing license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. For saltwater, you also need the free SIP (Saltwater Information Program) permit.
How much is a Georgia fishing license for seniors?
Georgia residents 65 and older pay $7.00 for an annual Senior Sportsman’s License or $70.00 for a lifetime version. Residents born on or before June 30, 1952, get a free lifetime license.
Do I need a separate license for trout fishing?
Yes. A trout license ($10.00 resident / $25.00 non-resident) is required in addition to your base fishing license if you fish in designated trout waters or possess trout.
Can I buy a Georgia fishing license at Walmart?
Yes. Most Georgia Walmart stores sell fishing licenses through the sporting goods department. You can also buy online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com for 24/7 convenience.
How long is a Georgia fishing license valid?
Annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase — not on a calendar-year basis.
