Arizona fishing license

John Lewis

Arizona Fishing License 2023: Ultimate Guide [Fees, Seasons, Fishing Regulations & More]

Arizona Fishing License, AZ Fishing License

Welcome to our site, where you can find the most recent details about fishing licenses in Arizona in 2023! You’ve come to the perfect location if you’re an avid fisherman or someone eager to discover the many fishing options in our beautiful state. We’ll talk about the crucial need to acquire a fishing license for this year as we explore Arizona’s thrilling world of fishing. Join us as we examine the application, rules, and advantages of the Arizona Fishing License 2023, ensuring you have all the knowledge you need for a successful and legal fishing season in the coming months. So gather your fishing gear, pack your tackle box, and let’s go fishing in Arizona for a lifetime!

Arizona Fishing License Options & Requirements

License TypeAge Requirement
General Fishing10 and above
Community Fishing Program10 years of age or older
Youth Combination Hunt and FishAges 10-17
Combination Hunt and Fish18 and above
Pioneer, Blind, Disabled Veteran, Short-term (one day) and youth group licensesAny applicable age restrictions apply
  • All fishermen, including residents and non-residents, require an active Arizona fishing license.
  • The General Fishing License, the Combo Hunt & Fish License, and the Youth Combo Hunt & Fish License are all available to residents.
  • The Non-Resident General Fishing License and the Non-Resident Combo Hunt & Fish License are examples of non-resident permits.
  • The Short-Term Combo Hunt & Fish License, Senior Citizen Fishing License, and Disabled Fishing License are additional permits offered.
  • Licenses may be obtained through authorized dealers, mail, or online.
  • Fishing seasons, catch quotas, and limitations on using bait and gear must all be adhered to.

Arizona fishing license age

License TypeResident AgeNon-Resident Age
General Fishing License10+10+
Combo Hunt & Fish License10+10+
Youth Combo Hunt & Fish License10 to 1710 to 17
Short-Term Combo Hunt & Fish10+10+
Community Fishing License10+10+
Pioneer LicenseAll AgesAll Ages
Disability LicenseAll AgesAll Ages
Military Combination LicenseAll AgesAll Ages
Senior Fishing License65+65+
Arizona Lifetime Combo LicenseAll AgesAll Ages

Arizona Fishing Licenses Cost

AZ Fishing License TypeNon-Resident PriceResident Price
General Fishing License$55 $37
Community Fishing License$24 $24
Short-term Combo Hunt & Fish License$20 per day$15 per day
Combo Hunt & Fish License$160 $57
Youth Combo Hunt & Fish License$5 $5

Additional Fishing License Options

License TypeResident FeeNon-Resident Fee
Pioneer License$5 $20
Disability License$10 $10
Military Combination$20 $40
Senior Fishing License$9 $55
Arizona Lifetime Combo$30 N/A

Fishing License Validity Periods

License TypeValidity Period
General Fishing LicenseCalendar Year
Combo Hunt & Fish LicenseCalendar Year
Youth Combo Hunt & Fish LicenseCalendar Year
Short-Term Combo Hunt & FishNumber of Days
Community Fishing LicenseCalendar Year
Pioneer LicenseCalendar Year
Disability LicenseCalendar Year
Military Combination LicenseCalendar Year
Senior Fishing License365 Days from Date of Purchase
Arizona Lifetime Combo LicenseLifetime

Obtaining an Arizona fishing license

MethodSteps
Online1. Go to the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.
https://www.azgfd.com/
2. Click on the "Licenses & Regulations" tab.
3. Click on the "Fishing Licenses" link.
4. Select the type of license you want to purchase.
https://license.azgfd.com/
5. Enter your personal information.
6. Pay for the license.
7. Print out the license or save it to your device.
By Phone1. Call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (602) 942-3000.
2. Tell the representative what type of license you want to purchase.
3. Provide your personal information.
4. Pay for the license by credit card.
5. The customer service representative will email you the license.
In Person1. Go to a licensed dealer.
2. Tell the dealer what type of license you want to purchase.
3. Provide your personal information.
4. Pay for the license.
5. The dealer will give you the license.

Fishing licenses in Arizona may be bought from authorized dealers:

1. Walmart

2. Second, Bass Pro Shops

3. Cabela’s

4. Academy Sports + Outdoors,

5. Sportsman’s Warehouse,

6. Gander Outside

7. Dick’s Sportswear

8. Sports Lodge

9. Hibbett Sports

Seasons and Limits

Fish SpeciesDaily Bag LimitStatewide Possession Limit
Trout (includes various species)48
Bass (including largemouth and smallmouth)612
Striped Bass1020
Walleye612
Northern PikeUnlimitedUnlimited
Catfish (including channel and flathead)1020
Crappie (white and black)UnlimitedUnlimited
White Amur (grass carp) minimum size 30 inches12
Roundtail ChubCatch and release onlyN/A
Sunfishes (includes various species)UnlimitedUnlimited
All Other Species (except protected native fish)UnlimitedUnlimited
Community Fishing Program Waters
Fish SpeciesPondsLakes
Catfish24
Trout24
Bass minimum size 13 inches12
Sunfish (various species including bluegill, redear, green, and hybrid)510
White Amur (grass carp) minimum size 30 inches11

Arizona Fishing Licenses Regulations

Here are five crucial fishing license laws in Arizona that are connected to license suspension and legal responsibility, succinctly stated:

  • Unlawful Taking or Possession of Wildlife: Wildlife poaching, especially fish, is banned. The Commission may revoke your fishing, hunting, and trapping permits for five years or more if convicted.
  • Careless Firearm Use: Causing harm or death with guns may result in license revocation. Fishing and hunting need safe weapon handling.
  • Livestock Destruction or Injury: License cancellation for livestock destruction or injury. Fishing and outdoor activities should respect private property and animals.
  • Vandalism or Littering: Hunting or fishing while vandalizing or littering is banned. License revocation is possible. Outdoor activities need cleanliness and respect.
  • Unlawful Entry into prohibited regions: Fishing or collecting animals in prohibited regions is forbidden. Such actions may lead to license revocation. Respect fishing area limits and restrictions.

Additionally, it is essential to remember that the Arizona Game and Fish Commission has the authority to take legal action against anybody found to have wrongfully harmed, killed, or possessed animals. Civil damages may total up to $8,000 for each event.

General Fishing Regulations in Arizona

  • Fishing License Requirement: Individuals 10 or older must have a valid fishing license to fish or take aquatic wildlife in Arizona. Before beginning any fishing activity, confirming the license’s validity is essential.
  • Maintaining Control of Fishing Line: While fishing, you must maintain complete control over your fishing line. Reel in your line and remove it from the water before leaving the area, even for a moment.
  • Illegal Possession of Aquatic Species: Possession of any aquatic species that has been wrongfully captured is prohibited. You are not allowed to lawfully own such wildlife or its components, regardless of whether you participated in the unlawful capture.
  • Protected Native Fish: Some native fish species are protected and cannot be caught, chased, or even angled. They must be quickly released and hurt if accidentally captured.
  • Special permits and Stamps: Several previously accessible stamps are now included with regular fishing permits. A Utah stamp is no longer necessary for Arizona fishermen fishing on Lake Powell.
  • Hook and Line Techniques: Anglers who possess valid permits may fish with two poles or lines at once while using one or more hooks, artificial lures, or flies. Single-pointed barbless hooks are acceptable. However, there can be additional rules.
  • Artificial Flies and Lures: Artificial flies and lures are made of artificial materials used to entice fish visually. They exclude live or extinct species, dietary ingredients, and scent-enhancing compounds.
  • Other Fishing Methods: Other fishing techniques include using a bow and arrow, crossbow, trap, gig, spear, spear gun, and snagging unless prohibited. Catfishing with a bow and arrow is permitted in a few lakes, while striped bass fishing with a spear is permitted in a few spots with different bag limitations.
  • Capturing Baitfish and Crayfish for Bait: Live baitfish and crayfish may be utilized in specific locations, and various techniques, including traps, nets, and poles, are allowed for their acquisition. There are limitations and rules for using them.
  • Fishing restrictions: While specific sites may be permanently off-limits to fishing, others may only be restricted temporarily because of conservation activities or other sensitive factors. Anglers should be aware of these restrictions and avoid prohibited areas while fishing.
  • Length Limits: Most of Arizona’s fishing waterways do not have length restrictions, although select waters and species may be subject to additional rules. Fish that don’t reach the specified length limit must be released immediately undamaged.
  • Transport and Storage of Fish: Fish may be transported and stored by anglers up to the possession limit of any species, provided they are not alive. Except for some live baitfish purchased from approved dealers, live fish must be killed or released before being transported. Fish must be delivered in a manner that makes it possible to count them and identify the species.
  • Legal Baitfish Species and Areas: Specific types of live baitfish are only permitted in particular areas of Arizona. These include goldfish, fathead minnows, and shiners. In some county-specific legal regions, live baitfish may be employed. Live baitfish usage is prohibited in Coconino, Apache, Navajo, Pima, and Cochise counties.
  • Disposal of Unwanted Baitfish: Any undesirable baitfish should be appropriately disposed of by being buried on land distant from the sea. Reaching live fish, including baitfish, is prohibited in Arizonan waterways.
  • Selling live baitfish: It’s against the law to trade in live baitfish or waterdogs without a dealer’s license. These baitfish species may only be sold by dealers who have a license to do so.
  • Incidental Capture of Game Fish: It is prohibited to retain or injure any game fish or aquatic species accidentally obtained during the capture of live baitfish utilizing seines, dip nets, traps, or cast nets.
  • Legal Zones for the Utilization of Live Baitfish: Each baitfish species has a set of legal zones where it is acceptable to utilize it alive. In a number of the counties of Yuma, La Paz, Maricopa, and Pinal, fathead minnows are authorized. In the waters of La Paz and Yuma counties, including Lake Mead, the Colorado River downstream from Hoover Dam to the Southern International Boundary, and Alamo Lake, golden shiners and goldfish are permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an Arizona fishing license cost?

Depending on the kind of license and the applicant’s resident status, different fishing licenses in Arizona have different prices. Residents must pay $57 for a Combo Hunt & Fish license and $37 for a General Fishing license. Residents may also purchase a Youth Combo Hunt & Fish license for $5, which is reduced. The General Fishing license costs $55, and the Combo Hunt & Fish license costs $160 for non-residents, who also pay a higher licensing charge. A Short-Term Combo Hunt & Fish license is an option open to both residents and non-residents, and it costs $15 for locals and $20 for non-residents daily. Residents may also purchase a Community Fishing License for $24 in addition.

Who needs a fishing license in Arizona?

In Arizona, if you’re 10 or older and you want to fish or take aquatic species, you need a fishing license.

Where can I get an Arizona fishing license?

You may acquire a fishing license by visiting a regional office, an approved license dealer, or online via the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website.

Can I fish without a license if someone with a valid license accompanies me?

No, regardless of whether they are travelling with another license holder, each fisherman must have a current copy of their fishing license.

Is a fishing license always necessary, or are there certain situations where you wouldn't need one?

Specific exclusions do exist. For instance, Arizonans 70 and older may fish without a license if they have identification proving their age and place of residence while out fishing. Additionally, tribal members and injured veterans are given special exemptions.

How long is a fishing license valid in Arizona?

There are often many lengths of fishing permits available in Arizona, including yearly, short-term (1–5 days), and combination licenses. The license will have an expiry date.

Can I purchase a fishing license as a gift for someone else?

You may buy fishing permits as presents for other people. You will be asked for the recipient’s personal information when completing the transaction.

What information do I need to provide when purchasing a fishing license?

You must provide personal information when buying a fishing license, including your name, address, date of birth, and, if necessary, evidence of residence. When requesting a license, having this information available is a brilliant idea.

John Lewis
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