If you are looking for information about Pennsylvania Fishing License costs, you have come to the right place.
In this blog post, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about fishing license costs in Pennsylvania. We will also offer a link to the official website where you can purchase your license and the most popular fishing spots in PA.
Keep reading to learn more about Pennsylvania Fishing License costs and which one is right for you.
How Much Does a Pennsylvania Fishing License Cost?
In Pennsylvania, an annual resident fishing license costs $22.97 for anyone between the age of 16 and 64. For senior residents (age 65 and up), an annual fishing license in PA costs $11.97.
If you are traveling to Pennsylvania as a non-resident, the costs will vary, depending on how many days you plan to fish. A non-resident can purchase a Pennsylvania fishing license that is valid for three days costing $26.97, while a 7-day permit costs $34.97.
Pennsylvania Fishing License Cost
For a complete breakdown of the Pennsylvania fishing license cost for both annual and multi-year permits, refer to the charts below:
Annual PA Fishing License Costs
| Fishing License | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Resident | 16-64 | $22.97 |
| Senior Resident | 65 & Up | $11.97 |
| Senior Resident Lifetime Permit | 65 & Up | $51.97 |
| 1 – Day Resident | 16 & Up | $11.97 |
| Non-Resident | 16 & Up | $52.97 |
| Non-Resident PA Student | 16 & Up | $22.97 |
| 1-Day Tourist | 16 & Up | $26.97 |
| 3-Day Tourist | 16 & Up | $36.97 |
| 7-Day Tourist | 16 & Up | $34.97 |
| Voluntary Youth Fishing | Less Than 16 | $2.97 |
| Mentored Youth Permit | Less Than 16 | $0.00 |
| Trout Permit | 16 & Up | $9.97 |
| 3-Year Senior Lifetime Trout Permit | 65 & Up | $25.97 |
| 5-Year Senior Lifetime Trout Permit | 65 & Up | $41.97 |
| 10-Year Senior Lifetime Trout Permit | 65 & Up | $81.97 |
| Lake Erie Permit | 16 & Up | $9.97 |
| Senior Lifetime Lake Erie Permit | 65 & Up | $9.97 |
| Combination Trout Lake Erie Permit | 16 & Up | $15.97 |
Multi-Year PA Fishing License Costs
| Fishing License | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Trout Permit | 16 & Up | $9.97 |
| 1-Year Lake Erie Permit | 16 & Up | $9.97 |
| 1-Year Combo Trout Lake Erie Permit | 16 & Up | $15.97 |
| 3-Year Resident | 16-64 | $64.97 |
| 3-Year Non-Resident | 16 & Up | $154.97 |
| 3-Year Senior Resident | 65 & Up | $31.97 |
| 3-Year Trout Permit | 16 & Up | $25.97 |
| 3-Year Lake Erie Permit | 16 & Up | $43.97 |
| 3-Year Combo Trout Lake Erie Permit | 16-64 | $43.97 |
| 5-Year Resident | 16 & Up | $106.97 |
| 5-Year Non-Resident | 65 & Up | $256.97 |
| 5-Year Senior Resident | 16 & Up | $51.97 |
| 5-Year Trout Permit | 16 & Up | $41.97 |
| 5-Year Lake Erie Permit | 16 & Up | $41.97 |
| 5-Year Combo Trout Lake Erie Permit | 16 & Up | $71.97 |
| 10-Year Resident | 16 & Up | $211.97 |
| 10-Year Non-Resident | 16 & Up | $511.97 |
| 10-Year Trout Permit | 16 & Up | $81.97 |
| 10-Year Lake Erie Permit | 16 & Up | $81.97 |
| 10-Year Combo Trout Lake Erie Permit | 16 & Up | $141.97 |
Where to Purchase a Pennsylvania Fishing License?
A Pennsylvania fishing license can be purchased online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, by calling 1-800-838-4431, or by using this map to find one fishing license issuing agent.
What Do I Need to Bring When I Purchase My Pennsylvania Fishing License?
When purchasing your Pennsylvania fishing license, you will need to bring:
- A form of identification such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card
- Payment for the license fee
What Are The Most Popular Fishing Spots in Pennsylvania?
Now that you know about Pennsylvania fishing license costs, it’s time to start planning your next fishing trip. Pennsylvania is home to some of the best fishing spots in the country.
Growing up in Maryland, I was only a couple of hours from the Dorsey Park Boat Launch, along the Susquehanna River, and only about 30 minutes across the PA state line. This is where my Dad and I launched the boat a few times to fish for Smallmouth Bass and fish the fly for Rainbow Trout.
We were over 6 hours away from Lake Erie, so we never made it that far into Pennsylvania for fishing. However, Lake Erie is known as one of the most plentiful fishing grounds in Pennsylvania, along with the other locations mentioned below.
Here are a few of the most popular fishing spots in Pennsylvania:
- Lake Erie
- Susquehanna River
- Allegheny River
- Delaware River
- Pennsylvania Dutch Country Streams
- Lake Arthur
- Cedar Run
- Monocacy Creek
- Raystown Lake
You can also use this map to find a fishing hole near you and boat ramps and tackle stores.
Most Popular Fish to Catch in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to various fish, including trout, bass, walleye, and catfish. Pennsylvania is also home to the world record for the largest brown trout caught in the Susquehanna River.
Here are a few of the most popular fish to catch in Pennsylvania:
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
- Brook trout
- Lake trout
- Smallmouth bass
- Largemouth bass
- Walleye
- Channel catfish
Questions Related to Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses
Can you fish for free on Sundays in PA?
Yes, Sunday is designated as a free fishing day in PA. All residents and non-residents are to fish at no cost.
You can even borrow a rod and reel from one of the fishing tackle loaner sites that can be found using the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website here.
How many rods can you fish within PA?
In Pennsylvania, each person can fish with up to 3 rods at once. More than 3 rods at one time is unlawful in PA.
How many trout are you allowed to keep in Pennsylvania?
The daily limit for Trout in PA is 5 per person. This is for combined species, while only 2 of the five can be lake trout.
When do Pennsylvania fishing licenses expire?
Pennsylvania fishing licenses are valid for one year, starting from the date of purchase. After that time, you will need to renew your license.
Do I need a trout stamp in PA?
When fishing for stocked trout in Pennsylvania or a designated Trout stream, you will indeed need a Trout stamp.
The cost for this is an additional $9.97 on top of your Pennsylvania fishing license. You can purchase a trout stamp or separately when you buy your Pennsylvania fishing license.
Can you fish in PA without a license?
Anyone over 16 is required to have a Pennsylvania fishing license to fish in the state. You must have a valid license on you at all times while fishing and present it to officers upon request.
Wrapping Up
Whether you are a Pennsylvania resident or a non-resident, we hope this blog post has provided you with all the information you need about Pennsylvania fishing license costs. Be sure to purchase your license and check out one of Pennsylvania’s many great fishing spots.
For guidance on choosing the right fishing gear for your trip, check out the pages below:
