Arizona Fishing License Cost: 2026 Resident, Nonresident, Youth and Short-Term Fees
Arizona fishing license prices are fairly simple, but the best choice depends on your age, residency, trip length and whether you want fishing only or a combination hunting and fishing license. This guide explains the official 2026 Arizona resident and nonresident fishing fees, youth costs, short-term daily prices, included trout and two-pole privileges, exemptions and online buying steps.
Use these shortcuts before buying. Arizona’s General Fishing license is enough for many anglers, but youth, short-term visitors, nonresident anglers, combo hunting/fishing buyers, and people fishing community waters should check the exact option first.
The Fastest Safe Answer for Arizona Fishing License Cost
For 2026 planning, Arizona lists the General Fishing license at $37 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. This license allows the take of all fish species statewide, including at Community Fishing waters.
If you also want hunting privileges, Arizona lists the Combination Hunt and Fish license at $57 for residents and $160 for nonresidents. Youth ages 10 to 17 can buy the Youth Combination Hunt and Fish license for $5, whether resident or nonresident.
Arizona Fishing License Cost Quick Facts for 2026
Arizona’s fishing license structure is easier than many states because trout, two-pole fishing and Community Fishing waters are included in the listed fishing and combo licenses. Still, residency, age and trip length can change the final choice.
What This Arizona Fishing License Cost Guide Covers
Official Arizona Fishing License Cost Links You Should Use First
Use Arizona Game and Fish Department resources before paying. License prices, special license rules, free fishing dates and online purchase steps can change, so official sources should be the final check.
🎣 AZGFD Fishing Licenses
Arizona Game and Fish page explaining who needs a fishing or combination license for publicly accessible waters.
Open License Rules💳 AZGFD License Portal
Official Arizona license portal for buying and reprinting Arizona Game and Fish licenses online.
Buy or Reprint License💵 License Fee Structure
Official Arizona fishing regulation fee structure with General Fishing, Combo, Youth and Short-Term costs.
Check Fee Structure🏞️ Arizona Fishing
AZGFD fishing hub with licenses, community fishing, where to fish, stocking information and regulations.
Open Fishing Hub🧾 Special Licenses
Arizona special license page for Pioneer License, disability-related options and lifetime license information.
Open Special Licenses💵 Cost Comparison
Compare Arizona fishing license cost with other state resident and nonresident fishing license prices.
Compare License CostsArizona Fishing License Cost in 2026: Resident and Nonresident Fees
Arizona lists fishing and combo hunt/fish licenses with clear resident and nonresident prices. All fishing and combo hunt/fish licenses listed in the fishing fee structure are valid for the take of all aquatic wildlife, including legal fish species, crayfish, frogs, waterdogs and softshell turtles.
| Arizona License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Fishing | $37 | $55 | Most adults who only need fishing privileges statewide, including Community Fishing waters. |
| Combination Hunt and Fish | $57 | $160 | Anglers who also want small game, fur-bearing animal, predatory animal, nongame animal and upland game bird hunting privileges. |
| Youth Combination Hunt and Fish, ages 10-17 | $5 | $5 | Youth anglers ages 10 to 17, resident or nonresident. |
| Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish | $15 per day | $20 per day | Short visitor trips or one-day fishing plans. |
Which Arizona Fishing License Should You Buy?
The best Arizona fishing license depends on age, residency and trip length. Most adult anglers who only want to fish should start with General Fishing. Visitors staying only a day or two should compare the Short-Term Combo daily option.
Fishing only
Choose General Fishing if you only need fishing privileges statewide, including Community Fishing waters.
$37 resident / $55 nonresidentShort visit
Choose Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish if you only need a selected day or short trip.
$15 / $20 per dayLikely best: General Fishing at $37 if you only fish, or Combo Hunt/Fish at $57 if you also want covered hunting privileges.
Likely best: General Fishing at $55 for a normal fishing trip, or Short-Term Combo at $20 per day for a very short visit.
Likely best: Youth Combination Hunt and Fish at $5 for both resident and nonresident youth.
Likely best: No state fishing license is needed, but all fishing regulations and adult supervision rules should still be followed.
How to Buy an Arizona Fishing License Online
Arizona fishing licenses are available online, at Department offices and at license dealers. The official AZGFD license portal also includes a reprint option, which is useful if you lose proof before a trip.
Start from the official AZGFD license portal
Open license.azgfd.com or the official Arizona Game and Fish license page. Avoid unofficial sites before entering payment details.
Choose resident or nonresident
Select the correct residency category. Do not buy a resident license unless you meet Arizona residency requirements.
Select General Fishing, Combo or Short-Term
Pick General Fishing for fishing only, Combination Hunt and Fish for combined privileges, Youth Combo for ages 10-17, or Short-Term Combo for selected days.
Review validity and included privileges
Most Arizona fishing and combo licenses are valid one year from the date of purchase. Short-term licenses are daily licenses.
Save or reprint license proof
After buying, save the confirmation and license proof. The AZGFD portal includes a reprint option if you need another copy.
Who Needs an Arizona Fishing License?
Arizona Game and Fish says a valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and nonresident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any publicly accessible water in Arizona.
License required: Arizona residents age 10 or older generally need a fishing or combination license on publicly accessible waters.
License required: Nonresident anglers age 10 or older generally need an Arizona fishing or combination license on publicly accessible waters.
No state license: Youth under age 10 do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona.
Exempt: Arizona states that blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona.
Key phrase: The Arizona rule applies to publicly accessible water, including many lakes, rivers, reservoirs and community waters.
Always check: License exemptions do not remove bag limits, seasons, methods, protected species rules or access rules.
Arizona Youth Fishing License Cost: Under 10 and Ages 10-17
Arizona is very youth-friendly for fishing. Children under 10 can fish without buying a state fishing license. Youth ages 10 through 17 can buy the Youth Combination Hunt and Fish license for only $5, whether they are residents or nonresidents.
| Youth Age | License Cost | What It Means | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 10 | $0 state fishing license | No Arizona state fishing license is required. | Fishing regulations still apply. |
| 10-17 | $5 | Youth Combination Hunt and Fish license for residents and nonresidents. | Valid for fishing statewide, including Community Fishing waters. |
| 18 and older | $37 resident / $55 nonresident | Adult General Fishing license pricing applies. | Combo and short-term options may also fit. |
What Is Included in the Arizona Fishing License Cost?
Arizona’s fishing license fee structure is valuable because fishing licenses and combo hunt/fish licenses listed there cover more than just standard lake fishing. They cover statewide fish species and include Community Fishing waters.
General Fishing allows the take of all fish species statewide, including at Community Fishing waters.
Arizona states all fishing and combo hunt/fish licenses listed are valid for the take of trout.
Arizona states all listed fishing and combo licenses are valid for simultaneous fishing with two poles or lines.
Community Fishing waters are included in General Fishing, Combo Hunt/Fish and Youth Combo privileges.
Arizona fee structure says listed fishing and combo licenses are valid for take of aquatic wildlife, including legal fish, crayfish, frogs, waterdogs and softshell turtles.
Combination Hunt and Fish adds covered hunting privileges, but big game tags and migratory bird stamps are separate where required.
How Long Is an Arizona Fishing License Valid?
Arizona lists most fishing and combo hunt/fish licenses as valid one year from the date of purchase. The main exception in this guide is the Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish license, which is priced per day.
Term: One year from date of purchase.
Term: One year from date of purchase.
Term: One year from date of purchase, for ages 10-17.
Term: Daily license priced by day.
Arizona Free, Pioneer, Disability and Lifetime Fishing License Notes
Arizona has special license options and exemptions, but they are not the same as the normal resident/nonresident fee table. These categories usually require eligibility proof and official forms.
AZGFD says blind residents do not need to purchase a state fishing license to fish in Arizona.
A Pioneer License is available to people age 70 or older who have been Arizona residents for 25 or more consecutive years immediately before applying.
Arizona has disability-related license options and waivers under special license rules. Check official AZGFD forms and eligibility.
Arizona’s lifetime general hunting and fishing license program is listed as a resident wildlife conservation funding option.
Arizona Free Fishing Day: Cost-Free Fishing Does Not Mean Rule-Free Fishing
Arizona has Free Fishing Day events where a fishing license is not needed on that date. AZGFD reminders have stated that bag limits and all other Arizona fishing regulations still apply on Free Fishing Day.
Free Fishing Day is useful for beginners and families, but it does not create a year-round exemption. Outside the official date, anglers age 10 and older generally need a valid fishing or combination license unless exempt.
Before relying on Free Fishing Day, check this list
- Is today the official Arizona Free Fishing Day for the current year?
- Are you fishing Arizona waters covered by the event?
- Do bag limits and size limits still apply?
- Are special waterbody rules still in force?
- Are youth and adult anglers following all method and possession rules?
- Do you need a normal license on any other date?
Arizona Fishing Rules to Check After Paying the License Cost
An Arizona fishing license gives you license privileges, but it does not remove Arizona fishing regulations. Always check current rules before keeping fish, especially at stocked trout waters, community lakes, rivers, reservoirs and special regulation waters.
Before fishing in Arizona, check this list
- Is your license valid for the current date?
- Did you buy the right resident, nonresident, youth or short-term license?
- Are you fishing public-access water or private water?
- What are the current bag limits and possession limits?
- Are there special rules for trout, community lakes, rivers or reservoirs?
- Are you using one or two poles within legal rules?
- Are crayfish, frogs, waterdogs or softshell turtles part of your plan?
- Can you show valid license proof if asked?
Common Arizona Fishing License Cost Mistakes
Most cost mistakes happen when anglers buy too fast, assume old stamp rules still apply, forget the youth discount, or use a short-term license when an annual license is cheaper for the trip.
A resident short-term combo is $15 per day and nonresident is $20 per day. Multiple days can become more expensive than General Fishing.
Resident and nonresident youth ages 10-17 can buy Youth Combo Hunt and Fish for $5.
Current Arizona fishing and combo licenses listed in the fee structure include trout privileges.
General Fishing and combo licenses include Community Fishing waters, so check current fee structure before buying duplicate privileges.
Do not buy resident pricing unless you qualify. Nonresident General Fishing is $55.
Most annual-style Arizona licenses run one year from purchase, not just through December 31.
How This Arizona Fishing License Cost Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared using official Arizona Game and Fish Department fishing license resources, AZGFD license portal information, Arizona fishing fee structure pages, and official AZGFD special license and fishing regulation references.
- Arizona General Fishing resident and nonresident fee.
- Arizona Combination Hunt and Fish resident and nonresident fee.
- Youth Combination Hunt and Fish fee for ages 10-17.
- Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish daily resident and nonresident fee.
- Arizona rule requiring licenses for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 or older on publicly accessible water.
- Youth under 10 and blind resident license exemption language.
- Included trout, two-pole and Community Fishing privileges in fishing and combo licenses.
- AZGFD online purchase and license reprint portal.
Find Arizona Fishing License Dealers Near You
Arizona fishing licenses are available online, at Department offices and at license dealers statewide. If you prefer buying in person, search for a nearby license dealer and call before visiting.
Search Arizona Fishing License Dealers
Use this map as a general search tool. Confirm the location sells Arizona Game and Fish licenses before making a trip.
Arizona Fishing License Cost FAQs: Resident, Nonresident, Youth and Short-Term Fees
How much is an Arizona fishing license in 2026?
Arizona lists General Fishing at $37 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. This is the main fishing-only license for most adult anglers.
How much is an Arizona nonresident fishing license?
The Arizona nonresident General Fishing license is listed at $55. Nonresident Combination Hunt and Fish is listed at $160, and nonresident Short-Term Combo is $20 per day.
How much is an Arizona resident fishing license?
The Arizona resident General Fishing license is listed at $37. Resident Combination Hunt and Fish is $57, and resident Short-Term Combo is $15 per day.
How much is an Arizona youth fishing license?
The Youth Combination Hunt and Fish license for ages 10 to 17 is $5 for residents and nonresidents. Youth under age 10 do not need a state fishing license.
Does an Arizona fishing license include trout?
Yes. Arizona’s official fee structure says all listed fishing and combo hunt/fish licenses are valid for the take of trout.
Does an Arizona fishing license include two-pole fishing?
Yes. Arizona’s official fee structure says all listed fishing and combo hunt/fish licenses are valid for simultaneous fishing with two poles or lines.
Do I need a separate Community Fishing license in Arizona?
General Fishing, Combination Hunt and Fish, Youth Combo and Short-Term Combo options listed in the official fee structure allow fishing statewide, including Community Fishing waters.
How long is an Arizona fishing license valid?
Most Arizona fishing and combo licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish licenses are daily licenses.
Who needs an Arizona fishing license?
Arizona says resident and nonresident anglers age 10 or older need a valid fishing or combination license when fishing any publicly accessible water in Arizona, unless exempt.
Where can I buy an Arizona fishing license online?
You can buy through the official AZGFD license portal. Arizona licenses are also available at Department offices and license dealers statewide.
Final Summary: Arizona Fishing License Cost Is Simple Once You Pick Resident, Nonresident or Youth
For 2026 planning, Arizona General Fishing costs $37 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. The Combination Hunt and Fish license costs $57 for residents and $160 for nonresidents. Youth ages 10 to 17 can buy the Youth Combo license for $5, and short-term combo licenses cost $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for nonresidents.
The safest path is to buy through the official AZGFD portal, choose the correct residency and age category, check the license validity date, and follow current Arizona fishing regulations. Remember that current listed Arizona fishing and combo licenses include trout, Community Fishing waters and simultaneous fishing with two poles or lines.