Arizona Non-Resident Fishing License: Cost & Rules
An Arizona non-resident fishing license is required for most visitors age 10 or older who fish publicly accessible waters in Arizona. For 2026 planning, the main nonresident general fishing license is commonly listed at $55 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase. Visitors who also hunt, youth ages 10–17, and short-trip anglers may need a different product. This guide explains Arizona nonresident fishing license cost, short-term combo license rules, youth license pricing, online buying, reprinting, age exemptions, Free Fishing Day, community waters, Colorado River notes, common mistakes and official Arizona Game & Fish links.
Watch Before You Buy: Arizona Fishing License Video
This video has been added from the YouTube link you provided. Use it as a helpful planning resource, then verify final license fees, fishing limits, community-water rules and current regulations through official Arizona Game & Fish sources before fishing.
If the video does not load inside WordPress, use the YouTube button above. Official AZGFD pages should remain your final source for current costs and rules.
Which Arizona Non-Resident Fishing License Should You Buy?
Start with your trip length and whether you only fish or also hunt. Most adult visitors who only fish should compare the nonresident general fishing license with the short-term combination hunt and fish license. Youth visitors ages 10–17 should check the $5 youth combination license before buying anything else.
General Fishing
Best for most nonresident anglers age 18+ who only need fishing privileges for Arizona public waters.
Short-Term Combo
Best for one or a few fixed days when a daily product is cheaper than the annual nonresident fishing license.
Youth Combo
Best for resident or nonresident youth ages 10–17 because the youth combination hunt and fish license is only $5.
Nonresident Combo
Best for visitors who also need Arizona hunting license privileges in addition to fishing.
No State License
Youth under age 10 do not need an Arizona state fishing license, but all fishing rules still apply.
Check Location Rules
Colorado River, Lake Havasu and border-area trips can involve special shore, boat and state-boundary details.
Arizona Non-Resident Fishing License Cost 2026 Table
Arizona’s simplified license structure makes the main nonresident fishing choices easy to compare. Check the final AZGFD online cart before purchase because rules, products or delivery options can change.
General Fishing License
For nonresident anglers age 10 or older fishing publicly accessible waters in Arizona. Valid one year from date of purchase.
Combination Hunt and Fish License
For nonresident users who need both hunting and fishing license privileges. Often required for nonresident hunting workflows.
Youth Combination Hunt and Fish License
For resident or nonresident youth ages 10–17. This is usually the best license for youth visitors who need a license.
Nonresident Short-Term Combination Hunt and Fish License
Daily license option for short visits. Best when the total number of fishing days is small and fixed.
Resident General Fishing License
Included here only for comparison. Nonresidents should not choose resident pricing unless they truly qualify.
Youth Under Age 10
Youth under age 10 do not need an Arizona state fishing license, but bag limits and fishing rules still apply.
Who Needs an Arizona Fishing License?
Arizona requires a valid fishing or combination license for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 or older when fishing any publicly accessible water in the state. Youth under age 10 and blind residents are exempt from the state fishing license requirement.
Age 10 or Older
Most resident and nonresident anglers age 10+ need a fishing or combination license.
Under Age 10
Youth under age 10 do not need a state fishing license in Arizona.
Public Waters
The license rule applies to publicly accessible waters in Arizona.
Carry Proof
All required licenses must be in possession while fishing.
Arizona Short-Term Nonresident Fishing License Rules
Arizona’s short-term option is a combination hunt and fish license priced per day. For nonresidents, the short-term combination license is commonly listed at $20 per day. It can make sense for a single-day Lake Havasu, urban lake, trout lake or vacation stop.
One-Day Trip
A $20 nonresident short-term license is usually cheaper than the annual $55 fishing license.
Two-Day Trip
Two days at $20 per day totals $40, still usually below the annual nonresident fishing cost.
Three-Day Trip
Three days at $20 per day totals $60, so the $55 annual fishing license may be better.
Arizona Nonresident Youth Fishing License Rules
Arizona’s youth license pricing is very simple. A youth combination hunt and fish license for ages 10–17 is available to both residents and nonresidents for $5. Children under age 10 do not need a state fishing license.
Youth Ages 10–17
The youth combination hunt and fish license is generally the best option for visiting youth anglers who need a license.
Under Age 10
No Arizona state fishing license is required for youth under 10.
Limits Still Apply
Youth anglers still must follow bag limits, species rules, methods, closures and daily possession rules.
Arizona General Fishing vs Combination Hunt and Fish License
Most nonresident anglers only need the general fishing license. The combination hunt and fish license is mainly for people who also need Arizona hunting privileges or are working through nonresident hunting application requirements.
| License | Nonresident Cost | Best For | Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Fishing | $55 | Adult visitors who only fish Arizona public waters. | Does not include hunting privileges. |
| Combination Hunt and Fish | $160 | Nonresident hunter-anglers who need both hunting and fishing privileges. | Costs much more if you only fish. |
| Youth Combination | $5 | Resident or nonresident youth ages 10–17. | Youth still need to follow all rules. |
| Short-Term Combination | $20/day | One or two fixed fishing days. | Can become more expensive than annual fishing after multiple days. |
How to Buy an Arizona Non-Resident Fishing License Online
Arizona Game & Fish operates an official online license system where users can purchase and reprint licenses. Online buying is usually the fastest option for visitors planning a trip to Lake Havasu, Lees Ferry, Roosevelt Lake, urban community waters, trout lakes or desert reservoirs.
Start at the official AZGFD license site
Use license.azgfd.com before entering personal or payment information.
Create or find your customer account
Use accurate name, date of birth and contact details so your license record matches your ID.
Select nonresident license type
Choose general fishing, short-term combination, youth combination or full nonresident combo based on your trip.
Check the dates and product
For short-term licenses, confirm the fishing date or number of days before checkout.
Pay and save proof
After purchase, save a digital copy and print a backup for remote fishing areas.
Review current regulations
Before fishing, check bag limits, special waters, community fishing rules and seasonal closures.
How to Print or Reprint an Arizona Fishing License
The official AZGFD license system includes a reprint option. This is useful if you bought online and lost the PDF, changed phones, forgot to print, or need a backup before leaving for a remote fishing spot.
Save Digital Proof
Keep the license PDF or image on your phone where it can be opened without service.
Print a Backup
Print a copy for remote waters, canyon areas, desert reservoirs and places with weak signal.
Use Reprint Tool
Return to AZGFD’s official license site and use the reprint option if needed.
Arizona Fishing License Validity, Refunds and Transfers
Arizona fishing licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase unless a short-term daily license is selected. Arizona regulation summaries also state that licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable.
One Year From Purchase
Annual licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase, not simply a calendar year.
Non-Transferable
A license belongs to the named customer and cannot be transferred to another person.
Non-Refundable
Check the product carefully before paying because licenses are generally not refundable.
Arizona Community Fishing Waters and Urban Lakes
Arizona has many community lakes and ponds that are popular with visitors and families. A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers age 10 or older unless an exemption applies. Community waters can have stocking schedules, daily limits and special local rules.
Before Fishing Community Waters
- Confirm the lake or pond is part of Arizona’s community fishing program.
- Check current stocking and species information.
- Follow daily bag and possession limits.
- Respect park hours, parking rules and city restrictions.
- Carry your license if age 10 or older.
Good Visitor Options
- Phoenix-area urban lakes.
- Tucson-area community waters.
- Family-friendly stocked ponds.
- Short-term fishing stops during travel.
- Beginner-friendly bank fishing locations.
Arizona Free Fishing Day Rules
Arizona typically offers a Free Fishing Day connected with National Fishing and Boating Week. On that day, a fishing license is not needed, but all bag limits and other fishing regulations still apply.
No License That Day
A state fishing license is not needed on Arizona Free Fishing Day.
Limits Still Apply
Bag limits, possession limits, species rules and closed-area rules still apply.
Verify Current Date
Confirm the current year’s Free Fishing Day on the official AZGFD website before relying on it.
Colorado River, Lake Havasu and Border-Water Notes
Arizona visitors often fish border waters such as Lake Havasu and Colorado River areas near California or Nevada. License recognition can depend on where you fish, where you access from, whether you are on shore or boat, and the current interstate rules. Do not assume one state license always covers every shoreline or access point.
Check Before Border-Water Fishing
- Which state shoreline you will fish from.
- Whether you will fish from a boat or bank.
- Whether the water is Arizona-only, California border, or Nevada border.
- Whether a second state license is required for your access method.
- Special species and size rules for that water.
Common Visitor Situations
- Lake Havasu vacation fishing.
- Colorado River boat fishing.
- Fishing from California shore into border waters.
- Fishing from Arizona shore or marina access.
- Traveling with fish across state lines.
Arizona Fishing Limits, Seasons and Special Rules
Buying the license is only the first step. Arizona fishing regulations can vary by water, species and special area. Trout waters, community lakes, reservoirs, rivers and special regulation waters may have different daily limits or rules.
Check Before You Cast
- Daily bag limit.
- Possession limit.
- Species-specific rules.
- Special regulation waters.
- Artificial fly/lure or bait restrictions.
- Trout stocking and community lake rules.
Useful Planning Questions
- Are you targeting trout, bass, catfish, crappie or stripers?
- Are you fishing a stocked community lake?
- Are there boat, shore or access restrictions?
- Will you transport fish across a state line?
- Can you identify the fish you plan to keep?
- Do you have current Arizona regulations saved offline?
Before You Buy: Arizona Nonresident Fishing License Checklist
Use this checklist so you do not buy the wrong product or forget an important rule before fishing.
License Choice
- Are you a nonresident or Arizona resident?
- Are you age 10 or older?
- Are you fishing only, or hunting and fishing?
- Is the angler youth age 10–17?
- Will you fish one day, two days, or more?
- Will you fish border waters?
Trip Rule Check
- Which lake, river, reservoir or community water will you fish?
- What species will you target?
- What are the current bag and possession limits?
- Are there local park or access rules?
- Have you printed or saved license proof?
- Have you checked current AZGFD regulations?
Common Arizona Non-Resident Fishing License Mistakes
Most visitor mistakes happen because anglers choose the wrong license length, assume young children need a license, ignore border-water rules, or forget that a license does not replace bag limits.
Before Buying
- Do not choose resident pricing unless you truly qualify as an Arizona resident.
- Do not buy the $160 nonresident combo if you only fish.
- Do not buy short-term days if the annual license would be cheaper.
- Do not buy an adult nonresident license for youth ages 10–17 without checking the $5 youth combo.
- Do not buy a license for a child under 10 if no other special rule applies.
- Do not assume licenses are refundable or transferable.
Before Fishing
- Do not fish without license proof if age 10+ and not exempt.
- Do not ignore community water limits.
- Do not assume Free Fishing Day removes bag limits.
- Do not use old screenshots of regulations.
- Do not ignore Colorado River or border-water license details.
- Do not keep fish you cannot identify or legally possess.
Official Arizona Nonresident Fishing License Links
Use these official Arizona Game & Fish and regulation links for final decisions. This guide explains the license choices, but AZGFD controls current fees, license rules, special waters and fishing regulations.
Arizona Non-Resident Fishing License FAQ
How much is an Arizona nonresident fishing license in 2026?
The Arizona nonresident general fishing license is commonly listed at $55 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Who needs an Arizona fishing license?
Resident and nonresident anglers age 10 or older generally need a valid fishing or combination license to fish publicly accessible waters in Arizona.
Do kids need an Arizona nonresident fishing license?
Youth under age 10 do not need a state fishing license. Youth ages 10–17 can buy the youth combination hunt and fish license for $5.
How much is the Arizona nonresident combination hunt and fish license?
The nonresident combination hunt and fish license is commonly listed at $160.
How much is the Arizona nonresident short-term fishing license?
The nonresident short-term combination hunt and fish license is commonly listed at $20 per day.
Is an Arizona fishing license valid for a calendar year?
No. Arizona annual fishing licenses are valid one year from the date of purchase.
Can I buy an Arizona fishing license online?
Yes. Use the official Arizona Game & Fish online license system at license.azgfd.com.
Can I reprint an Arizona fishing license?
Yes. The AZGFD online license system includes a reprint option.
Is Arizona Free Fishing Day license-free for nonresidents?
Arizona Free Fishing Day allows fishing without a state fishing license, but all bag limits and other fishing regulations still apply. Verify the current year’s date with AZGFD.
Does an Arizona fishing license cover Lake Havasu or Colorado River border waters?
It may depend on where and how you fish. For border waters, check Arizona, California or Nevada rules before fishing from shore or boat.
Is the Arizona nonresident license refundable?
Arizona regulation summaries state that licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable, so check the product carefully before purchase.
What is the best Arizona license for a nonresident fishing three days?
Compare the $55 annual nonresident fishing license with the $20-per-day short-term license. Three short-term days would usually cost $60, so the annual license may be cheaper.
Final Take: Arizona Nonresident Fishing License Is Simple Once You Count the Days
For most adult visitors, the Arizona nonresident general fishing license is the best straightforward option if you plan to fish multiple days or may return later in the year. It is commonly listed at $55 and is valid one year from the date of purchase.
For one or two fixed fishing days, the $20-per-day nonresident short-term combination license may save money. For youth ages 10–17, the $5 youth combination hunt and fish license is usually the best option. Before fishing, buy or reprint through the official AZGFD license portal, save proof, and check current Arizona fishing regulations for your exact lake, river, community water or border-water location.
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