How Much Does a Pennsylvania Fishing License Cost?

While getting ready for an upcoming fishing trip to Pennsylvania, I needed to make sure I purchased a fishing license for my trip. I wasn’t sure where to buy one and how much it cost. So, I did some research on the different fishing licenses in Pennsylvania and created this helpful guide for other anglers looking for the same information.

In Pennsylvania a 1-year fishing license costs $22.97 for state residents and $52.97 for non-residents. A 1-day Pennsylvania fishing license cost $11.97 for state residents and $26.97 for non-residents. Much like other states Pennsylvania offers a variety of license options and lengths for residents, non-residents, and seniors.

The different types of licenses provide anglers with varying price options to help fit their individual needs and allows the state to monitor and enforce fishing regulations. When fishing in Pennsylvania anglers must have a valid license with them to show an officer upon request.

For additional information about the cost of Pennsylvania fishing licenses, where to buy a license, and some helpful Pennsylvania fishing tips please continue reading on below.

Fishing License Cost in Pennsylvania

Much like most other states, there are a variety of different packages and discounts offered to help fit the needs of each angler. Pennsylvania offers license discounts to youth, seniors and anglers purchasing a multi-year license.

Here is a list of all the fishing licenses and how much they cost for both residents and non-residents.

PA Resident Fishing License Cost

Type of Fishing License	Cost
Annual Resident (16-64)	$22.97
Annual Senior Resident (65 & up)	$11.97
Lifetime Senior Resident (65 & up)	$51.97
1-Day Resident (16 & up)	$11.97
Trout Permit (16 & up)	$9.97
1 Lake Erie Permit (16 & up)	$9.97
Annual Voluntary Youth Fishing License (Less than 16)	$2.97
Mentored Youth Permit (Less than 16)	$0.00

Also keep in mind that $1.00 agent fee and a $0.97 PALS transaction may be included on the purchase of your license.

PA Non-Resident Fishing License Cost

Type of Fishing License	Cost
Annual Non-Resident (16+)	$52.97
Annual Non-Resident PA Student(16+)	$22.97
1-Day Tourist	$26.97
3-Day Tourist	$26.97
7-Day Tourist	$34.97

Also be aware that a $1.00 agent fee and a $0.97 PALS transaction may be included on the purchase of your license.

Pennsylvania Multi-Year Fishing Licenses

Type of Fishing License	Cost
Lifetime Senior Resident (65 & up)	$51.97
3-Year Resident	$64.97
3-Year Non-Resident	$154.97
3-Year Senior Resident	$31.97
3-Year Trout Permit	$25.97
3-Year Lake Erie Permit	$25.97
3-Year Combo Trout Lake Erie Permit	$43.97
5-Year Resident	$106.97
5-Year Non-Resident	$256.97
5-Year Senior Resident	$51.97
5-Year Trout Permit	$41.97
10-Year Resident	$211.97
10-Year Non-Resident	$511.97
10-Year Trout Permit	$81.97
10-Year Lake Erie Permit	$81.97
10-Year Combo Trout Lake Erie Permit	$141.97

Also keep in mind that $1.00 agent fee and a $0.97 PALS transaction may be included on the purchase of your license.

Lake Erie Fishing License

For those anglers that are planning on fishing at Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and their tributaries an additional permit is required.

Here is a list of the different Lake Erie License options:

Type of Fishing License	Cost
Annual Lake Erie Permit	$9.97
Annual Combination Trout Lake Erie Permit	$15.97
3-Year Lake Erie Permit	$25.97
5-Year Lake Erie Permit	$41.97
10-Year Lake Erie Permit	$81.97

Trout Fishing Permit

One thing that is different then in Pennsylvania when compared to other states is that they require anglers perusing trout to purchase a trout permit. These permits are printed on your fishing license and are required if you are fishing for trout.

You are not required to purchase a trout permit if you purchase a 1-day Tourist license or if you are under the age of 16. Those disabled or except for needing a fishing license aren’t require to have a trout permit.

Student Fishing License

If you are a student that is from out of the state and are attending a school in Pennsylvania and have not yet become a resident, you are not eligible to purchase a resident fishing license. However, you can purchase an annual non-resident PA student license at a discount.

Where Can You Purchase a Pennsylvania Fishing License?

These days getting a fishing license is easier now more than ever and there are multiple ways you can purchase a fishing license.

In Pennsylvania here are the three simple ways you can purchase a fishing license:

Online – You can purchase a fishing license online by visiting to the Pennsylvania Game Commission website. Here you’ll find all the resources and information you’ll need and will be able to purchase a fishing license that best fits your needs.

In Person – You can also purchase a in person by visiting an authorized licensing agent. There are about 700 of these locate throughout and around the state of Pennsylvania.

Via Phone – A Pennsylvania fishing license can also be purchased over the phone (877-707-4085). They can also answer licensing questions.

For more information and insight on where you can purchase a fishing license you can visit Pennsylvania Government Website.

Popular Fish to Target in Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania offers anglers with some unique and productive fishing opportunities. There is a wide variety of bodies of water to fish and different species to target.

Here is a list of the most popular fish that you can expect to catch in Pennsylvania in case you are wondering what kind of fish you can target.

Game Fish in Pennsylvania

Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Spotted Bass
Rock Bass
White Bass
Striped Bass
Bluegill
Carp
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Crappie
Muskellunge
Perch
Chain Pickerel
Northern Pike
Pumpkinseed
Sunfish
Shad
Snakehead
Brown Trout
Brook Trout
Rainbow Trout
Walleye
Sauger

For more information and insight on these fish and where you can catch them in Pennsylvania visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.

Best Places to Fish in Pennsylvania

Whether you are a bass fisherman or prefer targeting trout or other species there are plenty of lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams that are great for all anglers.

Here is a list of some of the most popular places to fish in Pennsylvania.

Lake Erie (Presque Isle Bay)
Neshannock Creek
Slippery Rock Creek
Pocono Mountains
Cedar Run
Susquehanna River
Penns Creek
Lake Arthur
Oil Creek
Spring Creek
Lake Chillisquaque
Raystown Lake
Slate Run
Letort Spring Run
Yellow Breeches Creek
Monocacy Creek
Youghiogheny River
Wissahickon Creek
Laurel Highlands
Hills Creek

For more information and insight and where the best places to fish are in Pennsylvania check out this website: VisitPA.com.