Are you planning on going fishing in Pennsylvania? It’s important that you know the requirements for a fishing license in Pennsylvania before you cast your line. This guide will give you all the information needed to obtain a Pennsylvania fishing permit, including the types and costs of each licence.
Pennsylvania Fishing License Types
Pennsylvania offers different types of fishing licenses, depending on age and residency status. These include:
Resident Fishing License PA
Residents of Pennsylvania who have lived in the state for at least 30 consecutive days can purchase a resident fishing license PA. The license is valid for a year from the date it was purchased and allows the angler access to all Pennsylvania waters including boundary lakes, rivers and lakes.
Non-Resident fishing license PA
Non-resident fishing license PA is available for individuals who do meet the residency requirements to obtain a resident licence. The license is valid for a year from the date it was purchased and allows the angler access to all Pennsylvania waters including boundary lakes, rivers and streams.
Senior Resident Fishing License PA
Senior resident fishing license PA is available for individuals 65 years old or older who have lived in Pennsylvania at least 90 consecutive days before purchasing the licence. The licence is valid for a year from the date it was purchased and allows the angler access to all Pennsylvania waters including boundary lakes and rivers.
Multi-Year Licences
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers multi-year licenses to resident and non-resident fishermen. These licences can be purchased for three or five-years and offer a discount compared to purchasing an annual license each year.
How to Buy a Fishing Licence in PA
There are a few ways to buy a fishing license in Pennsylvania.
Online Shopping
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website allows you to purchase a fishing license PA online. Payment can be made via credit cards or electronic cheques. You can print out your fishing license after you purchase it online.
Phone Call
You can also buy a fishing license PA by phone. Call the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission on 877-707-4085. The commission accepts payment by credit card.
A Licensing agent
You can buy a fishing license PA from one of the 700 licensing agents in Pennsylvania. These agents include sporting good stores, bait shops, as well as other retailers. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website to find a licensing agency near you.
The Cost of Fishing Licences In Pennsylvania
The cost of a fishing license in Pennsylvania depends on the type and duration of the licence. The following are the current fishing license prices in Pennsylvania as of 2021:
Resident Fishing License PA
One-Year: $22.97
Non-Resident fishing license PA
One-Year: $52.97
Senior Resident Fishing License PA
One-Year: $11.97
Multi-Year Licence
Three-Year Resident License: $64.97
Five-Year Resident License: $106.97
Three-Year Non-Resident Licence: $154.97
Five-Year Non-Resident Licence: $256.97
Licence-Free Fishing Days
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers Licence Free Fishing Days all year long. Anglers are allowed to fish without a license during these days. All other fishing regulations and limitations still apply.
Here are the dates of the Licence-Free Fishing Days in Pennsylvania 2021.
May 31 – Memorial Day
Independence Day is July 4.
Labor Day is September 4.
Fishing Regulations Pennsylvania
Anglers are required to adhere to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s fishing regulations in addition obtaining a Pennsylvania fishing license. These regulations include bag and size limits for different species, as well specific fishing seasons and restrictions to certain fishing methods.
Anglers are advised to review the Pennsylvania Fishing Summary book, which is available on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, before heading out onto the water, to ensure that they are in compliance.
Pennsylvania Fishing Without A License Penalties
In Pennsylvania, fishing without a license can result in an up to $300 fine. Anglers may also be required to buy a license for the current year as well as the following year even if they don’t intend to fish.
Conclusion
Anyone planning to fish in Pennsylvania must obtain a fishing license PA. This guide will provide you with all the information needed to obtain a Pennsylvania fishing license, including the types, costs, and locations to purchase each licence. We encourage all anglers, before heading out to the water, to review the Pennsylvania Fishing Summary book to ensure that they are in compliance.