Arizona licenses anglers from the age of ten, the lowest threshold in the country, and its general fishing licence covers every species statewide including the urban community waters that make Phoenix and Tucson genuinely fishable. At thirty-seven dollars for a resident it sits mid-table, and the gap to the non-resident rate is unusually small: fifty-five dollars, against the hundred-plus several western states charge visitors.
What it costs you
Set your situation and the figure below is the one you will actually pay at checkout.
Every Arizona fishing fee
Annual licences are valid one year from the date of purchase.
| Licence | Who | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term combination, per day | Resident | 1 day | $15.00 |
| Short-term combination, per day | Visitor | 1 day | $20.00 |
| Youth combination hunt and fish, ages 10-17 | Resident | Annual | $5.00 |
| Youth combination hunt and fish, ages 10-17 | Visitor | Annual | $5.00 |
| General fishing, annual Covers all fish species statewide, including community waters. | Resident | Annual | $37.00 |
| General fishing, annual | Visitor | Annual | $55.00 |
| Combination hunt and fish | Resident | Annual | $57.00 |
| Combination hunt and fish | Visitor | Annual | $160.00 |
The Pioneer licence is for residents aged 70 or over with 25 consecutive years of Arizona domicile.
Who fishes free in Arizona
- Anglers under 10, the lowest threshold of any state we cover.
- Blind Arizona residents.
- Everyone on the state free fishing day.
Exemptions are narrower than they sound and the burden of proof is on you. Carry whatever document the exemption rests on.
How to buy it
Arizona Game and Fish Department sells online, by phone and through licence agents: tackle shops, sporting goods stores and county offices. Buying online takes about ten minutes and you can print or screenshot the confirmation immediately.
Official AZGFD licensing page →
We link the agency and never resell licences. If a site charges you a "processing fee" on top of the state fee, you are not on the state's own system.
Where to use it
We track 20 Arizona waters daily, with live flow, tides and conditions. A sample of what your licence covers:
- Lake Havasu — Mohave County
- Roosevelt Lake — Gila County
- Lake Pleasant — Yavapai County
- Canyon Lake (AZ) — Maricopa County
- Big Lake (White Mountains) — Apache County
- Alamo Lake — La Paz County
- Lower Salt River — Maricopa County
- Bartlett Lake — Maricopa County
- Saguaro Lake — Maricopa County
- Woods Canyon Lake — Coconino County
- Show Low Lake — Navajo County
- Black River — Apache County
Questions
How much is a fishing licence in Arizona?
$37.00 for a resident annual all waters licence and $55.00 for a non-resident. Short-term licences cost less and are listed in full above.
What age do you need a fishing licence in Arizona?
From age 10. Anglers under 10 fish without one, though some states still require a catch record card.
Can I buy a Arizona fishing licence online?
Yes. Arizona Game and Fish Department sells online and through licence agents. Buy before you rig up and keep the confirmation on your phone: wardens check ramps at dawn.
At what age do you need a fishing licence in Arizona?
Ten. Children under ten fish without one, as do blind Arizona residents. It is the lowest threshold of any state we have verified.
Does the Arizona licence cover urban community waters?
Yes. The general fishing licence covers all fish species statewide, community waters included, so there is no separate urban-lake permit to buy.