Pennsylvania prices its licence in odd numbers because every figure quoted already includes the agent and transaction fees, which is more honest than the states that surprise you at checkout. What it does not include is the trout permit, and in a state built on stocked trout streams that is the purchase most people actually need. Fish the Erie tributaries for steelhead and you need a second permit on top, or the combination that covers both.
What it costs you
Set your situation and the figure below is the one you will actually pay at checkout.
Every Pennsylvania fishing fee
The licence year runs to 31 December.
| Licence | Who | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| One day Not valid 15 March to 30 April. | Resident | 1 day | $14.47 |
| One day, tourist Not valid 15 March to 30 April. | Visitor | 1 day | $31.97 |
| Three days, tourist | Visitor | 3 days | $31.97 |
| Seven days, tourist | Visitor | 7 days | $39.47 |
| Disabled veteran | Resident | Annual | Free |
| Voluntary youth, under 16 | Resident | Annual | $2.97 |
| Disabled veteran, reduced | Resident | Annual | $2.97 |
| Prisoner of war | Resident | Annual | $2.97 |
| Senior resident, 65 and over | Resident | Annual | $14.47 |
| Annual, ages 16-64 | Resident | Annual | $27.97 |
| Non-resident Pennsylvania student | Visitor | Annual | $27.97 |
| Annual | Visitor | Annual | $60.97 |
| Senior resident, three years | Resident | 3 years | $39.47 |
| Three years, ages 16-64 | Resident | 3 years | $79.97 |
| Three years | Visitor | 3 years | $178.97 |
| Senior resident, five years | Resident | 5 years | $64.47 |
| Five years, ages 16-64 | Resident | 5 years | $131.97 |
| Five years | Visitor | 5 years | $296.97 |
| Ten years, ages 16-64 | Resident | 10 years | $261.97 |
| Ten years | Visitor | 10 years | $591.97 |
| Senior resident, lifetime | Resident | Lifetime | $86.97 |
Every price shown includes the $1.00 issuing agent fee and the $0.97 transaction fee, which is why they end in odd numbers.
Passing through? A visitor pays $31.97 for one day here, and the annual works out cheaper after 2 days. Compare every state's day licence.
Stamps and add-ons
The base licence is often not the whole ticket. These are the Pennsylvania extras on top of the base licence, as PFBC lists them.
| Add-on | When you need it | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Trout permit | Required to fish for or keep trout. Not needed under 16. | $14.97 |
| Lake Erie permit | Required in Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and their tributaries. | $9.97 |
| Combination trout and Lake Erie permit | Cheaper than buying both, which the Erie area often needs. | $20.97 |
A trout stamp is an endorsement, not a licence: it is useless without the licence above it. What it costs in every state, and the 26 that require none.
Do you need a fishing licence in Pennsylvania?
Yes, from age 16. Residents and visitors both need one from that birthday. What changes is the price, not the requirement.
$27.97 a year if you live in Pennsylvania, $60.97 if you are visiting.
Who does not need one
- Anglers under 16.
- Everyone on the state Fish-for-Free days.
Nobody needs a licence on Pennsylvaniaβs free fishing days: the dates for this year, and what the day does not waive.
How to buy it
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission sells online, by phone and through licence agents: tackle shops, sporting goods stores and county offices.
Official PFBC licensing page β
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 22 Pennsylvania waters daily, with live flow, tides and conditions. A sample of what your licence covers:
- Raystown Lake β Huntingdon County
- Presque Isle Bay β Erie County
- Pymatuning Reservoir β Crawford County
- Spring Creek β Centre County
- Little Juniata River β Huntingdon County
- Walnut Creek β Erie County
- Lake Arthur β Butler County
- Yellow Breeches Creek β Cumberland County
- Lake Wallenpaupack β Pike County
- Susquehanna River β Lancaster County
- Youghiogheny River β Fayette County
- Penns Creek β Centre County
All 22 Pennsylvania waters β
Questions
How much is a fishing licence in Pennsylvania?
$27.97 for a resident annual all waters licence and $60.97 for a non-resident. Stamps and endorsements cost extra where the species or water calls for one.
Do you need a fishing license in Pennsylvania?
Yes, from age 16, and it makes no difference whether you live there: residents and visitors both need one, they just pay different prices. $27.97 for a resident annual licence, $60.97 for a visitor. 2 exemptions apply, listed on this page.
What age do you need a fishing licence in Pennsylvania?
From age 16. Anglers under 16 fish without one, though the other rules, bag limits and catch record cards included, still apply to them.
Can I buy a Pennsylvania fishing licence online?
Yes. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission sells online and through licence agents. Every price shown includes the $1.00 issuing agent fee and the $0.97 transaction fee, which is why they end in odd numbers.
Do I need a trout permit in Pennsylvania?
To fish for or keep trout, yes, on top of the licence. Anglers under 16 do not. If you are heading for Lake Erie or its tributaries you need the Lake Erie permit as well, and the combination permit costs less than the two separately.
Why do Pennsylvania licence prices end in odd cents?
Because the published price already includes the $1.00 issuing agent fee and the $0.97 transaction fee. The number you see is the number you pay.