Fishing in State Parks: License Rules & Costs by State

By America's State Parks Editorial TeamFebruary 7, 2026 · Updated September 25, 2026

Whether you're casting a fly rod into a mountain stream or dropping a line from a lakeside pier, state park fishing offers some of the best angling in America — often without the crowds and costs of private waters. From trophy trout in Appalachian creeks to monster bass in Southern reservoirs, state parks provide affordable, accessible fishing for every skill level.

Editorial note: We choose and update recommended parks using official park information, visitor-planning usefulness, available activities and facilities, geographic fit, and editorial review. Learn more in our Editorial Policy & Review Methodology.

This guide covers the best state parks for fishing across the country, complete with species guides, license information, gear recommendations, and insider tips to help you plan your perfect fishing trip.

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Top 15 State Parks for Fishing in America

After evaluating water quality, species diversity, accessibility, stocking programs, and overall angling experience, these are the 15 best state parks for fishing. Each park offers exceptional fishing combined with beautiful natural settings.

Park	State	Target Species	Water Type	Best For	Rating
Lake Bob Sandlin SP	Texas	Bass, Crappie, Catfish	Lake (9,460 acres)	Trophy Bass 🏆	⭐ 4.8
Montauk SP	Missouri	Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout	Spring-Fed Stream	Fly Fishing 🪰	⭐ 4.9
Pymatuning SP	Pennsylvania	Walleye, Musky, Bass	Lake (17,088 acres)	Walleye Fishing 🐟	⭐ 4.7
Ray Roberts Lake SP	Texas	Largemouth Bass, Crappie	Lake (29,000 acres)	Bank Fishing 🎣	⭐ 4.6
Grayton Beach SP	Florida	Redfish, Snook, Trout	Coastal Dune Lake	Saltwater Fishing 🌊	⭐ 4.8
Custer SP	South Dakota	Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout	Mountain Streams & Lakes	Scenic Fishing 🏔️	⭐ 4.9
Brazos Bend SP	Texas	Bass, Catfish, Sunfish	Three Lakes + Creek	Family Fishing 👨‍👩‍👧	⭐ 4.7
Moccasin Creek SP	Georgia	Stocked Trout, Bass	Creek + Lake Burton	Kids Fishing 🧒	⭐ 4.6
Eisenhower SP	Texas	Striped Bass, Blue Catfish	Lake Texoma (89,000 acres)	Striper Fishing 💪	⭐ 4.7
Bluestone SP	West Virginia	Bass, Catfish, Bluegill	Lake (2,040 acres)	Multi-Species 🐠	⭐ 4.6
Cooper SP	Texas	Bass, Hybrid Striper, Catfish	Lake (19,305 acres)	Hybrid Bass 🎯	⭐ 4.5
Unicoi SP	Georgia	Stocked Trout	Smith Creek + Lake	Trout Stocking 📅	⭐ 4.7
Lake Livingston SP	Texas	Catfish, White Bass	Lake (83,000 acres)	Catfishing 🐱	⭐ 4.5
Inks Lake SP	Texas	Striped Bass, Black Bass	Lake (803 acres)	Year-Round Fishing 📆	⭐ 4.7
Black Rock Mountain SP	Georgia	Trout, Bream, Bass	Mountain Lake (17 acres)	Bank Fishing 🌲	⭐ 4.6

Pro Tip: Texas state parks don't require a separate fishing license — your park admission covers fishing. This makes Texas parks some of the most budget-friendly fishing destinations in the country, especially for families.

Freshwater Fish Species Guide: What You'll Catch

Knowing what species swim in state park waters helps you choose the right gear, bait, and technique. Here's a comprehensive guide to the most common freshwater fish species you'll encounter at state parks across America.

Species	Best Bait/Lure	Peak Season	Difficulty	Best States	Fun Fact
Largemouth Bass	Plastic worms, spinnerbaits	Spring (Apr–Jun)	Intermediate	TX, FL, GA, AL	Can weigh 10+ lbs in southern waters
Rainbow Trout	PowerBait, flies, spinners	Spring & Fall	Beginner	MO, GA, NC, CO	Most commonly stocked trout species
Channel Catfish	Chicken liver, stink bait	Summer (Jun–Aug)	Beginner	TX, MO, MS, OK	Uses whisker-like barbels to taste food
Crappie	Minnows, small jigs	Spring (Mar–May)	Beginner	TX, MS, TN, AR	Best-tasting freshwater panfish
Walleye	Jigs, live minnows, leeches	Spring & Fall	Intermediate	MN, WI, PA, OH	Has reflective eyes for low-light feeding
Bluegill/Sunfish	Worms, crickets, small flies	Late Spring–Summer	Beginner	All 50 states	Perfect first fish for kids
Brown Trout	Nymphs, streamers, spinners	Fall (Sep–Nov)	Advanced	MT, PA, NY, WI	Most challenging trout to catch
Striped Bass	Live shad, large swimbaits	Spring & Fall	Advanced	TX, NC, SC, MD	Can exceed 50 lbs in reservoirs

Best State Parks for Fishing by Region

Every region of the United States offers unique fishing experiences shaped by climate, water systems, and native species. Here are the best regional picks for state park fishing.

Northeast

The Northeast is trout country. Pennsylvania's Pymatuning State Park sits on a 17,088-acre reservoir spanning the Pennsylvania-Ohio border — one of the largest lakes in either state. It's legendary for walleye, musky, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Maine's Baxter State Park offers remote brook trout fishing in pristine mountain ponds.

New York's Allegany State Park features stocked trout streams and warm-water lakes perfect for bass and panfish. Vermont's state parks provide access to crystal-clear mountain streams with wild brook trout. Connecticut's Housatonic River corridor through Housatonic Meadows State Park is one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the Northeast.

Southeast

The Southeast dominates bass fishing. Georgia's Moccasin Creek State Park on Lake Burton receives weekly trout stockings, making it ideal for families with children. The park's ADA-accessible fishing pier means everyone can cast a line. Unicoi State Park's Smith Creek is heavily stocked with rainbow trout during cooler months.

West Virginia's state parks form a fishing paradise — Bluestone State Park on its 2,040-acre lake offers bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Holly River State Park provides excellent wild trout fishing in the Left Fork of Holly River. Florida's Grayton Beach State Park offers unique saltwater fishing in the rare coastal dune lakes.

Midwest

The Midwest is walleye and musky territory. Minnesota's state parks provide access to over 11,000 lakes — including legendary walleye waters. Wisconsin's state parks on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior offer world-class salmon and trout fishing during seasonal runs.

Missouri's Montauk State Park is the crown jewel of Midwest trout fishing. Fed by Montauk Spring — one of the largest springs in the state — the park's cold, clear waters support year-round trout fishing. Daily trout tags are required, and anglers regularly catch limits of rainbow and brown trout on fly or spinning gear.

Southwest

Texas state parks are a fishing revelation. With no fishing license required inside state parks (just pay park admission), Texas makes fishing incredibly accessible. Ray Roberts Lake State Park covers 29,000 acres of prime largemouth bass water. Eisenhower State Park on Lake Texoma — the "Striper Capital of the Southwest" — produces striped bass exceeding 20 pounds.

Arizona's state parks offer desert fishing adventures at reservoirs like Patagonia Lake and Roper Lake, where you can fish for bass and trout against a backdrop of Sonoran Desert landscapes. New Mexico's state parks provide trout fishing at high-elevation lakes in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Mountain West

Custer State Park in South Dakota offers pristine mountain stream fishing for rainbow and brook trout amid 71,000 acres of Black Hills wilderness. Montana's state parks along the Missouri and Madison Rivers are fly fishing meccas—producing brown trout exceeding 20 inches.

Wyoming's state parks near Yellowstone provide access to some of America's most legendary trout waters. Colorado's state parks at high elevations feature gold medal waters — specially designated streams and rivers where the trout fishing quality is among the best in the state.

West Coast

California's state parks offer diverse fishing from Pacific Coast surf casting to Sierra Nevada mountain trout. Washington's state parks along Puget Sound provide salmon and steelhead fishing during seasonal runs. Oregon's state parks feature outstanding steelhead and salmon rivers, including access to the legendary Rogue and Deschutes Rivers.

Alaska — while technically not a "state park" system in the traditional sense — offers fishing experiences found nowhere else on earth, with five species of Pacific salmon, massive rainbow trout, and Arctic grayling in waters accessible through state recreation areas.

Fishing License Costs: State-by-State Guide

Fishing license rules and prices vary by state, and the numbers move every year. Our 50-state license table further down this page lists every state — resident and non-resident annual prices, short-term licenses, youth and senior rules, free fishing days and the official agency link — and we keep it in sync with the figures we check against the agencies.

What to check before you go: most states run free fishing days, usually in early June, when no license is required — the dates change yearly, so confirm them with the agency. Youth ages differ more than people expect: under 15 in West Virginia, under 16 in most states, under 17 in Texas, under 18 in South Dakota. In Texas you do not need a license while you fish on state park property or in waters completely enclosed by a state park; the park entry fee still applies (TPWD, as of September 2026).

Best Season to Fish: Monthly Hatch Calendar

Timing is everything in fishing. This seasonal guide helps you plan your state park fishing trip for the best bite based on species activity and natural hatch cycles.

Season	Best Species	Technique	Water Temp	Top Parks
Early Spring (Mar–Apr)	Crappie, White Bass	Small jigs, minnows near structure	50–60°F	Cooper Lake, Pymatuning
Late Spring (May–Jun)	Largemouth Bass, Bluegill	Topwater lures, bed fishing	60–75°F	Ray Roberts, Brazos Bend
Summer (Jul–Aug)	Catfish, Striped Bass	Bottom fishing, deep trolling	75–85°F	Lake Livingston, Eisenhower
Early Fall (Sep–Oct)	Brown Trout, Walleye	Streamers, jigs at dusk	55–65°F	Montauk, Custer
Late Fall (Nov–Dec)	Stocked Rainbow Trout	PowerBait, small flies, spinners	45–55°F	Moccasin Creek, Unicoi
Winter (Jan–Feb)	Trout, Yellow Perch	Slow retrieves, ice fishing (north)	32–45°F	Black Rock Mtn, Pymatuning

Best Overall Month: May and early June consistently produce the best fishing across most species and regions. Water temperatures are ideal, bass are on beds, crappie are spawning in shallows, and trout stocking programs are in full swing at parks like Moccasin Creek and Montauk.

Essential Fishing Gear: What to Pack

Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, having the right gear makes all the difference. Here's a comprehensive packing checklist for state park fishing trips.

Category	Essential Items	Approx. Cost	Tip
Rod & Reel	Medium-action spinning combo (6–7 ft)	$40–$100	Versatile enough for bass, trout, and panfish
Line	6–10 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon	$5–$15	Lighter line = more bites in clear water
Terminal Tackle	Hooks (#6–#2), split shot, bobbers, swivels	$10–$20	A basic tackle box covers 90% of situations
Bait	Live worms, PowerBait, small jigs	$5–$15	Live bait outperforms artificial for beginners
Sun Protection	Hat, polarized sunglasses, SPF 50+	$20–$50	Polarized lenses reduce glare to spot fish
Safety	Needle-nose pliers, first aid kit, whistle	$10–$25	Pliers are essential for hook removal
Storage	Cooler with ice, stringer or fish basket	$15–$40	Keep catch on ice immediately for best flavor
License	State fishing license + any required stamps	$5–$80	Buy online before your trip to save time

Budget Tip: Many state parks offer loaner rod programs where you can borrow fishing equipment for free. Check with the park office before buying gear, especially for first-time anglers. Parks like Montauk State Park in Missouri even sell tackle and bait at their on-site store.

Bait & Lures: What to Use

Choosing the right bait is often the difference between a successful outing and going home empty-handed. Here's a breakdown of effective options for freshwater fishing in state parks.

Bait Type	Best For	How to Use	Availability
🪱 Nightcrawlers/Worms	Bass, trout, panfish, catfish	Thread onto hook or cut into pieces	Bait shops, dig your own
🐟 Minnows	Bass, pike, walleye, crappie	Hook through lips or dorsal fin	Bait shops near parks
🦗 Crickets/Grasshoppers	Panfish, sunfish, trout	Hook once through thorax	Bait shops, catch in fields
🦐 Crayfish	Smallmouth bass, catfish	Hook through tail, cast near rocks	Catch in shallow streams
🧀 PowerBait/Dough Bait	Stocked trout	Mold onto treble hook, float off bottom	Sporting goods stores
🔄 Spinners	Trout, bass, pike	Cast and retrieve at steady pace	Tackle shops, online
🐛 Soft Plastic Worms	Largemouth bass	Texas-rig, slow retrieve along bottom	Tackle shops, online
🎯 Jigs	Bass, crappie, walleye	Bounce along bottom with jigging motion	Tackle shops, online

Fishing Techniques for State Parks

State park waters vary widely — from small stocked ponds to large natural lakes to flowing rivers. Here are the most effective techniques for each scenario.

Bobber Fishing (Best for Beginners)

Attach a bobber 2–4 feet above your baited hook. Cast near structure (fallen trees, rocks, weed beds) and watch the bobber. When it dips below the surface, set the hook with a firm upward rod sweep. This is the simplest and most effective technique for catching panfish, trout, and bass in state park ponds and lakes.

Cast and Retrieve

Using a spinner or artificial lure, cast toward likely fish-holding areas and reel back at a steady pace. Vary your retrieve speed — sometimes a fast retrieve triggers strikes, other times a slow, erratic retrieve works better. Excellent for covering water in larger lakes.

Bottom Fishing

Use a heavy sinker to keep your bait near the bottom. Best for catfish and carp which feed along the lake bed. Use cut bait, worms, or dough bait. Cast out, tighten your line, and wait — bottom fishing rewards patience.

Float Fishing in Rivers

In rivers and streams, use a bobber to drift your bait naturally with the current. Position yourself upstream of likely holding spots (pools, eddies, undercut banks). This technique is deadly for trout and smallmouth bass.

Family Fishing Guide: Getting Kids Started

State parks are the best places to introduce children to fishing. With stocked ponds, ADA-accessible piers, and ranger-led fishing programs, many parks are specifically designed to create positive first fishing experiences.

Best Parks for Kids

Moccasin Creek State Park in Georgia is the gold standard for family fishing. Weekly trout stockings mean abundant, easy-to-catch fish. The ADA-accessible fishing pier on Lake Burton means children, seniors, and mobility-impaired anglers all have equal access. Brazos Bend State Park in Texas features three easily accessible lakes where kids regularly catch bluegill and channel catfish from the bank.

Black Rock Mountain State Park receives monthly trout stockings in its 17-acre lake, with excellent bank fishing that eliminates the need for a boat. West Virginia's Beech Fork State Park offers over 100 lakefront campsites where you can literally fish from your campsite.

Tips for Fishing with Kids

Keep sessions short: 1–2 hours is ideal for children under 10. End on a high note — leave while they're still having fun
Start with panfish: Bluegill and sunfish bite frequently and are easy to catch on simple worm-and-bobber setups
Bring snacks: Hungry kids lose focus fast. Pack extra water and favorite snacks
Use barbless hooks: Easier to remove from fish (and fingers) — just crimp down the barb with pliers
Celebrate every catch: A 4-inch bluegill is a trophy to a 6-year-old. Take photos and make it memorable
Let them get messy: Touching worms, holding fish, and getting creek mud on boots are part of the experience

Fly Fishing in State Parks

For anglers who prefer the art of fly fishing, several state parks offer exceptional opportunities on cold-water streams and spring creeks.

Montauk State Park in Missouri is widely considered the finest state park fly fishing destination in America. The spring-fed Current River maintains ideal water temperatures year-round for both rainbow and brown trout. The park's catch-and-release zone upstream of the mill dam challenges experienced anglers with spooky, well-educated fish.

Georgia's Unicoi State Park offers fly fishing on Smith Creek, which flows through a lush Appalachian valley. The creek is stocked with rainbow trout during cooler months, and the park's proximity to Helen makes it easy to combine a fishing trip with a mountain town getaway.

Pennsylvania's Houstatonic and Pine Creek valleys feature state parks along some of the finest trout streams in the Mid-Atlantic. South Dakota's Custer State Park offers small-stream fly fishing for brook and rainbow trout in scenic mountain settings — plus the chance to spot bison herds along the water.

Fly Fishing Starter Gear

New to fly fishing? A 5-weight rod and reel combo ($100–$250) covers most state park trout water. Pack a selection of size 14–18 nymphs (Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, Prince) and a few dry flies (Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, Parachute Adams). A 9-foot 5X tapered leader and a box of split shot round out the essentials.

Catch and Release Best Practices

Many state parks have special catch-and-release regulations on premium waters. Even where keeping fish is allowed, practicing proper catch and release helps maintain healthy fish populations for future anglers.

Land fish quickly: Fight time should be under 2 minutes to minimize stress
Wet your hands: Dry hands remove the protective slime coat that shields fish from infection
Keep fish in water: Aim to release within 30 seconds. Keep the mouth and gills submerged
Use rubber nets: Rubber mesh is far gentler on fish than traditional knotted nylon nets
Remove hooks gently: Use needle-nose pliers or forceps. If deeply hooked, cut the line — the hook will dissolve
Monitor water temperature: Avoid fishing for trout when water exceeds 68°F (20°C) — warm water reduces oxygen and makes recovery difficult
Revive before releasing: Hold the fish facing upstream in gentle current until it swims away under its own power

Frequently Asked Questions About State Park Fishing

Do I need a fishing license to fish in state parks?

In most states, yes — you need a valid state fishing license even inside state parks. The major exception is Texas, where your state park admission covers fishing without an additional license. Most states offer affordable day passes ($3–$15) and free fishing days (usually in June). Children under 15–16 typically fish for free in every state.

What is the best state park for fishing in America?

Montauk State Park in Missouri is widely regarded as the best state park for trout fishing, with its spring-fed streams supporting year-round populations of rainbow and brown trout. For bass fishing, Lake Bob Sandlin State Park in Texas offers trophy largemouth bass in a 9,460-acre lake. Texas waives the fishing license while you fish from the park’s own banks and piers, but the reservoir reaches well beyond the park boundary, so ask park staff where it runs before you fish from a boat. The best park depends on your target species and preferred fishing style.

Can I keep the fish I catch in a state park?

Yes, in most state parks you can keep fish within the daily creel limits set by the state's fish and wildlife department. These limits vary by species, water body, and season. Some premium waters may have catch-and-release-only zones or special regulations (like artificials-only or slot limits). Always check the specific regulations posted at the park or on the state's DNR website before fishing.

What fishing gear do I need for state parks?

A medium-action spinning rod and reel combo (6–7 feet, $40–$100), 8 lb test line, a basic tackle box with hooks, split shot, and bobbers, plus live bait (worms) covers 90% of state park fishing. For trout streams, scale down to a lighter setup. Many parks offer free loaner rod programs — check with the park office before buying gear.

Are state parks stocked with fish?

Many state parks participate in fish stocking programs, particularly for trout. Parks like Moccasin Creek (weekly), Montauk (regular), and Black Rock Mountain (monthly) in Georgia receive regular stockings. Stocking schedules are typically published on the state's DNR website. Stocked waters are excellent for beginners because fish are abundant and actively feeding.

Can I fly fish in state parks?

Absolutely! Many state parks have excellent fly fishing water. Montauk State Park (MO), Unicoi State Park (GA), and state parks along Pennsylvania's Pine Creek are top fly fishing destinations. Some parks designate catch-and-release, artificials-only zones that create superb fly fishing. A 5-weight rod with basic nymph and dry fly patterns covers most state park trout streams.

What is the best time of year to fish in state parks?

Late spring (May–June) is generally the best time for most species. Bass are on spawning beds, crappie are in the shallows, and trout stocking programs are running at full capacity. Fall (September–November) is the second-best window, especially for brown trout, walleye, and autumn bass feeding frenzies. Each species and region has a unique peak — use our seasonal guide above for specific timing.

Is fishing in state parks safe for children?

State parks are among the safest places to fish with children. Many feature ADA-accessible fishing piers, stocked ponds with easy bank access, and ranger-led fishing programs. Use barbless hooks for safety, bring life jackets for waterside activities, and keep sessions short (1–2 hours). Parks like Moccasin Creek, Brazos Bend, and Black Rock Mountain are specifically known for being family-friendly fishing destinations.

🎣 Find Your Perfect Fishing Spot

Use our interactive park filter above to explore fishing-friendly state parks by state. With detailed information on activities, amenities, and real visitor ratings, finding your next fishing destination takes seconds.

Planning a broader outdoor trip? Check out our guides to Best State Parks for Camping, Best State Parks for Hiking, Dog-Friendly State Parks, and State Parks with Cabins.

State	Resident	Non-Res	Youth	Senior	Free Days	Notes	Official
Alabama	💚 $17	$66.25	< 16 Free	65+: not needed (residents only)	June 13, 2026	Residents may fish from the bank with hook and line in their… Residents may fish from the bank with hook and line in their home county without a license (proof of residency). On the Gulf State Park Pier you also pay the pier permit ($10 a day for adults) on top of an Alabama saltwater or pier license. All licenses expire August 31.	↗
Alaska	💚 $20	$100	Under 18 (residents) / under 16 (non-residents) free	60+ free (residents)	Check agency	One sport fishing license covers fresh and salt water; licenses run from… One sport fishing license covers fresh and salt water; licenses run from purchase to December 31. King salmon need the king salmon stamp, except in stocked lakes. Residents 60 and older fish without a license but need the no-cost ADF&G identification card.	↗
Arizona	💛 $37	$55	Under 10: not needed. Ages 10-17: youth combo hunt/fish $5 (R and NR)	70+ with 25 years of Arizona residency: no-cost pioneer license. Otherwise full price	First Saturday of National Fishing and Boating Week, usually in early June (2026: June 6)	Licenses run 365 days from purchase and cover all species, including trout,… Licenses run 365 days from purchase and cover all species, including trout, and fishing with two poles. Anglers 10 and older need a license, blind residents do not. A combination hunt and fish license costs $57 for residents and $160 for non-residents. Prices are from the Arizona Game and Fish Department licensing page and the 2025-26 fishing regulations (checked in September 2026).	↗
Arkansas	💚 $10.50	$60	< 16 Free	65+: $10.50 lifetime	June 12-14, 2026	Residents 65 and older can buy a lifetime fishing license for $10.50,… Residents 65 and older can buy a lifetime fishing license for $10.50, the price of one annual license. Keeping trout, or fishing the listed trout tailwaters, needs a trout permit ($10 residents, $20 non-residents).	↗
California	🟠 $64.54	$174.14	< 16 Free	No general discount 65+ on SSI/CAPI: $10.04 (residents)	July 4 and Sept 5, 2026	One license covers inland and ocean waters and runs 365 days from… One license covers inland and ocean waters and runs 365 days from purchase. Angling from a public pier in ocean waters does not need a license. A second rod in inland waters needs the $20.26 second rod validation. Fees include a 5% agent handling fee and a 3% application fee.	↗
Colorado	🟠 $44.87 + $12.76 habitat stamp	$124.01 + $12.76 habitat stamp	< 16 Free	64+: $12.96 (residents)	June 6-7, 2026	Anglers 18 to 64 also need the $12.76 habitat stamp once a… Anglers 18 to 64 also need the $12.76 habitat stamp once a year; it is not part of the license price. Annual licenses run March 1 to March 31 of the next year (13 months).	↗
Connecticut	💛 $28 inland ($32 all waters)	$55 inland ($63 all waters)	< 16 Free	65+: no charge (residents, renew yearly)	May 9, 2026	The all-waters license covers inland and marine waters; marine licenses from Maine,… The all-waters license covers inland and marine waters; marine licenses from Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island are valid in Connecticut's marine district. On June 21 and August 8, 2026 anglers needed a no-cost one-day license from the online system. Trout parks, most of them in state parks, need the trout and salmon stamp.	↗
Delaware	💚 $8.50	$20	< 16 Free	65+: not needed (residents, FIN number required)	June 6-7, 2026	One license covers fresh and tidal waters, crabbing and clamming. Anglers 16… One license covers fresh and tidal waters, crabbing and clamming. Anglers 16 and older also need the no-cost Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number. Agents add $2.50 per license. Licenses follow the calendar year.	↗
Florida	💚 $17	$47	Under 16 free (year-round)	65+: not needed (residents)	Freshwater: first weekend in April and second weekend in June. Saltwater: first weekend in June, first Saturday in September and the Saturday after Thanksgiving	Prices include the state issuance fee, vendors may add 50 cents. Residents… Prices include the state issuance fee, vendors may add 50 cents. Residents can get a no-cost shoreline license for saltwater fishing from land or from structures fixed to land. Residents can also buy 5-year and combination licenses. Prices are from the FWC license pages (copies of June and September 2026).	↗
Georgia	💚 $15	$50	< 16 Free	65+: $4/yr (residents)	June 6, June 13 and Sept 26, 2026 (Georgia residents only)	Saltwater anglers 16 and older also need the no-cost Saltwater Information Program… Saltwater anglers 16 and older also need the no-cost Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit. Several Georgia state parks lend fishing tackle through a loaner program. Online purchases add a $3 transaction fee.	↗
Hawaii	💚 $5 freshwater (16–64); saltwater: no license	$25 freshwater (16–64); $70 saltwater (15+)	Under 9 free 9–15: $3/yr (freshwater)	65+: freshwater license at no cost (still required)	Check agency	Visitors need a marine fishing license from age 15 for saltwater and… Visitors need a marine fishing license from age 15 for saltwater and a freshwater game fishing license from age 9 for streams and reservoirs. Residents fish saltwater without a license but need the freshwater license from age 9. Lake Wilson on Oahu also requires the Wahiawa entry permit, issued at no charge with a freshwater license. Online processing fees are extra.	↗
Idaho	💛 $30.50	$108	< 14 Free	65+: $13.75 hunt & fish combo (residents)	June 12, 2027 (next)	Salmon and steelhead need an extra permit ($15.25 residents, $28.25 non-residents). Annual… Salmon and steelhead need an extra permit ($15.25 residents, $28.25 non-residents). Annual licenses add an access/depredation fee ($5 resident adults, $10 non-resident adults). Licenses follow the calendar year.	↗
Illinois	💚 $15	$31.50	< 16 Free	65-74: $7.75 75+: $1.50 (residents)	June 19-22, 2026	Annual licenses run until March 31 (bought on or after March 1,… Annual licenses run until March 31 (bought on or after March 1, 2026: valid to March 31, 2027). Prices include the agent fee; a transaction fee may apply. Trout and salmon in Lake Michigan need the salmon stamp, trout elsewhere the inland trout stamp.	↗
Indiana	💛 $23	$60	< 18 Free	Residents 64+: $3/yr or $23 for life born before Apr 1, 1943: not needed	May 10, June 6-7 and Sept 26, 2026 (Indiana residents only)	Annual licenses run April 1 to March 31. The $11 trout/salmon stamp… Annual licenses run April 1 to March 31. The $11 trout/salmon stamp is sold on its own; one-day and senior licenses include it. Online purchases add a $3 tech fee per license plus a card fee.	↗
Iowa	💛 $22	$48	< 16 Free	65+: $61.50 lifetime (residents)	June 5-7, 2026 (Iowa residents only)	Anyone fishing for or keeping trout needs the trout fee ($14.50 residents,… Anyone fishing for or keeping trout needs the trout fee ($14.50 residents, $17.50 non-residents). Licenses follow the calendar year; next year's resident licenses go on sale December 15.	↗
Kansas	💛 $27.50	$77.50	< 16 Free	65-74: $12.50 (residents) 75+: not needed	June 6-7, 2026	Annual prices shown include the $1 agent fee and $1.50 transaction fee… Annual prices shown include the $1 agent fee and $1.50 transaction fee KDWP adds to every license (base fees: $25 resident, $75 non-resident); online purchases add a 2.95% card fee. Anglers 16 and older who fish for trout also need the $17.50 trout permit. Annual licenses run 365 days.	↗
Kentucky	💛 $24.31	$58.14	< 16 Free	65+: $12.68 senior sportsman's license, includes the trout permit (residents)	June 6-7, 2026	Anglers 16 and older need a Kentucky fishing license, also inside state… Anglers 16 and older need a Kentucky fishing license, also inside state parks. Licenses run March 1 to the end of February. Residents can also buy a 3-year fishing license ($58.14) or a joint married-couple license ($44.38). Prices are from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources fee page (copy of July 2026).	↗
Louisiana	💚 $17	$68	< 18 Free	Born before 6/1/1940: free 60+: $5	June 6-7, 2026	Unique age-based senior pricing. Saltwater requires basic + saltwater license. Unique age-based senior pricing. Saltwater requires basic + saltwater license.	↗
Maine	💛 $30	$83	< 16 Free	70+: $8 one-time lifetime (residents)	Feb 14-15 and May 30-31, 2026	Anglers 16 and older need a license for inland waters. The saltwater… Anglers 16 and older need a license for inland waters. The saltwater registry is separate, but holders of a Maine freshwater license do not need it. License agents add a $2 fee per license.	↗
Maryland	💛 $32	$55 minimum (varies by home state)	< 16 Free	65+: $12 consolidated license (residents)	First two Saturdays in June and July 4 (every year)	Nontidal (freshwater) and tidal (Chesapeake Bay and coastal) waters each need their… Nontidal (freshwater) and tidal (Chesapeake Bay and coastal) waters each need their own license, both run 365 days from purchase. Non-resident nontidal fees match what the angler's home state charges Marylanders, at least $55. Prices are from the Maryland DNR license page (copy of June 2026).	↗
Massachusetts	💛 $40 (+$5 Wildlands stamp on the first license each year)	$50 (+$5 Wildlands stamp)	Under 15: not needed. Ages 15-17: no-cost license for residents, $8 for non-residents	65-69: $20. 70+: no charge (residents)	Check agency	Licenses follow the calendar year and expire December 31. Prices do not… Licenses follow the calendar year and expire December 31. Prices do not include the $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp, added to the first resident license each year and to every non-resident license. Prices are from the MassWildlife fee page (copy of July 2026).	↗
Michigan	💛 $26	$76	< 17 Free	65+: $11	Presidents Day weekend (Sat-Sun) and the weekend after the first full week of June	Annual licenses run April 1 to March 31 (2026 licenses are valid… Annual licenses run April 1 to March 31 (2026 licenses are valid through March 31, 2027) and cover all species. A $1 surcharge is added to annual licenses.	↗
Minnesota	💛 $25	$51 ($46 + $5 surcharge)	Under 16 free (residents; non-residents with a licensed parent)	90+: not needed (residents)	Residents only: Take a Kid Fishing weekends with a child under 16 (next: January 16-18, 2027, ice fishing) and Mother's Day weekend for mothers	Residents may fish without an angling license when shore fishing or wading… Residents may fish without an angling license when shore fishing or wading on state-owned land in a state park, and on lakes lying completely inside a park, but not on waters that need a trout stamp. Non-residents need a license there too. The license year runs March 1 to the end of February and every license carries a $1 issuing fee. Prices are from the 2026 Minnesota fishing regulations.	↗
Mississippi	💚 $13.49	$75.42	< 16 Free	65+: exempt, proof required optional Senior Exempt License $2.30	Check agency	Annual prices shown include the $1.00 agent fee and $2.49 process fee… Annual prices shown include the $1.00 agent fee and $2.49 process fee MDWFP adds to resident licenses ($3.00 and $4.42 for non-residents); the base prices are $10.00 for the Small Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing license, the cheapest resident option that covers fishing, and $68.00 for the non-resident freshwater license. At 12 of the 17 state park lakes MDWFP manages you also need the park permit: $5 a day without boat launching, $9 with, or $55 a year for ages 16 to 61 ($35 at the exempt rate). Registered campers have fishing and launching included.	↗
Missouri	💚 $14	$57	< 16 Free	65+: not needed (residents, trout permit/tags still apply)	Saturday and Sunday after the first Monday in June	Bennett Spring, Montauk and Roaring River state parks are trout parks: besides… Bennett Spring, Montauk and Roaring River state parks are trout parks: besides a fishing permit you need a daily trout tag ($5 adults, $3 ages 15 and younger). A daily fishing permit costs $9 per day for residents and non-residents.	↗
Montana	💛 $31	$117.50 incl. conservation + AIS ($100 base)	< 12 Free	62+: $16.50 season total (residents)	Mother's Day and Father's Day weekends (every year, by state law)	Prices shown are totals: the base license plus the conservation license ($8… Prices shown are totals: the base license plus the conservation license ($8 residents, $10 non-residents) and the angler AIS prevention pass ($2, $7.50 for non-residents). Licenses run March 1 to the end of February. Children 11 and younger fish without a license.	↗
Nebraska	🟠 $41 (incl. habitat stamp)	$95.50 (incl. habitat stamp)	< 16 Free	69+: $5 hunt/fish/fur (residents)	Saturday before Memorial Day weekend (Free Fishing and Park Entry Day)	Prices include the aquatic habitat stamp and a $3 issue fee. Once… Prices include the aquatic habitat stamp and a $3 issue fee. Once a year, on the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend, you need neither a fishing permit nor a park entry permit.	↗
Nevada	💛 $40	$80	< 12 Free	65+: $15 combination (residents, 6 months)	June 13, 2026	Anglers 12 to 17 fish on the $15 Youth Combination License. NDOW… Anglers 12 to 17 fish on the $15 Youth Combination License. NDOW also sells a $30 Interstate Boundary Waters License valid only on the Colorado River, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake. A small processing fee is added to all prices.	↗
New Hampshire	🟠 $45	$63	< 16 Free	68+: $7/yr (residents)	Third Saturday in January and first Saturday in June	Freshwater and saltwater licenses are sold on their own; the $11 saltwater… Freshwater and saltwater licenses are sold on their own; the $11 saltwater license applies to residents and non-residents. A $2 transaction fee is added per license ($2.75 online).	↗
New Jersey	💛 $22.50	$34	< 16 Free	65-69: $12.50 70+: not needed (residents)	June 6 and Sept 26, 2026 (NJ residents only)	Saltwater anglers 16 and older need the no-cost New Jersey Saltwater Recreational… Saltwater anglers 16 and older need the no-cost New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry. Trout and salmon need the trout stamp ($10.50 residents, $20 non-residents). Licenses run until December 31.	↗
New Mexico	💛 $35 (+ $4 habitat validation, 18+)	$90 (+ $4 habitat validation, 18+)	< 12 Free	65-69: $8 70+: no charge (residents)	June 6-7 and Sept 26-27, 2026	Anglers 18 and older also pay the $4 habitat management and access… Anglers 18 and older also pay the $4 habitat management and access validation (HMAV); a $10 habitat stamp is needed on U.S. Forest Service and BLM land. Licenses run April 1 to March 31. Residents 70 and older get the license at no charge but must carry it.	↗
New York	💛 $25	$50	< 16 Free	70+: $5	Feb 14-15, June 27-28, Sept 26 and Nov 11, 2026	Annual licenses run 365 days from purchase. Saltwater fishing needs the no-cost… Annual licenses run 365 days from purchase. Saltwater fishing needs the no-cost Recreational Marine Fishing Registry (16+). Some Long Island state parks require extra permits for night fishing or 4WD beach access.	↗
North Carolina	💛 $32 inland ($51 inland + coastal)	$56 inland	< 16 Free	70+: $20 lifetime (residents, or 65+ if born by Aug 1, 1953)	July 4 every year (inland, coastal and trout waters)	The State Inland license covers inland waters, including Public Mountain Trout Waters;… The State Inland license covers inland waters, including Public Mountain Trout Waters; coastal waters need the Coastal Recreational Fishing License. Mountain Heritage Trout Waters also sell a 3-day license for $10. A $5 transaction fee applies per order.	↗
North Dakota	💛 $27 + $2 certificate	$68 + $5 certificate	Under 16 free (residents; non-residents with a licensed adult)	65+: $10 (residents)	June 6-7 and Dec 26-27, 2026 (residents only)	All licenses need the fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate ($2 residents, $5… All licenses need the fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate ($2 residents, $5 non-residents), bought once per license year. Licenses run April 1 to March 31.	↗
Ohio	💛 $25	$76.96	< 16 Free	65+: $10/yr (residents) born before 1938: no charge	June 20-21, 2026 (Ohio residents only)	One-year licenses run 365 days from the date of purchase and cover… One-year licenses run 365 days from the date of purchase and cover Lake Erie and all other public waters. Short-term options: resident 1-day $14; non-resident 1-day $27.04 or 3-day $52. A transaction fee may apply online.	↗
Oklahoma	💛 $31	$81	< 18 Free	65+: $30 lifetime (residents)	June 5-6, 2027 (next)	Anglers 18 and older need a license; annual licenses run 365 days.… Anglers 18 and older need a license; annual licenses run 365 days. The $12 Lake Texoma license allows fishing on both the Oklahoma and Texas portions of the lake. Texas residents 65 and older do not need an Oklahoma fishing license.	↗
Oregon	🟠 $50	$138	< 12 Free	70+: $34 (residents, 5 years)	Feb 14-15, June 6-7 and Nov 27-28, 2026	Anglers 12 and older need a license; youth 12 to 17 pay… Anglers 12 and older need a license; youth 12 to 17 pay $10. Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut also need the combined angling tag. Ocean fishing from beaches, jetties and boats needs the $9 ocean endorsement (new in 2026). Licenses run January 1 to December 31.	↗
Pennsylvania	💛 $27.97	$60.97	< 16 Free	65+: $14.47/yr or $86.97 lifetime (residents)	May 24 and July 4, 2026	Licenses follow the calendar year (2026 licenses went on sale December 1,… Licenses follow the calendar year (2026 licenses went on sale December 1, 2025). Trout need the $14.97 trout permit, Lake Erie the $9.97 Lake Erie permit. Prices include the $1 agent fee and the $0.97 transaction fee.	↗
Rhode Island	💛 $21	$38	< 15 Free	65+: no charge, permanent license (residents)	First full weekend in May (freshwater only)	Licenses run March 1 to the end of February. A combination hunting… Licenses run March 1 to the end of February. A combination hunting and fishing license costs $38. Prices are from the Rhode Island DEM freshwater license page (copy of April 2026, page dated February 2024). The minimum age and the saltwater license fee could not be checked.	↗
South Carolina	💚 $10	$35	< 16 Free	64+: $9 lifetime (residents) born by 7/1/1940: no cost	Memorial Day and July 4 (residents, freshwater only, next: May 31, 2027)	Freshwater and saltwater licenses are sold on their own. On the Myrtle… Freshwater and saltwater licenses are sold on their own. On the Myrtle Beach State Park pier a daily pier pass ($8 for ages 16 and older) replaces the saltwater license; surf fishing from the beach still needs one. Licenses run one year from purchase.	↗
South Dakota	💛 $31 + $10 habitat stamp	$80 + $25 habitat stamp	< 18 Free	65+: $17	May 15-17, 2026	Annual licenses need the habitat stamp ($10 residents, $25 non-residents, ages 18+);… Annual licenses need the habitat stamp ($10 residents, $25 non-residents, ages 18+); 1-day licenses do not. Agents and online sales add up to $4 per license. The 2026 license period runs December 15, 2025 to January 31, 2027.	↗
Tennessee	💛 $33 (hunt/fish combo, no trout)	$49 no trout, $98 all species (plus processing fees)	< 13 Free	65+: $4/yr (residents)	Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day, the Saturday of the first full week in June (next: June 12, 2027). Children 15 and younger fish without a license the following week	Anglers 13 and older need a license. Trout fishing needs the trout… Anglers 13 and older need a license. Trout fishing needs the trout supplement (residents) or an all-species license (non-residents). Annual licenses run 365 days from purchase and processing fees apply to every purchase. Prices are from the TWRA license page (copy of September 2026).	↗
Texas	💛 $30	$58	< 17 Free	65+: $12	First Saturday in June (next: June 5, 2027)	You don't need a fishing license or endorsement on Texas state park… You don't need a fishing license or endorsement on Texas state park property or in waters completely enclosed by a state park (more than 70 parks, all year). Park entry fees and all other fishing rules still apply.	↗
Utah	💛 $40	$120	< 12 Free	65+: $31 (residents)	June 6, 2026	Anglers 12 and older need a license; ages 12 to 13 pay… Anglers 12 and older need a license; ages 12 to 13 pay $5 (residents) or $18 (non-residents). Licenses run 365 days from purchase. Card payments carry a 2.2% transaction fee.	↗
Vermont	💛 $28	$54	< 15 Free	66+: $60 one-time permanent license (residents)	Last Saturday in January and second Saturday in June	Children under 15 never need a license; anglers 15 to 17 buy… Children under 15 never need a license; anglers 15 to 17 buy a youth license ($8 residents, $15 non-residents). Short-term licenses run on consecutive days.	↗
Virginia	💛 $23 ($28 from Oct 1, 2026)	$47 ($72 from Oct 1, 2026)	< 16 Free	65+: $9	June 5-7, 2026	Freshwater prices rise on October 1, 2026. Douthat State Park's fee fishing… Freshwater prices rise on October 1, 2026. Douthat State Park's fee fishing area needs a daily permit ($8, $13 from Oct 1), and the Kiptopeke and York River state park piers charge a fishing fee instead of a license. Saltwater licenses come from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.	↗
Washington	💛 $39.95	$115.85	< 16 Free	70+: $9.59 freshwater (residents)	June 12-13, 2027 (next)	The freshwater license does not cover saltwater; the combination license covers fresh… The freshwater license does not cover saltwater; the combination license covers fresh water, salt water and shellfish. Licenses include a Vehicle Access Pass, prices include all fees, and the license year runs April 1 to March 31.	↗
West Virginia	💚 $19	$37	< 15 Free	65+: $25 senior license (residents) born before 1947: not needed	June 13-14, 2026	Annual licenses also need the conservation stamp ($5 residents; $13 conservation/law enforcement… Annual licenses also need the conservation stamp ($5 residents; $13 conservation/law enforcement stamp for non-residents). Anglers on national forest land also need the $2 national forest stamp. Licenses follow the calendar year.	↗
Wisconsin	💚 $20	$55	< 16 Free	65+: $7	Jan 17-18 and June 6-7, 2026	Inland trout and Great Lakes salmon/trout each need a $10 stamp. On… Inland trout and Great Lakes salmon/trout each need a $10 stamp. On the June 6-7, 2026 weekend the license and stamp rules and state park admission were waived. Annual licenses run April 1 to March 31.	↗
Wyoming	💛 $27 + $21.50 conservation stamp	$102 + $21.50 conservation stamp	< 14 Free	65+ with 30 years residency: lifetime pioneer license at no cost	June 6, 2026	Annual licenses also need the $21.50 conservation stamp; daily and 5-day licenses… Annual licenses also need the $21.50 conservation stamp; daily and 5-day licenses do not. Licenses run 12 months from purchase.	↗

🆓 Free/No License 💚 Under $20 💛 $20-40 🟠 $40-75 🔴 $75+

About the Author

America's State Parks Editorial Team

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to state parks and other public lands in the United States. Our editorial team compiles park profiles from official agency and operator sources and other identified references, and follows our published editorial policy and review methodology. Where a profile shows a source-check date, that date applies to the detail it names. We correct errors when we find them or when readers report them.

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