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Utah · Fishing license

Do I need a fishing license in Utah?

Yes — anyone 12 or older needs one.

A year costs $40 if you live here and $120 if you don't.

What it costs

If you live in Utah

licensePrice
Fishing, 365 days, ages 18 to 64The multi-year version works out at $39 a year. $40
Fishing, 365 days, age 65 and overA discount, not an exemption — Utah keeps charging. $31
Fishing, 365 days, ages 14 to 17 $16
Fishing, 365 days, ages 12 and 13The first licence a Utah child needs, at twelve. $5
Fishing, 365 days, disabled veteranFor Utah veterans disabled in the line of duty — $12 instead of the $40 full price. $12
Fishing, seven daysOnly $10 less than a full year. $30
Fishing, three days $19

If you're visiting

licensePrice
Fishing, 365 days, age 18 and overThree times the resident rate. The multi-year version is $119 a year. $120
Fishing, 365 days, ages 14 to 17 $44
Fishing, 365 days, ages 12 and 13 $18
Fishing, seven days, all ages $91
Fishing, three days, all agesThe cheapest legal fishing in Utah for a visitor over 17. $44

The full price breakdown →

How long it lasts

Utah sells by the day count, not the calendar: a licence is "good for 365 days from the day you buy it". Three-day, seven-day, 365-day and multi-year versions all exist.

Who doesn't need one

DWR words the age rule this way: DWR, quoting Utah Code § 23A-4-601: "If you’re under 12 years of age, you do not need a fishing license to fish in Utah. You can fish without a license, use two poles, use a setline and take a full daily limit." And: "If you’re 12 years of age or older, you must purchase a fishing license or a combination license to fish in Utah." Utah charges children from twelve, but at $5 a year for ages 12 and 13.

Where to buy it

Wondering about the big retailers? A shop like Walmart sells the state's license at the state's price — it sets none of its own.

Days you can fish without one

freshwater
June 6, 2026
DWR runs one Free Fishing Day a year, when anyone may fish any public waterbody in Utah without a licence. Every other rule stays in force: "even on Free Fishing Day, Utah’s other fishing rules will still be in effect, besides the license requirement."

More on free fishing days →

Where to use it today

Waters we read every morning in Utah.