Utah · Fishing license · Age
What age do you need a fishing license in Utah?
From 12 on, with no upper limit.
The ages that matter
Under 12
No license needed
Children can fish without one. Everything else still applies though — limits, sizes and seasons do not change with age.
12 and up
License required
Carry it with you while fishing.
65 and up
Cheaper, not free
Utah gives older residents a discount rather than an exemption: $31 for 365 days against $40 at ages 18 to 64. Visitors get no age discount at all beyond the youth rates.
How DWR words it
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.
Quoted rather than paraphrased. With rules that carry a fine, the exact wording is the point.
Other ways to be exempt
Age is one route. DWR lists these as well.
- Everyone on Free Fishing Day, at any public water in Utah
- Youth groups and organisations, under a separate licence exemption the DWR grants on application
