Get a Georgia Fishing License

GEORGIA FISHING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Since fishing regulations help protect and preserve fish in our state fish populations, it is important that every angler check the current set of regulations before each fishing trip. All states have a distinct set of regulations, and most are updated by the season or by the month.

IT'S NOT A FEE; IT'S A CONTRIBUTION

Imagine what a lake, pond, stream, river or ocean would be like if there were no fishing regulations in place. Fish populations would become depleted or even extinct. Given the pleasure fishing brings to millions of people, we all need to do our part to contribute towards conservation by knowing and understanding the importance of state fishing laws before visiting one of the top fishing spots in Georgia.

Fishing License Information

Anyone 16 years and older is required to have a fishing license in Georgia. A permit is not required for resident anglers under 16, but optional licenses are available that include mountain trout privileges for $10 for residents only. The youth fishing license is valid until the youth's 17th birthday.

Where to Purchase

Purchase a Georgia fishing license online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com. Licenses can also be purchased by phone at 1-800-366-2661 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. Licenses can also be purchased through local agents.

Commercial fishing licenses can be purchased by mail or at a Department of Natural Resources office. Licenses can also be purchased online for freshwater and saltwater commercial fishing.

One Conservation Way
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 264-7237

2065 Hwy. 278 SE.
Social Circle, GA 30025
(800) 366-2661

Residents

For residents, a Georgia fishing license is $15 annually and covers basic fishing privileges for fresh and saltwater fishing. The license provides access to certain state properties, but does not include mountain trout fishing. For saltwater fishing anglers must also have the free Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit. Permits are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

Senior fishing permits for anglers 65 and older cost $4 annually. Seniors born on or before June 30, 1952 are eligible for a free lifetime fishing license.

An annual trout license for residents is $10 annually.

One-day fishing and trout permits are available for $5 each. Additional days can be added for $1 each. Commercial fishing licenses cost $20. Disability fishing licenses cost $3 annually or $9 for a three-year license.

Georgia fish and game licenses are also available.

Nonresidents

For nonresidents, a Georgia fishing license is $50 annually and covers basic fishing privileges for fresh and saltwater fishing. The license provides access to certain state properties but does not include mountain trout fishing. Anglers must also have the free Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit for saltwater fishing. Permits are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.

Senior fishing permits are not offered for nonresidents, nor are disability licenses.

An annual trout license for nonresidents is $25 annually.

One-day fishing permits are available for $10. Additional days can be added for $3.50. One-day trout fishing licenses are available for $10, with additional days costing $2 each.

A nonresident commercial fishing license costs $200. Georgia fish and game licenses are also available.