Nevada Fishing Licenses, Laws, and Regulations

Nevada has plenty of ponds, lakes, rivers, creeks and reservoirs that are full of thriving varieties of fish species. Some of these fish are varieties of bass such as largemouth, spotted and striped; trout such as rainbow, bull, cutthroat; sunfish, catfish, perch and more. There are varying fishing licenses in Nevada such as those for state residents and non-residents, junior and senior licenses. Before buying a NV fishing license, it is best to know under which category you fall under.

Fishing licenses are available from the Nevada Department of Wildlife's licensing website on a 24/7 basis. There are special privileges and stamps for some fish species so it is best to read up on this issue before getting a fishing license. The fees collected go to the fishery management, conservation education, habitat development and endangered species programs.

Fishing rules and regulations are implemented for fishery management. There are rules on the length and weight of fish allowed to be caught as well as an actual number on how many fish you can catch. It is a must that an angler is well aware of the correct practice of catch and release to increase the fish's chance of survival. At times, special rules apply to meet the needs the fish and habitat of a particular region of Nevada.

One way of contributing to the effort of conserving the fish populations is through the application of proper catch and release techniques. The correct fishing style as well as fishing gear is also important factors that play in the conservation effort. A properly handled fish can be safely released back into the water to thrive.

Get your Nevada fishing license to enjoy the bountiful waters across the State. Its waters have numerous rare and special species of fish that you can take pride in when you get one to bite your lines. There are also thousands of scenic lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and streams that you can catch some of the trophy fishes that you have always dreamt of.

But how do you get a fishing license in Nevada? What are the requirements? There seems to be a lot of questions regarding this matter. However, you don’t need to worry because we have put together a simple and quick guide so that you can focus your time preparing for other things as you plan for your next Nevada weekend fishing trip.

Here’s everything that you need to know.

Who is required to purchase a fishing license in the State of Nevada?

All persons fishing in the state waters of Nevada are subject to the fishing license requirement. Anglers who are older than 12 years old are required to possess a license in order to fish or take fish in any of the state waters across Nevada. Please note that non-residents under the age of 12 are not required to purchase a fishing license in Nevada. However, the number of fish that they can take must not be more than half of the limit set by the law.

Residency Requirements

Similar to other states, Nevada also has instituted several privileges to residents of the State. In order to qualify as a resident, however, you need to qualify to the following criteria:

citizen of, or is lawfully entitled to remain in, the United States, and during the six months next preceding his application to the Department for a license, tag or permit
s/he maintained his principal and permanent residence in this State
as physically present in this State, except for temporary absences;
did not purchase or apply for any resident license, tag or permit to hunt, fish or trap in another state, country or province
Active members, permanently assigned to the State of Nevada and spouses and dependents

Student Residency Requirement

A person who does not maintain his principal and permanent residence in Nevada but who is attending an institution of higher learning in this State as a full-time student are eligible to purchase a fishing license as a resident if during the six months next preceding his application, s/he:

was physically present in Nevada, except for temporary trips outside of the State
did not purchase or apply for any resident license, tag or permit to hunt, fish or trap in another state, country or province

Where to purchase a fishing license in Nevada?

There are three different ways you can purchase a license in the State of Nevada. You can choose one of the following convenient options:

Buy online. You can purchase your Nevada Fishing License online through the Nevada Department of Wildlife Website.

Buy from any NDOW Office. You can also buy your licenses from the nearest NDOW office. Please see this map to locate an NDOW office.

Buy from a license agent. If the nearest NDOW office is far from your location, there are also hundreds of accredited license agents around you. You can visit this map to find the closest license agent to your location.

Different Fishing Licenses in Nevada

The State of Nevada is selling different fishing licenses, and the cost varies depending on your age and residency, and the duration of the validity of the license you want to purchase. You can buy an annual, 1-day fishing permit, or a 1-day group-fishing permit that allows a group of people to go fishing. Here’s a summary of the licenses you can purchase in the State of Nevada:

Resident Combination Licenses

License	Description	Total Value
Combination License	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons 18 years of age and older at the time of purchase.	$75.00
Serviceman’s Specialty Combination License	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For Nevada residents who are on active duty outside of Nevada. Applicant must show evidence of his or her duty assignment or show leave papers to the license agent.	$15.00
Severe Disability Specialty Combination License *	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. Initial application through NDOW only.	$15.00
Native American Specialty Combination License *	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. Resident Native American as defined in NRS 502.280. Must supply a letter of eligibility. Initial application through NDOW only.	$10.00
Disabled Veteran Specialty Combination License *	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. Nevada Resident and veteran who has incurred a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more. Initial application through NDOW only.	$15.00
Youth Combination License Youth Fishing License**	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons at least 12 years of age but less than 18 years of age at time of purchase. Youth Fishing License is offered only as the Youth Combination License.	$15.00
Senior Specialty Combination License	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons 65 years of age or older with 5 years of continuous Nevada residency at the time of purchase.	$15.00

Resident Fishing Licenses

License	Description	Total Value
Fishing License	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons 18 years of age or older at the time of purchase.	$40.00
1-Day Fishing Permit	Valid until midnight of the date specified.	$9.00
1-Day Fishing Permit	Each Consecutive Day Added to a 1-Day Permit	$3.00

An adult resident fishing license costs $40, and youth (12 - 17 years old) may purchase a combination hunting and fishing license for $15. These licenses are valid for one (1) year from the date of purchase. Adult residents may also purchase a one-day fishing license for $9 for the first day and $3 for consecutive days. For every consecutive day of extension to a resident’s daily fishing permit, a $3.00 fee is charged. Please note that these prices are exclusive of the relevant processing fees.

Non-Resident Combination Fishing Licenses

License	Description	Total Value
Combination License	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons 18 years of age and older at the time of purchase.	$155.00
Youth Combination License * Youth Fishing License	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons at least 12 years of age but less than 18 years of age upon payment. Youth Fishing License is offered only as the Youth Combination License.	$15.00
1-Day Permit to Fish and hunt upland game birds and migratory game birds	Valid until midnight of the date specified.	$23.00
	Each Consecutive Day Added to 1-Day Permit to Fish and Hunt Upland and Migratory Game Birds.	$8.00

Non-Resident Fishing Licenses

License	Description	Total Value
Fishing License	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. For persons 18 years of age and older at the time of purchase.	$80.00
Interstate Boundary Water License	Valid for 1 year beginning the date of purchase. (To fish solely in the reciprocal waters of the Colorado River, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake)	$30.00
1-Day Fishing Permit	Valid until midnight of the date specified.	$18.00
1-Day Fishing Permit	Each Consecutive Day Added to a 1-Day Permit	$7.00

An adult non-resident fishing license costs $80. Non-resident adults may purchase an Interstate Boundary Waters fishing license valid only on Lake Tahoe, Lake Mohave, Lake Mead, Topaz Lake, and the Colorado River for $30. Non-resident youth (12 - 17 years old) may purchase a combination hunting and fishing license for $15. These licenses are valid for one (1) year from the date of purchase. Non-resident adults may also purchase a one-day fishing license for $18 for the first day and $7 for consecutive days. Please note that these prices are exclusive of the relevant processing fees.

Nevada Special Fishing Permit

To those who are eligible to purchase a Nevada Special Fishing Permit, they can procure it for only $25.00. Here’s are the ones eligible to purchase it:

Eligible non-profits include: clubs, foundations, programs, educational institutions, or other social groups operated for the benefit of children or that will use the permit for the benefit of adults with disabilities
Mental health facilities, facilities for juveniles, rehabilitation, older persons, and foster care facilities.

Nevada Fishing Regulations and Limits

The state of Nevada implements different fishing regulations in order to protect fishers’ safety as well as to maintain a healthy population of fish. In order to make sure that you don’t violate any of these regulations, please download the Nevada Fishing Regulation Guidebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I auto-renew my fishing license?

Yes. Auto-renewal options will be available for boat registrations as well as hunting, fishing, and combination licenses.

Q: Will there be any licenses specifically for seniors?

NDOW offers a specialty combination hunting and fishing license to seniors aged 65 and older who have five consecutive years of Nevada residency for $15 plus a nominal processing fee. This license is valid for one (1) year from the date of purchase.

Q: How long will my new license be valid?

All hunting and fishing licenses will be valid for one (1) year from the date of purchase unless stated otherwise. Short-term licenses expire at midnight of the date indicated in the license.