Fishing Licensing

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ChrisWRF

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404
Madison Mississippi
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Chris
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I tried searching but maybe I didn't use the correct wording. What do you do about fishing license when you are out of state? Is there a license that you can get that covers everywhere we go or is that just a head ache each time?
 

Road

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Road
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Dude
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To my knowledge, there has never been a national (USA) fishing license; it's all state by state.

I get a year long license for the states I know I may be fishing in a lot, over the shorter term licenses (many states offer a 3day or 15 day license for a lot less than a year long license).

It's not really a headache, as most states have an easy online way to get and pay for licenses and there is most always a local trading post, bait shop, or sporting goods store close to good fishing areas that sells licenses on the spot.

Fish and game license fees help states tremendously in providing conservation and other funds aimed directly at responsible outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing.

Here's what the US Fish & Wildlife Service says:

 

ChrisWRF

Rank II
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Enthusiast I

404
Madison Mississippi
First Name
Chris
Last Name
Brown
Member #

40639

To my knowledge, there has never been a national (USA) fishing license; it's all state by state.

I get a year long license for the states I know I may be fishing in a lot, over the shorter term licenses (many states offer a 3day or 15 day license for a lot less than a year long license).

It's not really a headache, as most states have an easy online way to get and pay for licenses and there is most always a local trading post, bait shop, or sporting goods store close to good fishing areas that sells licenses on the spot.

Fish and game license fees help states tremendously in providing conservation and other funds aimed directly at responsible outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing.

Here's what the US Fish & Wildlife Service says:

Thank you, Its been so long since I've bought a hunting a fishing license I forgot the bait shops will sell them. Thank you!
 
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Enthusiast I

231
Lakeview, OR, USA
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Thomas
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Batty
My knowledge is limited to Oregon, where I am a license agent for the department of fish and wildlife. In Oregon a nonresident can purchase an annual license or one and three day licenses. These can be purchased either through an agent (sporting goods store, some hardware stores are and convenience stores) or online. I assume most states have similar programs.
 

M Rose

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My knowledge is limited to Oregon, where I am a license agent for the department of fish and wildlife. In Oregon a nonresident can purchase an annual license or one and three day licenses. These can be purchased either through an agent (sporting goods store, some hardware stores are and convenience stores) or online. I assume most states have similar programs.
Did Oregon go back to paper licenses? My local POS had me get the ODFW app when I last purchased my license @ the POS in 2018, ever since I just use the app… which sucks because I don’t actually need to purchase the licenses… I have lifetime free license.
 

Boostpowered

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Hunt county, TX, USA
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Bait shops, Walmart, bass pro, academy etc have licenses. Most states they can be good for a day or a year from purchase date . Many states like texas you can do it all online on the outdoor annual app.
 

pcstockton

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Portland, OR
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Patrick
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Did Oregon go back to paper licenses? My local POS had me get the ODFW app when I last purchased my license @ the POS in 2018, ever since I just use the app… which sucks because I don’t actually need to purchase the licenses… I have lifetime free license.
Nope. Oregon just ditched paper licenses almost completely. All done via their app now. You can print out your license if you want, but fewer and fewer places sell them direct.
 

M Rose

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Nope. Oregon just ditched paper licenses almost completely. All done via their app now. You can print out your license if you want, but fewer and fewer places sell them direct.
That’s what I thought… which sucks because most of the places here on the east side of the state to hunt are without cell service, and I have yet to figure out how to download my portfolio onto my mobile device, and I don’t own a printer… I have yet to be checked since the new license system was implemented, but I know my day will come soon.
 

Enthusiast I

231
Lakeview, OR, USA
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Thomas
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Batty
Oregon offers the choice of electronic or paper licenses. I sell almost exclusively paper since cell coverage is spotty at best in my region, and the customers who come to me rather than purchasing online neither understand nor trust the app. Justified, based on Oregon's history of rolling out websites before they are fully vetted.
 

mep1811

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El Paso, Texas
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You have to get a license for each state you wish to fish in. Some states have one day licenses ,three or five and ten day licenses. Convenient that you don't have to buy a full years license for only three days of fishing.
 

pcstockton

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778
Portland, OR
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Patrick
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S
Oregon offers the choice of electronic or paper licenses. I sell almost exclusively paper since cell coverage is spotty at best in my region, and the customers who come to me rather than purchasing online neither understand nor trust the app. Justified, based on Oregon's history of rolling out websites before they are fully vetted.
You do not need cell service to show your License on your phone. You just need it to download it once. I am sure you can find cell service once per year.

Best,
 

M Rose

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Oregon offers the choice of electronic or paper licenses. I sell almost exclusively paper since cell coverage is spotty at best in my region, and the customers who come to me rather than purchasing online neither understand nor trust the app. Justified, based on Oregon's history of rolling out websites before they are fully vetted.
I’m going to have to go into the local ODFW office and see if they can print off my tags and licenses for me… none of the POS offer printing here in my area of Oregon… not sure if running up to Wallow or Baker County might offer anything, but since the OFFW office for Eastern Oregon is right down the street, I will look there.
 

ChadHahn

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Tucson, AZ
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The only problem is that out of state licenses are much more expensive than in state ones. If you can get them online it would be a money saver since you could buy one when you actually needed it instead of buying one when you drive by a Walmart and then end up not using it.
 

RJ Howell

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Years back I fished Yellowstone NP for free. All you needed to do was request the permit. Have no clue if they still do this. I do wish 'all' National's allowed this! Aa a retired Senior Traveler that has the Lifetime Pass it would be a great addition!
 

Badazzerus

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Gurley, AL, USA
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I have fished in quite a few states. the cost varies but i have paid $100.00 for 3 days. Got to research the state Laws. some also have a trout stamp you have to buy. some areas require a permit. Make sure to check steam regulations or you can get fined. I take a screen shot cause most places I go there is no service. I believe every state has online purchase. Keep those lines tight.