Do You Need a Fishing License on Private Property
Fishing license laws vary state to state. There are 40 states that don’t require a license when fishing on private property. Only 10 states require you have a license when fishing on private property.
Private Property Fishing License Requirements for All 50 States
| State | Private Property License Requirements |
|---|---|
| Alabama | In Alabama you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Alaska | In Alaska you need to have a license to fish on private property |
| Arizona | In Arizona you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Arkansas | In Arkansas you need to have a license to fish on private property |
| California | In California you need to have a license to fish on private property |
| Colorado | In Colorado you need to have a license to fish on private property |
| Connecticut | In Connecticut you need to have a license to fish on private property |
| Delaware | In Delaware you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Florida | In Florida you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Georgia | In Georgia you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Hawaii | In Hawaii you need to have a license to fish on private property |
| Idaho | In Idaho you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Illinois | In Illinois you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Indiana | In Indiana you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Iowa | In Iowa you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Kansas | In Kansas you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Kentucky | In Kentucky you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Louisiana | In Louisiana you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Maine | In Maine you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Maryland | In Maryland you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Massachusetts | In Massachusetts you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Michigan | In Michigan you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Minnesota | In Minnesota you need to have a license to fish on private property |
| Mississippi | In Mississippi you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Missouri | In Missouri you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Montana | In Montana you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Nebraska | In Nebraska you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Nevada | In Nevada you need to have a license to fish on private property |
| New Hampshire | In New Hampshire you need to have a license to fish on private property |
| New Jersey | In New Jersey you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| New Mexico | In New Mexico you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| New York | In New York you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| North Carolina | In North Carolina you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| North Dakota | In North Dakota you need to have a license to fish on private property |
| Ohio | In Ohio you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Oklahoma | In Oklahoma you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Oregon | In Oregon you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Pennsylvania | In Pennsylvania you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Rhode Island | In Rhode Island you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| South Carolina | In South Carolina you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| South Dakota | In South Dakota you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Tennessee | In Tennessee you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Texas | In Texas you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Utah | In Utah you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Vermont | In Vermont you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Virginia | In Virginia you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Washington | In Washington you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| West Virginia | In West Virginia you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Wisconsin | In Wisconsin you don't need a license to fish on private property |
| Wyoming | In Wyoming you don't need a license to fish on private property |
What is Considered Private Water
Most states consider water private if it’s surrender by private land and does not have any connecting streams. This is in place to protect public fish from entering or escaping private water. Some states have even more specific requirements on what is private water.
In Delaware, you don’t need a license to fish a private pond if the private property is at least 20 acres in size. Any ponds on land smaller than 20 acres still require a license.
In Arkansas, you need a license unless you fish private property unless it is a “pay-to-fish” lake.
South Carolina doesn’t require a license on private ponds unless it is a “pay-to-fish” lake.
Washington requires land owners get their private ponds approved for fish stocking before the owners or guest can fish without a license
Private Property on Public Waters
In most states private property ends at public waters and you need a fishing license to fish on pubic water. There are a few states that have exceptions to this.
Oregon and South Dakota residents fishing from their property don’t need a fishing license, even if the water body is not privately owned. Oregon does require a license though if you’re fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or halibut.
Maine doesn’t require residents have a fishing license when fishing public water from their property only if the property is used for agricultural purposes.
Learn more about when you need a fishing license.
Note: State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, ballot initiatives, rulings in courts, and other means. While we strive to provide the most up to date information available, please consult a lawyer or verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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