Fishing Regulations by State
Stay compliant with local fishing laws. Find regulations and license information for all 50 states.
Important Notice
Fishing regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with your state's official wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations may vary by water body, season, and species.
Fishing Regulations
View catch limits, size restrictions, seasonal closures, and gear requirements for each state.
Fishing Licenses
Purchase fishing licenses online. Most states offer resident, non-resident, and short-term options.
All 50 States
AL Dept. of Conservation
AK Dept. of Fish and Game
AZ Game and Fish Dept.
AR Game and Fish Commission
CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
CO Parks and Wildlife
CT DEEP
DE Div. of Fish and Wildlife
FL Fish and Wildlife
GA Dept. of Natural Resources
HI Div. of Aquatic Resources
ID Fish and Game
IL DNR
IN DNR
IA DNR
KS Dept. of Wildlife
KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries
ME Dept. of Inland Fisheries
MD DNR
MA Division of Fisheries
MI DNR
MN DNR
MS Dept. of Wildlife
MO Dept. of Conservation
MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks
NE Game and Parks
NV Dept. of Wildlife
NH Fish and Game
NJ Div. of Fish and Wildlife
NM Dept. of Game and Fish
NY DEC
NC Wildlife Resources
ND Game and Fish
OH Div. of Wildlife
OK Dept. of Wildlife
OR Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
PA Fish and Boat Commission
RI DEM
SC DNR
SD Game, Fish and Parks
TN Wildlife Resources
TX Parks and Wildlife
UT Div. of Wildlife Resources
VT Fish and Wildlife
VA DWR
WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
WV Div. of Natural Resources
WI DNR
WY Game and Fish
Understanding Fishing Regulations
Fishing regulations are established to protect fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing for future generations. These rules typically cover catch limits, size restrictions, fishing seasons, and permitted gear types.
Common Regulation Types
- Bag Limits: Maximum number of fish you can keep per day
- Size Limits: Minimum or maximum length for keeping fish
- Season Closures: Times when fishing for certain species is prohibited
- Gear Restrictions: Rules about hooks, bait, and fishing methods
- Special Regulations: Specific rules for certain water bodies
License Requirements
Most states require a fishing license for anglers 16 years and older. Licenses help fund conservation efforts and fisheries management. Many states offer discounted licenses for seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals.