Located in the Western United States, Utah is a unique state with an abundance of diverse locations to go fishing.
There are endless excellent options including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, with a large variety of different kinds of fish to catch.
Whether you already live in Utah or are planning a trip there, you may be wondering what you need to be able to fish.
Generally speaking, you’ll need to acquire a Utah fishing license if you plan to go fishing. Thankfully, there are several options to choose from that are sure to fit your trip and lifestyle!
Don’t be too worried about the cost — the license fees go toward funding conservation efforts and wildlife programs so everyone can continue to enjoy fishing in Utah’s beautiful landscape.
Getting your hands on a Utah fishing license can sound like a daunting process, so we’ve laid out all the different types and costs in this article. Soon enough, you’ll be catching beautiful trout in one of Utah’s many picturesque lakes!
We’ll cover:
- Who needs a fishing license in Utah
- The different types of fishing licenses, categorized according to residential status and special discounts
- How much a fishing license costs in Utah
- Online and offline options for buying your very own fishing license.
Let’s dive right in!
Who Needs a Fishing License in Utah?
A valid license is required to go fishing in Utah if you’re over 12 years old. There are several types of licenses to choose from, and the right one depends on your age, how long you want to fish for, and whether you’re a Utah resident.
It’s important to have your license on you at all times while fishing and a conservation officer will happily accept either a paper or digital license.
For convenience, you can keep your digital license on the official Utah Hunting and Fishing app, which is available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
You don’t need a license if you’re under 12 years of age. There are also exemptions around holding fishing events for youth organizations with participants aged 15 or younger, but it requires completing a license exemption form.
What Types of Fishing Licenses Are Available?
There are a few different types of fishing licenses available in Utah. Depending on your age, how long you want to fish for, and whether you’re a resident, the pricing will vary. There are options for every kind of fishing trip!
Resident Fishing Licenses
If you have been living in a permanent home in Utah for six consecutive months, you qualify as a resident and can purchase a resident license.
Students pursuing higher education in Utah who have been in the state for at least 60 consecutive days also qualify as a resident.
Here are the different types of licenses available:
- Annual fishing license: This allows you to fish for 365 consecutive days, including the day of purchase. The pricing is divided into four age brackets: 12–13, 14–17, 18–64, and 65+.
You can also purchase multi-year annual fishing licenses for up to five years.
- Three-day fishing license: This allows you to fish for three consecutive days, and is available at a set price for all ages.
- Seven-day fishing license: This allows you to fish for seven consecutive days, and is available at a set price for all ages.
Non-resident Fishing Licenses
If you don’t qualify as a resident, you can still buy a fishing license that covers the same length of time as a resident license. Here are the Utah non-resident fishing licenses available for purchase:
- Annual fishing license: This allows you to fish for 365 consecutive days, including the day of purchase. For non-residents, there are three different age brackets: 12–13, 14–17, and 18+.
You can also purchase multi-year annual fishing licenses for up to five years.
- Three-day fishing license: This allows you to fish for three consecutive days, and is available for all ages at the same price.
- Seven-day fishing license: This allows you to fish for seven consecutive days, and is available for all ages at the same price.
Special Fishing Permits and Licenses in Utah
If you’re looking to fish for longer than a year or are wondering about other discounts, there are a few other types of licenses that might suit your needs.
- Multi-year licenses: As we’ve mentioned above, multi-year fishing licenses are also available. These will allow you to fish for up to five years, with a set price for each year.
These are available for both residents and non-residents, but you must be over 18 to purchase one.
- Disabled Fishing Licenses: If you’re a Utah resident with physical or mental disabilities, you may qualify for a free fishing license. Visit this website to apply. There are also discounts for disabled veterans on all license types.
- Setline Fishing Permit: You will need a permit as well as a valid fishing license to use a setline. Setline fishing refers to a line anchored to a non-moving object that’s not attached to a fishing pole.
Fishing License Costs in Utah (as of August 2023)
If you’re interested in getting a fishing license in Utah, costs will vary on a number of factors. Refer to the table below to find what type of license suits you best.
Resident Licenses
| Types of Resident Licenses | Cost |
| Annual fishing license (ages 12–13) | $5 |
| Annual fishing license (ages 14–17) | $16 |
| Annual fishing license (ages 18–64) | $40 |
| Annual fishing license (ages 65+) | $31 |
| Annual disabled veteran fishing license | $12 |
| Multi-year fishing license (ages 18-64) | $39 per year, up to 5 years |
| Multi-year fishing license (ages 65+) | $31 per year, up to 5 years |
| Multi-year fishing license for disabled veterans | $12 per year, up to 5 years |
| 3-day fishing license (all ages) | $19 |
| 7-day fishing license (all ages) | $30 |
| Setline permit | $22 |
Non-Resident Licenses
| Types of Non-Resident Licenses | Cost |
| Annual fishing license (ages 12–13) | $10 |
| Annual fishing license (ages 14–17) | $34 |
| Annual fishing license (ages 18+) | $94 |
| Multi-year fishing license (ages 18+) | $93 per year, up to 5 years |
| 3-day fishing license (all ages) | $31 |
| 7-day fishing license (all ages) | $51 |
| Setline fishing license | $25 |
Where to Buy Utah Fishing License
If you’re interested in angling in Utah waters, here are your options when buying a Utah fishing license:
Offline Options
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Offices
Drop by your nearest Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office and inquire about their fishing licenses.
As the agency responsible for taking care of the state’s natural resources, it’s one of the best places to obtain a valid fishing permit!
Authorized Local Vendors (Sporting Goods Stores, Bait Shops, Etc.)
Aside from government offices, you can also obtain your very own fishing license from any of the authorized license agents in the state!
For your convenience, Utah has even compiled all its license agents in this map, with contact details and addresses already provided.
Some Walmart Stores in Utah
It’s not just sports stores and markets that are authorized to sell fishing licenses. You can get your hands on one through select Walmart stores scattered throughout the state!
As with authorized vendors, you can refer to the map to see which Walmart stores sell licenses.
County Clerk’s Office
You can also try your luck by visiting the county clerk’s office!
Even if they don’t have any licenses during your visit, they can still provide you with plenty of information on where you can buy a license from offices or authorized vendors.
Via Phone
If physically visiting any store or office is infeasible, Utah makes getting your license very convenient!
Simply call 1-800-221-0659 and purchase a wide variety of licenses over the phone. Aside from fishing licenses, you can also obtain a hunting license (for small game), combination license, and pursuit permit.
You can immediately use your permit and get a printed copy within 10 days of buying one!
Online Options
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Website
One of the most convenient methods of buying your fishing license is through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website. Here, you just need to create an account, apply for a license, pay, and print it. It’s that easy!
Official Utah Fish and Game Mobile App
The Utah Hunting & Fishing app is a useful and convenient resource for displaying your license. While you can’t directly purchase a license here, it provides a direct purchase link so you can buy one on the go.
Aside from that, you can also view the areas where you can legally fish and have a handy guide for identifying any fish you might catch. Pretty neat!
Online Authorized Vendors or Websites
Some authorized vendors also make purchasing Utah state fishing licenses much easier by offering these online.
Remember that not all authorized vendors make these available on their websites, and you should exercise caution when buying one!
FAQs
When Does the Utah Fishing License Expire?
Your Utah fishing license’s length of validity depends on the type you bought, but it can last up to five years before it expires. Note that Utah no longer offers lifetime licenses; the last one was issued before 1994! If fishing is your lifetime hobby, renew your permit regularly!
Can You Fish on Private Property Without a License?
As a general rule, you need a license to fish in Utah.
However, private properties with bodies of water that are completely isolated and don’t connect to any river or public waters may be exempted from the license requirement. When in doubt, contact the Division of Wildlife Resources.
What Is the Fishing License Age Requirement for Utah?
Anyone who’s over 12 years old and wants to fish in Utahn waters needs to have a fishing license. If you have a child below that age, a fishing license isn’t necessary, and they can freely fish without a license.
Sources:
https://wildlife.utah.gov/licenses/fees.html
https://wildlife.utah.gov/differences-between-licenses-and-permits.html
https://wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks/2023_fishing_guidebook.pdf
https://www.takemefishing.org/utah/fishing-license/
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