The cost of a Georgia fishing license depends on your residency, how long you plan to fish, and whether you need additional permits. Residents and nonresidents have different fees, and trout fishing requires a separate license.
| License or permit | Georgia resident | Nonresident |
| Annual fishing license | $15 | $50 |
| One-day fishing license | Not listed as a standalone basic license | $10 |
| Additional fishing day | — | $3.50/day |
| Annual trout license | $10 | $25 |
| One-day trout license | $5 | $10 |
| Additional trout license day | $1/day | $2/day |
| Youth fishing license, ages 12–15 | $10 for a multi-year license | Check current DNR options |
| Senior Sportsman’s license, eligible residents age 65+ | $7 annually | — |
| Disability fishing license, eligible residents | $3 annually or $9 for three years | — |
| Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit | Free | Free |
Fees and eligibility can change. Confirm current prices and requirements through the official Georgia DNR licensing system before purchasing.
Who needs a fishing license?
In general, anglers aged 16 and older need a valid Georgia fishing license to fish in the state’s public waters, unless they qualify for an exemption.
Your requirements depend on your age, residency, and the type of fishing you plan to do.
Resident and nonresident requirements
A Georgia resident is generally someone who meets the state’s residency requirements. Nonresidents, including visitors from other states, must purchase the appropriate nonresident license.
If you’re visiting Georgia for a short trip, a short-term license may be more practical than an annual license. If you plan to fish for mountain trout, you’ll need the applicable trout license in addition to your basic fishing license.
Senior and other exemptions
Eligible Georgia residents aged 65 and older may qualify for reduced-cost senior licenses. Certain disability and military-related benefits are also available.
Some anglers may qualify for exemptions based on age or other circumstances. Check the current Georgia DNR rules to confirm whether you need a license before fishing.
Trout fishing license
Georgia’s mountain streams and trout waters offer a different fishing experience from its larger lakes and coastal areas. If you’re planning to fish for mountain trout, you’ll need a trout license in addition to your basic fishing license.
The trout license is available as an annual or short-term option, with fees varying by residency. Check the current Georgia DNR requirements before heading out.
Rainfall and changing water temperatures can affect stream conditions, so it’s worth checking conditions before choosing when to fish.
Heading to a mountain stream? Find nearby streams and check conditions before you go. Rainfall and changing water temperatures can affect when and where trout are active.
Saltwater fishing license
Planning to fish along Georgia’s coast? Your basic Georgia fishing license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing, but saltwater anglers must also register through the free Saltwater Information Program (SIP).
The SIP permit is required for eligible recreational saltwater anglers and is valid for 365 days from issuance. You must renew it as required. Check Georgia DNR’s current saltwater fishing guidance for the rules that apply to your trip.
Military and veteran benefits
Georgia offers certain fishing license benefits to eligible service members and veterans.
Free license for eligible veterans
Eligible Georgia residents who served at least 90 days on active federal duty and were honorably discharged on or after July 1, 2005, may qualify for a free one-time, one-year license. The license includes state-paid recreational privileges, although some additional permits may still be required.
Eligible veterans may also qualify for discounted lifetime licenses or other benefits, depending on their circumstances.
Check the Georgia Department of Veterans Service and Georgia DNR for current eligibility requirements and application instructions.
Where to buy a fishing license
You can buy a Georgia fishing license online through the official Go Outdoors Georgia system, through an authorized license agent, or by phone.
Buy a license online
The online licensing system lets you review available license types, select the option that fits your trip, and complete your purchase.
- Visit the official Go Outdoors Georgia licensing website.
- Select the appropriate resident or nonresident license.
- Add a trout license or any other required permit.
- Complete your purchase and follow the instructions for carrying or displaying your license.
You can also purchase through an authorized license agent or call 1-800-366-2661. The Outdoors GA app may provide additional licensing access.
Georgia 1-day fishing license
A short-term license can be useful if you’re visiting Georgia for a weekend, taking a vacation, or planning a single fishing day.
Nonresidents can purchase a one-day basic fishing license for $10, with additional consecutive days available for $3.50 per day. Residents should check the current DNR options, as a standalone one-day basic fishing license is not listed in the standard fee schedule. A one-day combination hunting and fishing license may be available for eligible buyers.
If you’re fishing for mountain trout, remember that a separate trout license is required. One-day trout licenses cost $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents, with additional days available for an extra fee.
And try to make the most of your visit. Find fishing spots near where you’re staying and check conditions before you head out.
Commercial fishing license
If you plan to sell fish or seafood commercially, you’ll need the appropriate commercial fishing license. A separate commercial boat license may also be required if you use a boat for commercial fishing.
Georgia’s listed seasonal commercial fishing license fees are $20 for residents and $200 for nonresidents, with an additional transaction fee per license. Commercial licenses generally run from April 1 through March 31. Additional species endorsements or requirements may apply.
Check the official Georgia DNR commercial fishing page for current fees, eligibility, and application instructions before starting commercial operations.
Plan your next fishing trip
Georgia fishing runs from Blue Ridge trout streams to coastal creeks. Once you’ve sorted out the right license and permits, use Fishbox to find a spot and plan around the conditions.