Georgia Fishing License and Regulations
License prices, the trout license, the free SIP permit, seasons and the topic pages for every Georgia rule set.
For weighing a catchPiscifun Lip gripper with digital scale27% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Lake Chatuge: Harrison Keely, CC BY 4.0
Who has to buy a Georgia license
Anglers age 16 and older must have a current Georgia fishing license in their possession while fishing in fresh or salt water in Georgia. Additionally, a free SIP is required to fish in saltwater. A temporary authorization number obtained by telephone or internet sale may be used for seven days until the paper copy is received or printed. Game Wardens may require photo identification when checking fishing licenses. Exception: A fishing license is not required to fish in private ponds (does not include ponds owned by governments—city, county, state, or federal) nor by a resident and their immed
Resident: domiciled in Georgia at least three consecutive months before purchase, shown by a Georgia driver's license or official GA ID. Nonresident full-time active-duty military stationed in Georgia (and dependents) and nonresident full-time Georgia college students may buy resident licenses other than lifetime, honorary or discounted types.
No license needed under age 16 (residents and nonresidents; nonresidents under 16 need no fishing or trout license); no license to fish private ponds (not government-owned) or for a resident and immediate family fishing on their own land; free fishing days (residents).
2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations (Georgia DNR), page 7, and the WRD license choice page. Checked October 2026.
Georgia fishing and combination license prices
| License | Fee | Good for | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Fishing License | $15 | Annual: 365 days after date of purchase | Residents 16-64 |
| Resident Combo Hunting & Fishing License | $30 | Annual: 365 days after date of purchase | Residents 16-64; hunter education required for annual |
| Resident Combo Hunting & Fishing License (one-day) | $5 | One day (may be a future date) | Basic hunting and basic fishing privileges for one day |
| Resident Combo Hunting & Fishing License (additional day) | $1 | Each additional consecutive day added to a one-day license (up to 10 additional days, 11 consecutive days total) | Adds a consecutive day |
| Resident Apprentice Combo Hunting & Fishing License (one-day) | $5 | One day (may be a future date) | Basic hunting and fishing, short-term; hunter education not required |
| Resident Apprentice Combo Hunting & Fishing License (additional day) | $1 | Each additional consecutive day added to a one-day license (up to 10 additional days, 11 consecutive days total) | Adds a consecutive day |
| Resident Sportsman's License | $65 | Annual: 365 days after date of purchase | Residents 16-64; hunter education required for annual |
| Resident Sportsman's License (one-day) | $25 | One day (may be a future date) | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Resident Sportsman's License (additional day) | $3 | Each additional consecutive day added to a one-day license (up to 10 additional days, 11 consecutive days total) | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Optional Youth Fishing License | $10 | Multi-year: valid until the person's 17th birthday | Resident youth 15 and under (optional; not required under 16) |
| Optional Youth Sportsman's License | $15 | Multi-year: valid until the person's 17th birthday | Resident youth 15 and under |
| Senior Sportsman's License | $7 | Annual: 365 days after date of purchase | Residents 65+ born on or after July 1, 1952 |
| Senior Fishing License | $4 | Annual: 365 days after date of purchase | Residents 65+ |
| Disability Fishing License | $3 | Annual: 365 days after date of purchase | Georgia residents permanently and totally disabled (VA, SSA, Medicaid, Medicare or Railroad Retirement certifi |
| Disability Fishing License (three-year) | $9 | Three years | Georgia residents permanently and totally disabled |
| Disability Sportsman's License | $5 | Annual: 365 days after date of purchase | Georgia residents permanently and totally disabled |
| Disability Sportsman's License (three-year) | $15 | Three years | Georgia residents permanently and totally disabled |
| One-Time Honorary Veteran's License | $0 | One year (one time only) | Georgia resident veterans, 90+ consecutive days active duty, honorably discharged on or after July 1, 2005 (DD |
| Lifetime Honorary Fishing License (blind residents) | free on application | Lifetime | Any resident who is totally blind (physician's certification) |
| Nonresident Fishing License | $50 | Annual: 365 days after date of purchase | Nonresidents 16+ |
| Nonresident Fishing License (one-day) | $10 | One day (may be a future date) | Nonresidents 16+ |
| Nonresident Fishing License (additional day) | $3.5 | Each additional consecutive day added to a one-day license (up to 10 additional days, 11 consecutive days total) | Nonresidents 16+ |
| Nonresident Combo Hunting & Fishing License | $150 | Annual: 365 days after date of purchase | Nonresidents 16+ |
| Nonresident Combo Hunting & Fishing License (one-day) | $30 | One day (may be a future date) | Basic hunting and basic fishing privileges |
| Nonresident Combo Hunting & Fishing License (additional day) | $10 | Each additional consecutive day added to a one-day license (up to 10 additional days, 11 consecutive days total) | Adds a consecutive day |
| Nonresident Apprentice Combo Hunting & Fishing License (one-day) | $30 | One day (may be a future date) | Basic hunting and fishing, short-term |
| Nonresident Sportsman's License | $400 | Annual: 365 days after date of purchase | Nonresidents 16+ |
| Nonresident Sportsman's License (one-day) | $170 | One day (may be a future date) | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Nonresident Sportsman's License (additional day) | $20 | Each additional consecutive day added to a one-day license (up to 10 additional days, 11 consecutive days total) | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Nonresident Youth Sportsman's License | $50 | Annual: 365 days after date of purchase | Nonresident youth 15 and under |
| Infant Lifetime Sportsman's License | $500 | Lifetime | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Youth Lifetime Sportsman's License | $600 | Lifetime | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Adult Lifetime Sportsman's License | $750 | Lifetime | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Older Adult Lifetime Sportsman's License | $375 | Lifetime | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Senior Discount Lifetime Sportsman's License | $315 | Lifetime | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Senior Lifetime Sportsman's License | $70 | Lifetime | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Senior Lifetime Fishing License | $35 | Lifetime | Fishing only (no hunting) |
| Free Senior Lifetime Sportsman's License | $0 | Lifetime | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Military & Veterans Lifetime Sportsman's License | $600 | Lifetime | All state-paid hunting and fishing privileges: hunting, big game, GA waterfowl & migratory bird, trout, salt a |
| Nonresident Grandchild Lifetime Sportsman's License | $1,500 | Lifetime | Nonresident grandchildren of current resident paid Lifetime License holders |
WRD License Prices sheet (updated May 2025). Transaction fees apply: $3 online and at retail outlets; $5 by telephone (guide p.4). Checked October 2026.
Georgia trout licenses and the free SIP permit
| Item | Fee | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Trout License (resident) | $10 | Required (with a fishing license) for persons 16+ to fish for or possess mountain trout or fish designated trout waters |
| Trout License (resident, one-day) | $5 | Trout privilege for one day |
| Trout License (resident, additional day) | $1 | Trout privilege |
| Trout License (nonresident) | $25 | Required (with a nonresident fishing license) for nonresidents 16+ to fish for or possess trout or fish designated trout |
| Trout License (nonresident, one-day) | $10 | Trout privilege for one day |
| Trout License (nonresident, additional day) | $2 | Trout privilege |
| Saltwater Information Program (SIP) Permit | $0 | Required in addition to a fishing license for anglers 16+ fishing Georgia saltwater (state and federal waters), includin |
| Reef & Migratory Fish Endorsement (resident) | $10 | Required from Jan. 1, 2027 to land amberjack, black sea bass, cobia, dolphin, gag, king mackerel, red porgy, red snapper |
| Reef & Migratory Fish Endorsement (nonresident) | $20 | As above |
| Lands Pass (resident) | $30 | Access to WMAs and PFAs for persons 16+ without a hunting or fishing license (no fishing privileges) |
| Lands Pass (nonresident) | $60 | Access to WMAs and PFAs (no fishing privileges) |
| Commercial Fishing License (resident) | $20 | Commercial fishing |
| Commercial Fishing License (nonresident) | $200 | Commercial fishing |
All resident anglers ages 16 and older must have a trout license and Georgia fishing license to fish in designated trout waters and to fish for or to possess trout. Nonresidents 16+ need a nonresident fishing license and nonresident trout license. Lifetime Sportsman's, Sportsman's, Honorary (free), and Discount Disability licenses include the trout privilege. Landowners and immediate family on their premises are exempt.
Free SIP permit required for saltwater anglers 16+, renewed annually (365 days), even with lifetime, senior or multi-year licenses.
State park visitors are not required to have a trout license to fish in the impounded waters of the park; those who harvest trout need a trout license.
One-day, senior and lifetime licenses in Georgia
Short-term licenses cover one day (may be a future date); up to 10 additional consecutive days may be added for 11 consecutive days total (WRD choose page).
Lifetime Sportsman's Licenses include hunting, big game, fishing and trout privileges; sold online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com (not at retail agents or by phone) or by mail application. Once legally obtained they remain valid if the holder moves out of state. Free SIP, harvest record and GA waterfowl & migratory bird license must still be obtained annually. Residents born before July 1, 1952 get a free lifetime license.
Senior Citizens: Georgia residents born on or before June 30, 1952 may obtain a Lifetime Sportsman’s License free of charge. An optional Lifetime Sportsman’s Plastic Card may be purchased for $10. Reduced cost senior annual and lifetime licenses are available to residents age 65+ born July 1, 1952 and after. Returning Georgia Veterans (One Time Only): Georgia resident military veterans who were on active duty for 90 or more consecutive days and were honorably discharged on or after July 1, 2005 may obtain one annual Honorary License free of charge. Such veterans may obtain this license by prov
Georgia fishing seasons in one place
| Fishery | Season |
|---|---|
| Freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds) | Open all year except listed waters and closures |
| Designated trout waters | All designated trout waters are open year round. |
| Delayed harvest streams | Catch and release with artificial lures November 1 to May 14 |
| Noodling for catfish | March 1 to July 15 |
| Cobia (saltwater) | March 1 to October 31 |
| Bluefish (saltwater) | May 1 to February 28 |
| Striped bass, Flint and Chattahoochee refuges | Closed May 1 to October 31 on the listed reaches |
2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations (Georgia DNR), pages 62 to 82. Checked October 2026.
Georgia rule changes to know for 2026 and 2027
- Reef & Migratory Fish Endorsement: New endorsement required starting Jan 1, 2027 for 9 species; $10 resident / $20 non-resident (SB420).guide page 80
- Red drum limits: Guide flags that the Board of Natural Resources was considering changes; CRD page: 3 fish, 15-24 in TL effective Jan. 1, 2027.guide page 82
- Freshwater creel limits table: Guide labels the game species daily limits table 'New: See page 63 for actual creel limits'.guide page 62
Where Georgia licenses are sold
GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, the Go Outdoors Georgia app, license agents, or by phone 1-800-366-2661. A temporary authorization number from phone/internet sales may be used for seven days.
Georgia regulation pages by subject
- Georgia Freshwater Creel Limitsblack bass, crappie, bream, catfish, stripers and walleye
- Georgia Trout Fishing Rulestrout license, delayed harvest and artificial-only streams
- Georgia Saltwater LimitsCRD bag and size limits, SIP permit and the 2027 reef endorsement
- Georgia Border Water AgreementsSouth Carolina, Alabama, Florida and North Carolina reciprocity
- Georgia Special Regulation Waterslake and river exceptions and seasonal closures
- Georgia Fishing Methods and General Rulestrotlines, jugs, bowfishing, noodling and bait
- Georgia free fishing daysthree license-free days for residents
- Georgia Public Fishing AreasPFA hours and limits
Photos of Georgia water to go with Georgia Fishing License and Regulations
Photo: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Warren LeMay, CC0 1.0
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Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Thomson200, CC0 1.0
Georgia license and rule questions people ask
Who has to carry a Georgia fishing license?
Anglers age 16 and older must have a current Georgia fishing license in their possession while fishing in fresh or salt water in Georgia. Additionally, a free SIP is required to fish in saltwater. A temporary authorization number obtained by telephone or inter
How much is a Georgia fishing license?
$15 for a resident and $50 for a nonresident, each good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
Is a trout license separate in Georgia?
Yes; anglers 16 and older add a trout license ($10 resident, $25 nonresident) to fish designated trout waters or keep trout.
What is the Georgia SIP permit?
Free SIP permit required for saltwater anglers 16+, renewed annually (365 days), even with lifetime, senior or multi-year licenses.
Can a visitor buy a one-day Georgia license?
Yes; a nonresident one-day fishing license is $10, and each extra consecutive day is $3.5.
Does Georgia have a closed season for bass?
No; freshwater fishing is open all year apart from the listed waters and seasonal refuges.
What changes in Georgia saltwater on January 1, 2027?
A Reef & Migratory Fish Endorsement ($10 resident, $20 nonresident) becomes required to land nine reef and migratory species, and CRD lists a new red drum rule.
Where can I buy a Georgia license?
GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, the Go Outdoors Georgia app, license agents, or by phone 1-800-366-2661. A temporary authorization number from phone/internet sales may be used for seven days.