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Nevada may be the driest state in the US, but it is home to a wealth of aquatic ecosystems.
With over 400,000 acres of water to explore, Nevada has some of the best sport fishing opportunities in the country. Whether you’re a novice or an expert angler looking for bass, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
Before heading out on the water, remember that a Nevada fishing license is required.
Whether you want to drop a line near Las Vegas or fish off Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, getting your fishing license from the great state of Nevada is easy—here’s all you need to know.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Fishing License in Nevada
| NV Fishing License Age Requirements | |
| Residents | Non-residents |
| 12+ | 12+ |
In order to go fishing in Nevada, anyone 12 years of age or older is required to possess a valid fishing license.
While no license is needed for those below 12 years of age, it’s still important to be aware of the regulations and abide by them.
What Age do You Need a Fishing License in Nevada
Both residents and non-residents over the age of twelve need a fishing license to fish in Nevada.
Resident
Residents of the state will get better prices on licenses and permits than non-residents. Otherwise, the recreational licenses available to those who live in the state, and those who don’t are relatively similar.
To be considered a resident of Nevada:
- The individual must be a US citizen or lawfully entitled to remain in the US and must have maintained their permanent residence in the state for at least six months before applying for any hunting, fishing, or trapping license, tag, or permit.
- They must not have purchased or applied for any similar privileges or entitlements from another state, country, or province during that time.
- Their principal and permanent residence refers to a legal domicile from which a person resides and intends to eventually return.
- The term “domiciled” does not include owning a residence without actually living there.
Non-resident
Non-residents of Nevada who want to fish in the state will need to get a non-resident fishing license unless they are under the age of 12.
However, active members of the military permanently assigned to Nevada, as well as their spouses and dependents can obtain a fishing license at the same cost as Nevada residents.
Combination Licenses
If someone wants to do both hunting and fishing in the state of Nevada, they will need a Combination Fishing and hunting License.
Those applying for the license for the first time must complete the application process in person at a Nevada Department of Wildlife office.
After their application is approved, they will be able to renew their license online every year after that.
To receive the hunting privileges, applicants must also successfully pass a certified hunter education course and submit proper documentation to NDOW.
Anglers aged between 12 and 18 years old require a Youth Combination License to fish. This license is the only option available for minors in this age range.
Nevada Special Fishing Permit
Non-profits such as clubs, foundations, programs, and educational institutions can apply for a Special Fishing Permit from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).
The permit can be used to benefit minors or adults with disabilities. The non-profit entity must provide proof of its non-profit status and a description of the services they provide to satisfy the application requirements.
Applications must be made through NDOW Headquarters Office only and any supervised fishing activity requires an additional valid fishing license.
Nevada Special Fishing Permit: $25
How to Buy a Nevada Fishing License
Anglers are able to purchase a fishing license in Nevada a few different ways, either online, at a local license agent, or from a Nevada Department of Wildlife office.
Online
To purchase your Nevada fishing license online, go to the NDOW website, where you will select your residency eligibility, fill out the application, and select the license you would like to purchase.
NDOW Office
There is also the option to go into an NDOW office and purchase a license in person if ordering online isn’t an option.
Some special licenses can only be purchased from an office as well as first time hunting licenses can only be purchased in person, from an NDOW office.
| NDOW Office | Address | Phone Number |
| Western Region Office | 1100 Valley Rd. Reno, NV 89512 | (775) 688-1506 |
| Eastern Region Office | 60 Youth Center Rd. Elko, NV 89801 | (775) 777-2300 |
| Southern Region Office | 3373 Pepper Lane Las Vegas, NV 89120 | (702) 486-5127 |
| Ely Office | 1218 N. Alpha St. Ely, NV 89301 | (775) 289-1655 ext. 21 |
| Fallon Office | 380 West B. St. Fallon, NV 89406 | (775) 423-3171 |
| Winnemucca Office | 705 E. 4th St., Suite A, Winnemucca, NV 89445 | (775) 623-6565 |
Local Retailers
Fishing licenses can also be purchased from retailers like a Bass Pro Shop or a Cabela’s retail store.
How Much is a Fishing License in Nevada
The Nevada fishing license cost will vary depending on the kind of license and whether or not you’re a resident of the state.
There are also special licenses for youth between the ages of 12 and 17, and for disabled veterans.
Annual licenses expire one year from the date of purchase.
| Nevada Resident Fishing License Prices | |
| Adult annual fishing license (18+) | $40 |
| Youth combination license (12-17) | $15 |
| 1-day fishing permit (18+) | $9 |
| Each Additional Consecutive Day | $3 |
| Nevada Non-resident Fishing License Prices | |
| Adult annual fishing license (18+) | $80 |
| Youth combination license (12-17) | $15 |
| 1-day fishing permit (18+) | $18 |
| Each Additional Consecutive Day | $7 |
| Resident Annual Combination and Special Licenses | |
| Combination License | $75 |
| Serviceman’s Specialty Combination Hunt/Fish License | $15 |
| Severe Disability Combination Hunt/Fish License | $15 |
| Native American Combination Hunt/Fish License | $10 |
| Disabled Veteran Combination Hunt/Fish License | $15 |
| Youth Combination Hunt/Fish License (12-17) | $15 |
| Senior Specialty Combination License | $15 |
| Non-resident Combination and Special Licenses | |
| Combination Hunt/Fish License (18+) | $155 |
| Youth Combination Hunt/Fish License License (12-17) | $15 |
| Youth Fishing License | |
| 1-Day Permit for Fishing and hunting upland game birds and migratory game birds | $23 |
| Any Additional Consecutive Days Added to 1-Day Permit to Fish and Hunt Upland and Migratory Game Birds. | $8 |
General Nevada Fishing Regulations
All statewide regulations are valid from January 1st to December 31st each year, so once a regulation is set, it isn’t eligible to change until the following year.
Regulations for Anglers under 12
Non-residents 12 years and younger are not required to get a fishing license but their catch must be no more than 50% of the limit.
For example, if the bag limit is five, young anglers can only take two fish.
These rules do not apply to the following lakes and rivers:
- Colorado River
- Topaz Lake
- Lake Mohave
- Lake Tahoe
- Lake Mead
Bagging Limits & Seasons
In Nevada, there are no daily or possession limits for fish, nor any size restrictions. Furthermore, the entire state is open to fishing all year round.
Fishing Methods
In Nevada, angling is the only method allowed for fishing and a maximum of three baited hooks, three fly hooks, two lures or plugs can be connected to one line, regardless of the number of hooks or blades attached.
Reciprocal Fishing License
If you are an Arizona resident or a non-resident, you can use your valid fishing license or short-term permit in order to fish on the Nevada shoreline and on the waters of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River down from Davis Dam, which serves as a border between Arizona and Nevada.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What days are free fishing days in Nevada?
Free fishing days in Nevada are typically in early June. The free fishing day this year is June 10, 2023.
Where do you get a fishing license in Nevada?
Where you get a fishing license in Nevada is either on the NDOW website, from an NDOW office, or at a retailer like Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop.
Does my California fishing license work in Nevada?
Your California fishing license does not work in Nevada.
The only reciprocal license that Nevada allows is an Arizona fishing license, only if you are fishing on a body of water that the two states share.
Can I fish in Arizona with a Nevada fishing license?
You can fish in Arizona with a Nevada fishing license.
Arizona accepts valid Nevada resident or non-resident fishing licenses or short-term permits when fishing on the Arizona side of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and the Colorado River below Davis Dam.
Final Thoughts
When fishing in Nevada, having a valid fishing license is an essential part of responsible angling.
A fishing license enables the Nevada Department of Wildlife to research fish populations, stock fisheries and monitor the health of each species that makes up the aquatic environment.
By getting your Nevada Fishing License today, you are helping to ensure future generations will be able to enjoy all that the state has to offer.
Once you’ve made your purchase, be sure to download our free Bass fishing lures cheat sheet, so you always know the best lure to throw, no matter where you’re fishing.