Fishing in Arizona: First-Trip Checklist
The basics for your first trip in Arizona, with links to the official sources.
1. License
- Under 10? No license needed. AZGFD says: "Children under 10 can fish for free all year in Arizona."
- 10 or older: You need a valid fishing or combination license, resident or nonresident.
- Ages 10–17: The $5 Youth Combo Hunt & Fish License, for residents and nonresidents.
General fishing license (valid 365 days from purchase):
- Resident: $37
- Nonresident: $55
Details: AZGFD: Licenses and Regulations
Buy or read more: Arizona Game and Fish Department
2. Fishing rules
All current rules: www.azgfd.com/fishing-2/licenses-and-regulations/
3. Free fishing days
2026 date; 2027 not yet posted: Arizona's 2026 Free Fishing Day was Saturday, June 6. No license was needed at state waters or community lakes. Bag limits and other rules still applied.
It doesn't cover private or tribal waters, or CAP canals.
Official info: AZGFD: Free Fishing Day 2026
4. Eating your catch
Arizona uses a color code for fish advisories: green (eat per normal guidelines), orange (eat within limits) and red (don't eat). Check the map for your lake or river before you keep fish.
Catch & release is a great choice with kids.
Official advisories: ADEQ: Arizona Fish Consumption Advisories · AZGFD: Fish Consumption Advisories
5. Boating & life jackets
- Kids 12 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket anytime the boat is underway.
- Nearly every boat (sailboards and some rowing shells excepted) needs a properly sized, USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board.
Life jacket rules: AZGFD: Boating Education · Arizona law A.R.S. 5-331
6. Where to fish
Spots coming soon. We only list spots we can confirm on an official page.