Fishing is a fun and relaxing activity any time of the year. The best part is that good fishing isn't limited to watery playgrounds like Alaska or the Pacific Northwest.
You can go fishing in Arizona and find plenty of trophy fish while enjoying a trip away from home or the office.
Like other states, a fishing permit is required if you want to go fishing in Arizona. The
Arizona Game and Fish Department has some rules and regulations anglers should know before purchasing a license.
1. Combo Licenses
Arizona offers combination fishing and hunting licenses to Arizona residents and nonresidents aged 10 years and older.
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These licenses are valid for a full year from the time of purchase and allow license holders to take all fish species statewide, small game, fur-bearers, predatory animals, nongame animals and certain bird species.
Other aquatic wildlife is covered under a fishing license including frogs, waterdogs, crayfish, and soft shell turtles.
2. License Costs
A yearly license costs $57 for residents and $160 for nonresidents. Anglers also have the option of buying a short-term combination license. These licenses cost $15 per day for residents and $20 per day for nonresidents, as of 2015-2016.
3. Military Exception
Members of the United States armed forces who are on active duty and stationed in Arizona may purchase a resident fishing license instead of a nonresident license. The same rule applies to hunting licenses and combo licenses.
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4. Blind Exemption
Blind Arizona residents do not need to purchase a fishing license. Arizona law permits them to fish any time of the year for free.
5. Respect Limits
Fishing licenses aren't a license to take home as many fish as you can catch. There are bag and possession limits in place for multiple fish species. Some of these limits apply statewide.
Additional restrictions on limits are put in place at specific lakes and reservoirs depending on the fish population.
Fishing beyond bag and possession limits is illegal and can result in a fine or jail time if caught.
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