How to Get a 7-Day Tourist License in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's 7-day tourist fishing license lets you fish for seven consecutive days without buying a full-year license. You can purchase it online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, by phone at 717-705-7835, or in person at any authorized vendor — including most sporting goods stores and bait shops across the state. The license costs $16.97 and is valid for exactly seven days from the date of purchase, not calendar days.
You do not need to be a Pennsylvania resident to buy one. The license covers both freshwater and warmwater fishing on public waters throughout the state. You must carry the license with you while fishing — either print the confirmation email if you bought it online, or keep the physical license card if you purchased it at a vendor.
Key Takeaways
- A 7-day tourist license costs $16.97 and is valid for seven consecutive days from purchase, covering freshwater and warmwater fishing statewide.
- You can buy online at the Fish and Boat Commission website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
- Non-residents and residents alike can purchase a 7-day license without proving residency or providing additional documentation.
- You must carry proof of your license while fishing — either a printed confirmation or physical card — or you risk a citation.
- The 7-day license does not cover trout on designated trout waters; those require a separate trout permit or a full-year license.
What Waters and Species the License Covers
The 7-day tourist license covers warmwater species — largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, carp, and panfish — on any public water in Pennsylvania. You can fish lakes, rivers, and streams open to the public. The license also covers non-trout species in trout-stocked waters, so you can fish for bass or panfish in the same stream where trout are present.
Trout fishing is the exception. If you want to fish for trout on designated trout waters, you need either a separate trout permit (which costs $11.97 for seven days) or a full-year combination license that includes both warmwater and trout privileges. Many of Pennsylvania's best-known streams — including sections of the Susquehanna River and Spring Creek — have trout-only zones or trout seasons that require the permit.
Where to Buy and How Long It Takes
Online purchase through the Fish and Boat Commission website is the fastest route if you are buying before you arrive. The license is instant — you receive a confirmation email with your license number and can print it immediately. This works well if you know your travel dates in advance.
Phone orders at 717-705-7835 take a few minutes and the license is active as soon as the transaction clears. Buying in person at a vendor is equally quick — most sporting goods stores and bait shops stock licenses and can issue one on the spot. If you are already in Pennsylvania and want to fish the same day, any of these three routes will get you licensed within an hour.
Regulations You Need to Follow
Pennsylvania has daily catch limits and size restrictions that apply whether you hold a 7-day license or a full-year one. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a five-fish daily limit. Walleye must be 15 inches or longer, with a five-fish limit. Catfish and carp have no minimum size but are limited to 25 fish per day combined. Panfish — bluegill, crappie, sunfish — have no minimum size and a 50-fish daily limit.
Fishing hours vary by season and water type. Most public waters allow fishing from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Some lakes and ponds have different rules, so check the specific water before you go. You also cannot use more than two rods at once on most waters, and live bait restrictions apply on certain streams — the Fish and Boat Commission website lists these by location.
Trout Permit vs. Full-Year License: Which Makes Sense
If you are visiting for seven days and want to fish for trout, the 7-day trout permit ($11.97) is cheaper than upgrading to a full-year license ($26.97 for non-residents). The trout permit covers the same seven-day window as your warmwater license, so you can buy both and fish everything. If you think you might return to Pennsylvania within the year or want to fish multiple trips, the full-year license is a better value and covers all species without needing a separate permit.
Pennsylvania also offers a 1-day tourist license for $11.97 if you are only fishing one day. The math is simple: one day costs $11.97, seven days costs $16.97. If you are staying longer than a week, a full-year non-resident license at $26.97 is the most economical choice.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Carry your license in printed or physical form at all times while fishing. A Fish and Boat Commission officer can ask to see it, and fishing without a valid license on you is a violation even if you own one. Bring your photo ID as well — officers sometimes cross-check identity, especially on popular public waters.
Pennsylvania's public fishing waters range from small ponds to major rivers. Some have public boat launches and parking; others require walking in from a road or parking area. Check the Fish and Boat Commission's public water access map before you go to find parking, launch fees (most are free), and whether the water is open during your visit. A few waters close seasonally or have restricted hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish the day I buy my 7-day license?
Yes. The seven days begin on the date you purchase the license, not the next calendar day. If you buy online at 2 p.m. on a Monday, your license is valid immediately and runs through the following Sunday at 2 p.m.
Do I need a separate license if I fish in two different counties?
No. A single 7-day tourist license covers all public waters in Pennsylvania, regardless of county or region. You do not need multiple licenses for different areas.
What happens if I lose my printed license confirmation?
Contact the Fish and Boat Commission at 717-705-7835 with your license number or the email address you used to purchase it. They can reissue a confirmation or provide your license number so you can print a new copy from your email.
Can I fish for trout with just the 7-day warmwater license?
No. Trout on designated trout waters require a separate 7-day trout permit or a full-year license that includes trout privileges. You can fish for non-trout species in trout waters with only the warmwater license.
Are there any waters where the 7-day license does not work?
The 7-day license works on all public waters in Pennsylvania. Some private waters and pay-to-fish ponds require separate permission from the landowner or operator, but those are not part of the public system.