Pennsylvania requires a fishing license and a trout permit to fish for trout in most waters
If you plan to fish for trout in Pennsylvania, you need two separate documents: a fishing license and a trout permit. The fishing license covers all freshwater fishing in the state. The trout permit is an additional stamp that specifically allows you to fish for trout in designated waters. You cannot legally fish for trout without both.
Pennsylvania also has a separate salmon permit for anglers targeting Atlantic salmon and Pacific salmon species in Lake Erie and certain tributaries. This is a third document, distinct from the trout permit, and is required only if you are fishing for salmon.
You can purchase both licenses and permits online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, by phone, or at authorized retailers across the state. Most purchases are instant or same-day, though mail orders take longer.
Key Takeaways
- A trout permit is required in addition to your fishing license and costs between $16.97 and $26.97 depending on your age and residency status.
- The trout permit is valid for one calendar year and covers fishing in all of Pennsylvania's designated trout waters, including stocked streams and lakes.
- A separate salmon permit is required only if you fish for salmon in Lake Erie or designated tributaries and costs $11.97 for residents and $16.97 for non-residents.
- You can purchase permits online, by phone, or at tackle shops and sporting goods retailers without visiting an office in person.
- Pennsylvania offers reduced-cost or free permits for seniors, disabled anglers, and children under 16 in some cases.
Trout Permit Costs and Who Needs One
The cost of a trout permit depends on whether you are a Pennsylvania resident and your age. Resident permits cost $16.97 per year. Non-resident permits cost $26.97 per year. A one-day non-resident trout permit costs $11.97 if you only want to fish once.
You need a trout permit if you fish for trout in any of Pennsylvania's designated trout waters. These include stocked streams managed by the Fish and Boat Commission, wild trout streams, and lakes where trout are present. If you fish in a lake or stream where trout are not present, you do not need the trout permit—only the base fishing license.
Pennsylvania offers free or reduced permits for certain groups. Resident seniors (age 65 and older) receive a free fishing license and trout permit. Disabled Pennsylvania residents may receive a free license and permit if they meet specific criteria set by the Fish and Boat Commission. Children under 16 do not need a fishing license or trout permit to fish, though they must follow all other regulations.
Salmon Permit Requirements for Lake Erie and Tributaries
A salmon permit is required only if you fish for Atlantic salmon or Pacific salmon (chinook, coho, or pink salmon) in Lake Erie or in tributaries designated by the Fish and Boat Commission. The most common salmon fishing in Pennsylvania occurs in Lake Erie itself and in Elk Creek in Erie County.
The salmon permit costs $11.97 for Pennsylvania residents and $16.97 for non-residents. Like the trout permit, it is valid for one calendar year. You must have both a fishing license and a salmon permit to legally fish for salmon in these waters.
If you fish for other species in Lake Erie—such as walleye, bass, or perch—you do not need the salmon permit. The permit is specific to salmon species only. Check the Fish and Boat Commission's current list of salmon-designated waters before you go, because designations can change year to year.
How to Purchase Your Permit Online or by Phone
The fastest way to get a trout or salmon permit is through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's online licensing system at www.fishandboat.com. You will need your Social Security number or a valid ID number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The permit is issued immediately after purchase and you can print it or display it on your phone.
You can also purchase permits by phone by calling the Fish and Boat Commission's licensing office. Phone hours and current numbers are listed on their website. Processing by phone typically takes one business day.
Authorized retailers—including most tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some Walmart and Cabela's locations—also sell permits. Retailers can issue permits on the spot, though some may require you to complete a form in person. Call ahead to confirm the retailer has the permit type you need in stock.
What Your Permit Covers and Regulations You Must Follow
Your trout permit allows you to fish for trout in any designated trout water in Pennsylvania during the open season. The general trout season runs from the first Saturday in April through Labor Day, though some waters have extended seasons or year-round fishing. Check the Fish and Boat Commission's current regulations for the specific water you plan to fish.
The permit does not exempt you from other regulations. You must still follow daily catch limits (typically 5 trout per day in most waters, though some have stricter limits), size restrictions, and gear restrictions. Some waters are catch-and-release only, some allow only artificial lures, and some allow live bait. The regulations vary by stream and lake, so read the specific rules for your destination before you fish.
Your salmon permit covers salmon fishing only. It does not allow you to keep other species you may catch while salmon fishing. You still need the base fishing license for any other species you target.
Permit Validity and Renewal
Both trout and salmon permits are valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase them. If you buy a permit on June 1, it remains valid through December 31 of that year—you do not get a full year from the purchase date. Plan accordingly if you fish late in the year.
Permits do not renew automatically. You must purchase a new permit each year if you want to continue fishing for trout or salmon. The Fish and Boat Commission does not send renewal reminders, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder before the new year begins.
If you lose your permit or need a replacement, contact the Fish and Boat Commission directly. Replacement permits are typically issued at no additional cost if requested within a reasonable time of the original purchase.
Special Permits and Exceptions
Pennsylvania offers a mentored youth fishing permit that allows children under 16 to fish without a license or permit when accompanied by a licensed adult. The adult must hold a valid fishing license and trout permit (if fishing for trout). This program is designed to introduce young people to fishing without the cost of separate permits.
Some special events and designated waters may have temporary permit requirements or exemptions. For example, certain youth fishing days or community fishing events may allow free fishing without a permit. Check the Fish and Boat Commission's events calendar and special regulations before your trip.
If you fish on private property with the owner's written permission, you still need a license and trout permit if you are fishing for trout. Private land does not exempt you from state permit requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a trout permit if I only fish for bass or other non-trout species?
No. You need only a fishing license to fish for bass, walleye, catfish, and other species that are not trout. The trout permit is required only if you target trout. However, if you fish in a water that contains both trout and other species, and you intend to keep any trout you catch, you must have the trout permit.
Can I fish for trout without a permit if I catch and release?
No. The permit requirement applies regardless of whether you keep the fish or release it. If you fish in a designated trout water, you must have a valid trout permit before you cast a line, even if you plan to release every trout you catch.
What happens if I fish without a permit?
Fishing without a required permit is a violation of Pennsylvania law. Penalties include fines, loss of fishing privileges, and potential confiscation of equipment. The Fish and Boat Commission conducts regular patrols and checks licenses and permits during the fishing season.
Can I buy a trout permit for just one day?
Pennsylvania does not offer a one-day trout permit for residents. Resident trout permits are annual only and cost $16.97. Non-residents can purchase a one-day permit for $11.97. If you are a resident and fish only occasionally, you may want to purchase the annual permit anyway, since the cost is low and it covers the entire year.
Where can I find the list of designated trout waters?
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission publishes a map and list of all designated trout waters on their website at www.fishandboat.com. You can search by county or stream name. The list is updated regularly, so check before you plan a trip to a new water.