A 7-day license lets you fish Utah waters for one week without buying an annual permit
Utah's 7-day fishing license is a short-term permit that costs less than an annual license and covers all freshwater and saltwater fishing in the state for seven consecutive calendar days. You buy it once, pick your start date, and fish legally through day seven. It works for residents and non-residents alike, and you can purchase it online, by phone, or in person at a vendor.
The license covers the same species and methods as a full-year license — trout, bass, walleye, perch, and others — but with the same regulations in place. You still need to follow catch limits, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions for whatever water you're fishing. The main trade-off is that you're paying for seven days only, so if you fish more than a few times a year, an annual license usually costs less per day.
Key Takeaways
- Utah's 7-day license covers seven consecutive calendar days and costs significantly less than an annual license, making it useful for a single trip or short vacation.
- You can buy the license online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website, by phone, or at any licensed vendor — no advance purchase required.
- The license covers all freshwater and saltwater species in Utah and applies the same catch limits and seasonal rules as an annual permit.
- Non-residents and residents pay the same price for a 7-day license, so it's equally practical for visitors and Utah anglers fishing occasionally.
How to Buy a 7-Day License
You can purchase a 7-day license through three main routes. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website (wildlife.utah.gov) sells licenses online; you'll select the 7-day option, enter your personal information, choose your start date, and pay by credit or debit card. The license prints immediately as a PDF or can be sent to your phone.
By phone, call the Wildlife Resources office during business hours and a staff member will process your purchase over the phone and email or mail the license to you. At a vendor — bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some convenience stores throughout Utah — you can walk in and buy the license in person the same day. Vendor locations and hours vary, so call ahead if you're in a remote area.
You do not need to purchase the license before you arrive in Utah. Many anglers buy it the day they plan to fish or the day before, so you have flexibility if your trip dates shift.
Cost and What It Covers
The 7-day license price is the same for residents and non-residents. As of the most recent update, the cost is lower than one month of an annual license, making it practical for a single fishing trip. Exact pricing can change annually, so confirm the current rate on the Wildlife Resources website or by calling before you purchase.
The license covers fishing in all of Utah's public waters — reservoirs, rivers, streams, and the Great Salt Lake. You can use any legal method allowed for the species you're targeting: fly rod, spinning rod, baitcasting, or other gear permitted under state rules. The license does not cover private water unless the landowner has given you permission; a license is permission from the state, not from private property owners.
You still must follow Utah's catch limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures. Some waters have special rules — catch-and-release only, artificial lures only, or specific season dates — and your 7-day license does not override those. Check the current fishing guidebook or the Wildlife Resources website for the water you plan to fish.
When a 7-Day License Makes Sense
A 7-day license is most practical if you're visiting Utah for a week or less, or if you fish only a few times a year in the state. If you're a resident who fishes more than four or five times annually, an annual license usually costs less per outing. Non-residents visiting for a week will almost always find the 7-day license cheaper than buying an annual permit.
The license is also useful if you're unsure whether you'll have time to fish during your stay. You can buy it the day before or the day of your first planned trip, so you're not paying for days you won't use.
What You Need to Carry While Fishing
Once you have your 7-day license, print it or keep it on your phone and bring it with you when you fish. A Wildlife Resources officer can ask to see it at any time, so having it accessible is important. If you printed it, keep it in a waterproof pocket or bag. If you have it on your phone, make sure your battery will last through your fishing day or bring a backup power source.
You do not need to carry your license on you at all times — only when you're actively fishing or have fishing gear with you. If you're hiking to a fishing spot, you can leave it in your vehicle, but once you arrive at the water with a rod, you should have it available.
Regulations That Apply to Your 7-Day License
Your 7-day license gives you the legal right to fish, but it does not exempt you from Utah's fishing regulations. Catch limits vary by species and water — some trout streams allow five fish per day, others allow two, and some are catch-and-release only. Bass and walleye have their own limits. Size restrictions also vary: you might be required to keep only trout above a certain length or release smaller fish.
Seasonal closures apply as well. Some waters close to fishing during spawning season or in winter. Check the current Utah Fishing Guidebook, available free on the Wildlife Resources website, or call the office to confirm the rules for your specific location before you go. Ignorance of the rules is not a defense if you're cited, so a few minutes of research saves a potential fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a 7-day license if I'm not a Utah resident?
Yes. Non-residents and residents pay the same price and have the same rights under a 7-day license. There is no separate non-resident version — the license works the same way regardless of where you live.
Do I need a separate license for saltwater fishing in the Great Salt Lake?
No. Utah's 7-day license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing, so you can fish the Great Salt Lake, reservoirs, and streams all under the same permit. Catch limits and species rules still apply.
What happens if my 7 days end in the middle of the week?
Your license expires at the end of day seven, regardless of what day of the week it is. If you buy a license starting Monday, it expires the following Sunday at midnight. You cannot fish on day eight without a new license.
Can I extend my 7-day license if I decide to stay longer?
No. You must purchase a new license if you want to continue fishing after day seven. You can buy another 7-day license or switch to an annual license if you decide to stay in Utah longer than expected.
Is the 7-day license valid for ice fishing?
Yes. The 7-day license covers all legal fishing methods, including ice fishing in winter. The same catch limits and seasonal rules apply — some waters close to ice fishing on specific dates, so check the guidebook for your location.