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Do you need a Georgia fishing license?
Yes. Anglers age 16 and older must have a current Georgia fishing license to fish in fresh or salt water. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division issues all licenses, trout licenses, and Saltwater Information Program (SIP) registrations.
Children under 16 fish free. Georgia residents who are blind, totally disabled, or 65 and older qualify for a free or discounted Honorary License.
Georgia fishing license cost in 2026
A resident annual fishing license costs $15. A resident annual Sportsman's License (combo fishing, hunting, big game) is $65. A resident Trout License add-on is $10.
Non-residents pay $50 for an annual fishing license, $10 for a 1-day license, $20 for a 3-day, and $30 for a 7-day. A non-resident Trout License is $30. The Saltwater Information Program (SIP) registration is free but required to fish state saltwater.
Georgia residents 65 and older receive a free Honorary Fishing License. Lifetime licenses are available: Lifetime Sportsman's License is $750 (ages 16+), Lifetime Fishing License is $300, and discounted lifetime infant and youth licenses start at $200.
Where to buy a Georgia fishing license
Buy online at GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com, the official Georgia DNR licensing portal. You can print your license or store it in the Outdoors GA mobile app. You can also call 1-800-366-2661.
In person, licenses are sold at DNR offices, Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports, and more than 800 license dealers statewide. Licenses are valid for 365 days from purchase date.
Georgia free fishing days in 2026
Georgia offers four Free Fishing Days in 2026: Saturday, June 6 and Saturday, June 13 for general fishing, plus the Saturday after Independence Day (July 11) and the last Saturday of September (September 26) for additional free saltwater opportunity.
Trout Licenses are still required on designated trout waters even on free fishing days, but the base fishing license requirement is waived. Bag and size limits stay in force.
Key Georgia fishing regulations
Largemouth bass have a 5-fish daily limit (no more than 2 under 14 inches on most reservoirs). Striped bass and hybrid limits are 2 per day combined with a 22-inch minimum on Lake Lanier. Crappie limits are 30 per day on most reservoirs.
Trout limits are 8 per day on most streams, with seasonal closures from November 1 to the last Saturday in March on seasonal streams. Year-round trout streams stay open with the 8-fish limit. Delayed Harvest streams are catch-and-release artificial-only from November 1 to May 14.
Saltwater anglers must register with SIP (free) and follow Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission rules for striped bass, red drum (14-23 inch slot, 5-fish limit), and spotted sea trout (13-inch minimum, 15-fish limit).
Best fishing in Georgia
Lake Lanier is Georgia's premier striped bass and spotted bass fishery, with year-round stripers and a healthy population of trophy spots. Lake Hartwell and Lake Sinclair are also top bass destinations, while Clarks Hill (Lake Strom Thurmond) holds big bass and hybrids.
The Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam offers excellent trout fishing year-round. Coastal Georgia (St. Simons, Tybee, Sapelo) produces spotted sea trout, redfish, flounder, and tripletail in the marshes and creeks.
Explore Georgia waters with GilledIt's directory at /us/fishing-pond-directory/georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
A resident annual license is $15 and a non-resident annual is $50. Add $10 (resident) or $30 (non-resident) for a Trout License. A 1-day non-resident license is $10.
Anglers age 16 and older need a Georgia fishing license. Children under 16 fish free. Residents 65 and older qualify for a free Honorary Fishing License.
Georgia's Free Fishing Days fall on June 6, June 13, July 11, and September 26, 2026. Trout Licenses are still required on designated trout waters.
SIP is a free annual registration required for all saltwater anglers age 16+ in Georgia. It tracks recreational catch and is included with your standard fishing license.
Yes. Georgia sells a Lifetime Fishing License for $300 and a Lifetime Sportsman's License for $750. Discounted infant and youth lifetime licenses start at $200.
Yes. To fish for or possess trout on Georgia trout waters you need a Trout License in addition to your fishing license. It costs $10 resident, $30 non-resident.