Learn how to get your Ohio fishing license!
The Ohio Division of Wildlife aims to conserve and improve fish resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. And one way the state can help protect angling for future generations is through the use of licenses.
In Ohio, you’ll need to purchase a license to fish in the state if you’re 16 or older. This will give you the ability to take fish from the water in Ohio. It’s important to point out that even anglers fishing in privately owned ponds, lakes, or reservoirs that are open to public fishing through an agreement or lease with the Ohio Division of Wildlife must have a fishing license. A license is also necessary to take frogs or turtles on public and private property.
Once you get a license, you must have it in your possession while fishing and must show it to anyone on request. Licenses may be displayed using a mobile device.
In Ohio, there are several exemptions to the state’s fishing license requirement. The following individuals do not need a permit:
Keep in mind that even if you qualify for one of these exemptions, size and bag limits still apply.
Depending on your needs, you have several Ohio fishing license options available to you. This is true whether or not you are a resident.
Residents:
To qualify as a resident, you must have lived in the state of Ohio for the past six consecutive months.
Non-residents:
For those who may want to purchase an annual license after giving Ohio fishing a try, with the upgrade option, a one-day fishing license may be applied as a credit toward the purchase of an annual license.
Ohio fishing license fees can change each year but for 2021, the rates are as follows:
Residents:
Non-residents:
In Ohio, you can buy a fishing license at the Division of Wildlife website at wildohio.gov or allowed license sales agents throughout the state. If you purchase your license online, they will email it to you after completing the transaction. You don’t have to print the license; you can simply display it on your mobile device if you are asked to present it.
If you want to buy a lifetime license and multi-year license, you can purchase it online as long as you have an Ohio driver's license or state identification associated with the account. Lifetime license buyers can also go to the Division of Wildlife office or mail in a paper application. Proof of age and residency is required at the time of purchase. A multi-year license may also be purchased at an agent location (restrictions apply).
OH FISHING LAWS & REGULATIONS
Ohio has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that need to be followed in order to protect their fish populations
OH FISHING REGULATIONSRESPONSIBLE FISHING STARTS WITH YOU
Ohio has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that need to be followed in order to protect their fish populations
LEARN MORE ABOUT CONSERVATION THE IMPORTANCE OF FISHING REGULATIONS CATCH AND RELEASE BEST PRACTICESOH FISHING RESOURCES/INFO
Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources site.
FISHING TYPES & LICENSE FEES BUY YOUR OHIO FISHING LICENSE ONLINE