Anglers across the state are legally obligated to buy Nebraska fishing licenses before fishing in state waters. Fishing permits are issued by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC). Both resident and non resident fishing licenses are available for different lengths of time with varying fees based on the applicant’s age and residency status. Novice anglers are encouraged to look into the many fishing education opportunities offered in the state prior to getting a license to fish. Experienced anglers can also find support from fellow fishing enthusiasts by joining a local fishing organization. Learn more about how to get fishing licenses in Nebraska by reading the sections outlined below:
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There are many fishing permit options in Nebraska for anglers of all ages. Recreational fishing licenses are categorized by the length of time the license is valid for, as well as the applicant’s age. Additionally the fee for a license to fish varies depending on the applicant’s residency status. Available NE fishing licenses fall into two general categories:
NE fishing licenses are required for all residents, and non residents ages 16 and older and can be purchased online through the Outdoor Nebraska Online Permit system. Non residents who are younger than the age of 16 must be accompanied by a licensed adult with a valid fishing permit.
Residential fishing licenses in Nebraska are required for all residents ages 16 and older to fish in state waters. To be eligible for a resident license to fish, anglers must belong to at least one of the residency groups:
New residents may be required to provide documents proving their residency during the fishing permit application process. Once residency is established, you may choose one of the residential fishing license options:
Fishing license fees also include a $2 issuance fee. In addition to limited-term fishing license options, the NGPC offers lifetime fishing license options:
Fishing permit fees are subject to change without notice.
Non residents visiting Nebraska must buy fishing licenses through the NGPC prior to fishing in state waters. Non residents are considered any person in the state who has not lived in Nebraska for at least 30 consecutive days. Non resident fishing licenses are not required for persons younger than the age of 16, provided the child is accompanied by an adult supervisor with a valid fishing license. Available fishing license options for non residents are categorized by the length of time they are valid for:
Non resident fishing license fees are subject to change without notice.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provides a variety of educational opportunities for novice anglers, such as the Trout in the Classroom program. Through this initiative, the NGPC supplies cold water aquariums to schools throughout the state for the purpose of hatching and raising rainbow trout. Additionally, students have the opportunity to learn about the importance of aquatic resources when partaking in this educational experience.
Another educational program offered by the NGPC is the Fishing in Nebraska Schools (FiNS) program. In FiNS, students from grades 4th through 12th learn basic fishing skills and develop an appreciation for angling. FiNS equips schools with the tools to train teachers, while also providing equipment and learning materials necessary to engage students in the sport.
Experienced anglers can connect with other fishing enthusiasts by joining one of the many fishing organizations present in Nebraska. Some of the most popular fishing organizations are open to new members of all ages:
The Nebraska Walleye Association is a non-profit group started in 1989 with the purpose of promoting sport fishing in the state. The organization holds annual open and members-only fishing tournaments in addition to supporting education seminars and monthly meetings through the spring, summer and fall. Additional family outings are held frequently throughout the year.
The Nebraska chapter of Muskies, Inc. is a subsidiary of the national non-profit organization which supports local wildlife and fisheries conservation. Muskies, Inc. is dedicated to establishing hatcheries throughout the state, organizing efforts to stop water pollution and promoting sportsmanship and socialization between local anglers.
The American Fisheries Society is an international organization with over 8,000 members worldwide. In Nebraska, the American Fisheries Society has a large presence on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, where the student subunit of the organization promotes professional development for students interested in fishery. The organization holds annual events such as the Midwest Fisheries Student Colloquium and various fishing tournaments throughout the state.
