Nevada Fishing License: How to Get One in 2023

To enjoy sport fishing in Nevada, anglers must obtain a fishing license from the state's Department of Wildlife (NDOW). Options to buy a NV fishing license are available for both residents and non residents visiting the state. The department also offers various fishing education opportunities to both youths and adults aiming to improve their knowledge about the sport. Additionally, avid anglers can meet fellow fishermen at the many clubs and organizations operating in NV. Learn more about fishing license types, education programs and fishing clubs below:

Types of Nevada Fishing Licenses

Before organizing a fishing trip in Nevada, anglers are required to obtain a fishing license from the state's Department of Wildlife. Though Nevada is one of the driest states in the country, it still boasts many places to fish in.  Interested applicants can purchase one of two types of NV fishing permits:

  • Resident fishing licenses
  • Non resident fishing licenses

Resident Fishing Licenses in Nevada

The Nevada fishing licenses available to residents are typically available at a discounted fee in comparison with non resident fishing licenses. The rates are also contingent on the angler's age and whether the applicant is disabled, a Native American or a member of the military. Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria can obtain one of the many types of resident fishing permits offered by the state:

  • Disabled veteran combination license
  • Native American combination license
  • Severe disability combination license
  • Junior combination license – 12 to 15 years of age
  • Pre-adult combination license – 16 to 17 years of age
  • Regular combination license – 18 years of age and older
  • Senior combination license – 65 years of age and older
  • Annual junior fishing license – 12 to 15 years of age
  • Annual senior fishing license – 65 years of age and older
  • Annual regular fishing license – 16 years of age and older
  • Annual disabled veteran fishing license
  • Annual serviceman fishing license
  • Annual severe disability fishing license
  • Annual Native American fishing license
  • One-day fishing permit
  • One-day group fishing permit
  • Second rod stamp
  • Nevada trout stamp
  • Nevada Colorado River stamp

Non Resident Fishing Licenses in Nevada

Visiting anglers who would like to fish in Nevada's waters are legally required to obtain a non resident fishing license. Non-resident Native Americans, disabled individuals and military members are not eligible for out of state fishing permits as they are considered residents for licensing purposes. When buying a fishing license, non residents can choose from the following:

  • One-day fishing permit
  • Junior fishing license – 12 to 15 years of age
  • Regular fishing license – 16 years of age and older
  • Pre-adult combination – 17 years of age and younger
  • Regular combination fishing and hunting – 18 years of age and older
  • Second rod stamp
  • Nevada trout stamp
  • Nevada interstate boundary waters license
  • Nevada Colorado River stamp

Anglers can purchase the appropriate NV fishing license through one of the many methods available from the Department of Wildlife:

  • Via the department's online licensing system
  • By phone at: 1-866-703-4605
  • By mail after submitting a license application form
  • In person from licensed agents or at an NDOW office

Nevada Fishing Education

Before or after obtaining a Nevada fishing license, amateur fishermen and women who want to further their fishing education can do so through the Department of Wildlife's educational programs. Aimed at both children and adults,  there are a number of educational opportunities available to NV residents:

  • Department of Wildlife Fishing Clinics
  • Trout in the Classroom

The NDOW offers regional education courses to anglers of all ages. Before registering for a fishing clinic, visit the department's website to check the time and location of specific fishing courses. Once you have found a suitable fishing course, enroll by using the department's online Sign Up for Classes form.

The Trout in the Classroom program teaches students about the values of fish and aquatic life. TIC was started by a group of Nevada residents who believed fishing education should be an integral part of the state curriculum. Today the program is managed by the Department of Wildlife and offers aquariums and fish eggs to schools to use in a variety of disciplines from mathematics to art to social sciences.

Nevada Fishing Organizations

Diverse fishing clubs and organizations are open to Nevada anglers seeking to exchange experiences, participate in group fishing tournaments and/or support the conservation efforts of state fisheries. Some of the most popular associations have chapters all across the state:

  • Nevada Striper Club
  • Las Vegas Fly Fishing Club and Southern Nevada Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Nevada Striper Club

The Nevada Striper Club's mission is to bring together fishermen and women in a family-based social environment. The club’s main goal is to promote the sport of fishing and angler education through a variety of initiatives:

  • Organizing monthly meetings
  • Organizing tournaments
  • Publishing a newsletter
  • Offering online fishing tips and tricks

Las Vegas Fly Fishing Club and Southern Nevada Trout Unlimited

Working in partnership with one another, the LVFFC and the SNCTU strive to conserve Nevada's fisheries and promote fly-fishing to newcomers. Affiliated with the Federation of Fly Fishers, a single membership applies to both organizations. Potential members will reap the benefits of various social activities conducted by the organizations including:

  • Monthly fishing outings
  • Monthly joint meetings
  • Educational programs on various fishing techniques
  • A forum to share experiences
  • Meeting fellow anglers
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