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Hunting & Fishing Regulations

Fishing / Licenses

LICENSES ARE VALID FROM
MARCH 1, 2012 TO FEBRUARY 28, 2013
Resident Fishing License
$19.00
For persons age 16 through 65 who have resided in Ohio for the past 6 months.
 
Resident Senior Fishing License
$10.00
For persons age 66 and older born on or after January 1, 1938 who have resided in Ohio for the past 6 months.
 
One-Day Fishing License
$11.00

For residents and nonresidents, one (1) One-Day Fishing License may be exchanged for credit towards the purchase of an annual fishing license (minus writing fee).

 
Lake Erie Charter 1-Day Fishing License
$11.00

For residents and nonresidents – can be purchased in advance of scheduled charter trip. To validate the license, anglers must sign it and fill in the date at the beginning of the trip. If the trip is cancelled, anglers keep the un-validated license until they are able to re-schedule the trip.
 
Annual Nonresident License
$40.00
3-Day Nonresident Tourist's License
$19.00
Duplicate license
$4.00
A fishing license that has been lost, stolen, or destroyed can be reissued from any license vendor or via the internet.  
All above costs include a $1.00 writing fee.


Internet License Sales

Fishing licenses are available for purchase over the Internet.


License Requirements

  • A fishing license is required to take fish, frogs, or turtles from Ohio waters.
  • Persons fishing in privately owned ponds, lakes, or reservoirs to and from which fish do not migrate, are not required to have a license to take fish, but must have one to take frogs or turtles.
  • Persons fishing in privately owned ponds, lakes, or reservoirs that are open to public fishing through an agreement or lease with the Division of Wildlife are required to have a fishing license.
  • Anglers must have their license in their possession while fishing and must show the license to anyone on request.
  • Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty stationed in Ohio, but NOT on leave or furlough are required to purchase a resident license.

Free Licenses

Ohio residents born on or before December 31, 1937 can obtain a free license at any license outlet or online.

The following Ohio residents are also eligible for a free license, but must submit a formal application (Form DNR 9032), which is available by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE(1-800-945-3543):

  • Persons who are mobility imparied and require the assistance of another person to cast and retrieve
  • Residents of state and county institutions
  • Holders of “Veteran” license plates displaying the international wheelchair symbol
  • Certain veterans who are permanently disabled
  • Former prisoners of war

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