Arizona & Wisconsin Fishing License Information for Travelers and Anglers

Who Needs a Fishing License?

In both Arizona and Wisconsin, anyone 10 years of age or older must have a valid state fishing license to fish in public waters. In Arizona, a fishing license is required for both residents and non‐residents age 10 or older before fishing any lake, river, or reservoir, including popular spots like Lake Pleasant and Saguaro Lake around Phoenix. Youth under age 10 and blind residents are exempt from needing a license.

In Wisconsin, anglers age 16 and older must carry a fishing license for inland and Great Lakes waters such as Lake Geneva, Delavan Lake, and Lake Michigan inshore. Children 15 and under and anglers born before 1927 do not need a license.

Where to Get a Fishing License

Both states make it easy to get a Arizona & Wisconsin fishing license online or in person. For Arizona, you can purchase licenses directly through the Arizona Game and Fish Department website or at local license dealers, sporting goods stores, and department offices. Licenses are valid for 365 days from the purchase date.

In Wisconsin, licenses are available online via the Go Wild system, at more than 1,000 licensed vendors statewide, sporting goods stores, and DNR service centers. You can print your license at home or show a digital copy when fishing.

License Costs: Residents vs. Non‐Residents

In Arizona, a general annual fishing license costs about $37 for residents and $55 for non‐residents, with short‐term options like a 10‐day non‐resident license available often at a lower cost. Youth and certain combinations of hunting/fishing licenses may also be available.

In Wisconsin, a standard annual license costs roughly $20 for residents and $55 for non‐residents. Wisconsin also offers a one-day license — ideal for travelers — at around $8 (resident) and $15 (non‐resident). First‐time buyers can sometimes qualify for discounted rates when purchasing licenses.

Freshwater vs. Saltwater Rules

Since Reddy Guide Service focuses on freshwater fishing in Arizona and Wisconsin, anglers only need the freshwater fishing license in both states. Arizona does not require a separate Arizona saltwater license because it’s an inland, freshwater state. Wisconsin’s saltwater fishing (for Great Lakes) is also governed under freshwater licensing rules, though additional stamps may be required for species like trout and salmon in some cases — such as inland trout or Great Lakes salmon stamps.

Special Exemptions and Discounts

Both states offer exemptions or reduced fees for special groups:

• Youth: Anglers under certain ages (under 10 in AZ; under 16 in WI) fish without a license.
• Seniors & Veterans: Some states offer reduced cost licenses or special categories for seniors and veterans. Arizona has some lifetime and discounted options for long‐term residents.
• First‐Time Buyers: Wisconsin’s first‐time buyer program offers reduced fees for anglers who haven’t held a license in the past ten years.