Complete Guide to Ohio Fishing Licenses

The beautiful state of Ohio is home to some fantastic fishing, but before you hit the water you need to ensure that you have a valid Ohio fishing license or permit. By doing our part as responsible anglers, we can all ensure that the abundant fishery in Ohio can be enjoyed by future generations for years to come.

In the following guide to buying a fishing license in Ohio, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

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If you want to discover the greatest fishing locations in Ohio or know the best time to hit the water, even an experienced angler will need a little help. You’ll need the premium Fishing Forecasting App, Fishbox App. Thanks to the Fishbox App, you’ll know the perfect time to go angling and when your time would be better off spent at home getting the chore list under control while you wait for more favorable angling conditions.

Types of Ohio Fishing Licenses

Ohio offers both resident and non-resident licenses.

Ohio Resident Fishing Licenses and Permits:

• 1 Day (this includes an upgrade option).
• Annual. 
• 3 Years.
• 5 Years.
• 10 Years. 
• Lifetime.

In order to be eligible to purchase an Ohio Resident Fishing License you must have lived in Ohio for six consecutive months prior to purchasing.

Ohio Non-Resident Fishing Licenses and Permits:

• 1 Day (this includes an upgrade option).
• 3 Days. 
• Annual. 
• Lake Erie Fishing Permit (valid January 1^st to April 30^th).

Anyone that purchases a 1 Day License has the option to upgrade to an Annual License, and the cost of the 1 Day Permit will be credited and applied to the Annual License.

Cost of Fishing Licenses in Ohio

You have the opportunity to purchase both resident and non-resident permits.

Ohio Resident Fishing Licenses and Permits:

• $14 – 1 Day (this includes an upgrade option).
• $12 – 1 Day Upgraded to Annual License. 
• $25 – Annual. 
• $72.11 – 3 Years. 
• $120.18 – 5 Years. 
• $240.36 – 10 Years. 
• $599.04 – Lifetime. 

In order to be eligible to purchase an Ohio Resident Fishing License you must have lived in Ohio for six consecutive months prior to purchasing.

Ohio Non-Resident Fishing Licenses and Permits:

• $14 – 1 Day (this includes an upgrade option).
• $37.44 – 1 Day Upgraded to Annual License. 
• $25 – 3 Day Permit.
• $50.96 – Annual. 
• $11 – Lake Erie Permit (valid January 1^st to April 30^th).

It’s important to note that license fees and costs are subject to change. 

Age Requirements for Fishing License

A fishing license or permit is not required in Ohio if:

• You are under the age of 16.
• You are angling in privately owned ponds, reservoirs, or lakes that fish do not migrate to or from and contain no fish, which requires a license.
• You are giving assistance to an angler who has been issued the free mobility impaired or blind license, provided that you are using only one line.
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty while on leave or furlough.

Ohio has several free days that don’t require you to have a license, including:

On June 15^th and 16^th, 2024, all residents are invited to experience Ohio’s fantastic public angling opportunities without purchasing a permit. Please note that all sizes and daily limits still apply during these two free days. 

Where to Obtain an Ohio Fishing License

Purchasing a fishing license in Ohio is easy and convenient with several different purchasing options. You can purchase your permit online at wildohio.gov and they will email a copy of the license to you. You don’t have to carry a physical license if you have a digital copy of the permit with you on your smartphone.

You can also purchase your Ohio fishing license at one of the many licensed agents throughout the state. You can check out the full list of fishing license vendors in Ohio here.

If you are looking to buy either a lifetime or multi-year permit, you can purchase it online, but you will need to have a valid driver’s license or state identification. If you want to purchase a lifetime or multi-year permit in person, you can do it at a Division of Wildlife office or mail in a paper application.

Complete Guide to Ohio Fishing Licenses – Conclusion

By purchasing a fishing license or permit in Ohio, we’re all doing our part to ensure that the fishery remains healthy for future generations of anglers to enjoy. With such a diverse and abundant fishery, it’s vital to follow season, bag, and size limits, along with leaving your spot as clean, if not cleaner than you found it.

The technology in the Fishbox App will allow you to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best times to hit the water when planning your next angling adventure in Ohio. Fishbox App combines predictive fish behavior with weather, lunar, and tidal conditions to deliver optimal freshwater fishing opportunities for even the most experienced anglers.

The Fishbox App was developed in collaboration with accurate weather data and expert fish behavioral analysis. These advanced forecasts will significantly increase your catch rate while reducing your time on the water. That’s more fish and less time looking for fishing locations!

If you have any questions about angling permits in Ohio, including where to buy a fishing license, please don’t hesitate to comment below! We love to hear thoughts and feedback from our readers.