FishKillFlea· Retailers · 5 min read
Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's & Bass Pro Fishing License (2026) — Outdoor Retailer Guide
Reviewed by FishKillFlea Editorial Team
Can you buy a fishing license at Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's, or Bass Pro Shops? Yes — here's the complete guide to buying fishing licenses at outdoor specialty retailers.
Beyond Walmart and Ace Hardware, America’s outdoor specialty retailers are some of the most convenient places to buy a fishing license. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Scheels, and Sportsman Warehouse all sell fishing licenses at most locations. Here’s what you need to know about each.
Quick Answer — Which Stores Sell Fishing Licenses?
| Retailer | Sells Licenses? | Locations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dick’s Sporting Goods | ✅ Yes | ~700 stores, 47 states | East Coast, suburbs |
| Cabela’s | ✅ Yes | ~85 stores, 38 states | Destination shopping + gear |
| Bass Pro Shops | ✅ Yes | ~130 stores, 42 states | Full outdoor experience |
| Scheels | ✅ Yes | ~30 stores, 13 Midwest/West states | Midwest + Mountain West |
| Sportsman Warehouse | ✅ Yes | ~130 stores, 27 states | Western US, hunting/fishing focus |
| Fleet Farm | ✅ Yes | ~50 stores, 5 Midwest states | WI, MN, IA, ND, SD |
| Rural King | ✅ Yes | ~130 stores, 13 states | Southeast, Midwest |
| Tractor Supply | Select locations | ~2,000+ stores, 49 states | Rural areas (not all sell licenses) |
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dick’s is the largest sporting goods chain in the US and sells fishing licenses at virtually all locations.
Key Facts
- Locations: ~700 stores in 47 states
- License counter: Customer service desk or hunting/fishing department
- What they sell: All license types — resident, non-resident, short-term, stamps, endorsements
- Pricing: State price (no markup)
- Hours: Typically 9 AM – 9 PM
- Bonus: Full fishing department with rods, reels, tackle, and apparel
How to Buy
- Go to the hunting/fishing counter or customer service
- Provide your government-issued ID and Social Security Number
- Tell them which license type you want
- Pay at the counter — receipt IS your license
Dick’s does NOT sell licenses online — you must visit a physical store.
Thkfish Fishing Accessories Kit
Complete terminal tackle kit with hooks, sinkers, swivels, and bobbers. Everything in one box.
Affiliate link · Prices may vary
Cabela’s
Cabela’s (now owned by Bass Pro Shops) is a destination outdoor retailer with extensive fishing departments.
Key Facts
- Locations: ~85 stores in 38 states
- License counter: Hunting/fishing counter (often staffed by fishing experts)
- What they sell: All license types plus specialty tags and stamps
- Pricing: State price (no markup)
- Hours: Typically 9 AM – 9 PM (some 8 AM on weekends)
- Bonus: Enormous fishing department, aquariums, and indoor archery ranges
Why Buy at Cabela’s
- Expert staff — Cabela’s employees in the fishing department are often avid anglers who can advise on local regulations
- One-stop shop — Buy your license, then spend hours browsing the fishing department
- Tag and stamp availability — Cabela’s carries the full range of state-specific tags and stamps
Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops is the parent company of Cabela’s and the largest outdoor retailer in the world.
Key Facts
- Locations: ~130 stores in 42 states (including flagship “Outdoor World” locations)
- License counter: Hunting/fishing department
- What they sell: All license types
- Pricing: State price (no markup)
- Hours: Typically 9 AM – 9 PM
- Bonus: Massive stores with indoor ponds, aquariums, and fishing simulators
Bass Pro vs. Cabela’s
Since Bass Pro acquired Cabela’s in 2017, the stores operate independently but under the same ownership. License purchasing works identically at both chains. Choose whichever is closer to you.
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
Durable graphite and fiberglass construction. Perfect for beginners and experienced anglers.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices may vary.
Scheels
Scheels is a premium sporting goods chain focused in the Midwest and Mountain West.
Key Facts
- Locations: ~30 stores in IA, NE, SD, ND, MN, MT, WI, UT, CO, NV, KS, TX, ID
- License counter: Sporting goods counter
- What they sell: All license types for their operating states
- Pricing: State price (no markup)
- Bonus: Known for massive stores with Ferris wheels, aquariums, and premium service
Sportsman Warehouse
Sportsman Warehouse is a hunting and fishing focused retailer popular in the Western US.
Key Facts
- Locations: ~130 stores in 27 states (strongest in Western US)
- License counter: Dedicated hunting/fishing counter
- What they sell: All license types plus tags, stamps, and endorsements
- Pricing: State price (no markup)
- Bonus: Staff typically has strong fishing knowledge; many stores host local fishing events
Zebco 33 Spincast Combo
Classic push-button reel. No tangles, no backlash — ideal for seniors and beginners.
Affiliate link · Prices may vary
Outdoor Retailers vs. Other Options
| Feature | Dick’s/Cabela’s/Bass Pro | Walmart | Online (State) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expert fishing staff | ✅ Often | ❌ Rarely | ❌ Never |
| Full fishing gear | ✅ Extensive | ✅ Moderate | ❌ None |
| License wait time | 5–10 min | 10–20 min | Instant |
| Price | State price | State price | State price |
| Location count | 200–700 | ~4,700 | Everywhere |
| Weekend hours | 9 AM typical | Often earlier | 24/7 |
| Can test gear in-store | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited | ❌ No |
When to Choose an Outdoor Retailer
- Buying gear + license together — The biggest advantage; browse thousands of fishing products and pick up your license
- Need expert advice — Staff at specialty retailers can recommend local spots, gear, and help you choose the right license
- Weekend trip shopping — Make one trip: license, tackle, bait, and supplies
Tips for Buying at Outdoor Retailers
- Head to the fishing counter — Don’t wait in the main checkout line. Most outdoor retailers have a dedicated counter for licenses.
- Go during off-peak hours — Weekday mornings are quietest. Saturday mornings before opening day can have long lines.
- Ask about local fishing — Staff at fishing-focused retailers often have excellent local knowledge.
- Check for in-store promotions — Some stores offer discounts on fishing gear when you buy a license (seasonal promotions).
- All prices are the same — No retailer marks up fishing license prices. The price at Dick’s is identical to Cabela’s, Walmart, or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dick’s Sporting Goods sell fishing licenses? Yes. Nearly all Dick’s locations sell fishing licenses at the hunting/fishing counter or customer service desk. They carry all license types including resident, non-resident, and short-term.
Does Cabela’s sell fishing licenses? Yes. All Cabela’s locations sell fishing licenses at the hunting/fishing department counter. They also carry all state-specific tags and stamps.
Can you buy a fishing license at Bass Pro Shops? Yes. Bass Pro Shops sells fishing licenses at all locations. The process is identical to Cabela’s (same parent company).
How much is a fishing license at Dick’s? The same price as buying directly from the state. No outdoor retailer adds a markup to fishing license prices.
Does Scheels sell fishing licenses? Yes. Scheels locations sell fishing licenses at the sporting goods counter. Available at all ~30 stores across the Midwest and Mountain West.
Does Sportsman Warehouse sell fishing licenses? Yes. Sportsman Warehouse sells fishing licenses at all ~130 locations, with a particularly strong presence in the Western US.
For more places to buy, see our Where to Buy Guide. For Walmart, see Walmart Fishing License. For Ace Hardware, see Ace Hardware Fishing License.