FishKillFlea· License Types · 5 min read
Pennsylvania Non-Resident Fishing License (2026) — Out-of-State Costs, Trout & Lake Erie Permits
Reviewed by FishKillFlea Editorial Team
Pennsylvania non-resident fishing license costs $52.97/year. Guide to PA visitor permits, trout stamps, Lake Erie permits, and where to buy.
A Pennsylvania non-resident fishing license costs $52.97 annually, with short-term options starting at $26.97 for a 3-day tourist license. Pennsylvania offers exceptional value for visiting anglers, with over 86,000 miles of waterways, a nationally recognized trout stocking program, and Lake Erie steelhead — but you’ll need to understand the stamp system to fish legally.
Pennsylvania Non-Resident License at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| NR Annual Fishing | $52.97 |
| NR 3-Day Tourist | $26.97 |
| NR 7-Day Tourist | $34.97 |
| Trout/Salmon Permit (add-on) | $9.97 |
| Lake Erie Permit (add-on) | $9.97 |
| Combo (Fish + Lake Erie + Trout) | $72.91 |
| Resident Annual (comparison) | $22.97 |
| Where to Buy | FishBoatPA.com, Walmart, sporting goods stores |
| Official Agency | PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) |
Non-Resident License Options
Base Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing | $52.97 | March 1 – Dec 31 |
| 7-Day Tourist | $34.97 | 7 consecutive days |
| 3-Day Tourist | $26.97 | 3 consecutive days |
| 1-Day Tourist | $11.97 | Single day |
Required Add-On Stamps
| Stamp | Cost | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Trout/Salmon Permit | $9.97 | Fishing in stocked trout waters + using trout/salmon as bait |
| Lake Erie Permit | $9.97 | Fishing on Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, tributary streams |
| Combo Trout + Lake Erie | $15.97 | Both trout waters + Lake Erie |
True Cost for Common Visitor Scenarios
| Scenario | What You Need | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend bass fishing | 3-Day Tourist | $26.97 |
| Week of trout fishing | 7-Day Tourist + Trout Stamp | $44.94 |
| Lake Erie steelhead trip | 3-Day Tourist + Lake Erie Permit | $36.94 |
| Full season everything | Annual + Trout + Lake Erie combo | $68.94 |
| Just one day of bass | 1-Day Tourist | $11.97 |
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Large capacity fishing backpack with tackle boxes. Waterproof rain cover included.
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Pennsylvania Trout Fishing — What Visitors Need to Know
Pennsylvania stocks over 3.2 million adult trout annually — one of the largest stocking programs in the nation. But the trout permit rules can confuse visitors:
When You Need the Trout/Salmon Permit ($9.97)
| Situation | Trout Permit Needed? |
|---|---|
| Fishing in Approved Trout Waters (ATW) during stocked season | Yes ✅ |
| Fishing for bass in a stocked trout stream | Yes ✅ (if it’s ATW-designated) |
| Using trout as bait | Yes ✅ |
| Fishing in non-stocked waters | ❌ No |
| Fishing for bass/panfish in a warm-water lake | ❌ No |
Bottom line for visitors: If there’s ANY chance you’ll fish a stocked trout stream in PA, just get the trout permit. At $9.97, it’s cheap insurance against a $150+ fine.
Top PA Trout Destinations for Visitors
| Stream/Lake | Location | Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Creek (PA Grand Canyon) | Tioga County | Brown, rainbow trout | Wild and stocked sections |
| Spring Creek | Centre County | Wild brown trout | Catch & release heritage section |
| Penns Creek | Union County | Wild + stocked trout | Famous “Green Drake” hatch |
| Yellow Breeches Creek | Cumberland County | Brown, rainbow trout | Near Harrisburg |
| Big Fishing Creek | Clinton County | Wild brown trout | Scenic mountain stream |
| Lehigh River | Carbon County | Stocked trout, smallmouth | Scenic gorge fishing |
Lake Erie Fishing for Visitors
Lake Erie steelhead fishing is a major draw for non-resident anglers, especially from October through March:
Lake Erie Permit Requirements
| Water | Lake Erie Permit Needed? |
|---|---|
| Lake Erie open water | Yes ✅ |
| Presque Isle Bay | Yes ✅ |
| Tributary streams (Elk Creek, Walnut Creek, etc.) | Yes ✅ |
| Lake Erie — for smallmouth bass | Yes ✅ |
Lake Erie Non-Resident Cost
Annual: $52.97 (fishing) + $9.97 (Lake Erie) = $62.94 3-Day: $26.97 (tourist) + $9.97 (Lake Erie) = $36.94
Top Lake Erie Steelhead Streams
| Stream | Access | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Elk Creek | Multiple public access points | Oct – March |
| Walnut Creek | PFBC access areas | Oct – March |
| Twenty Mile Creek | Limited access | Nov – Feb |
| Sixteen Mile Creek | Public access | Nov – Feb |
| Trout Run | Urban Erie access | Oct – March |
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Border State Considerations
Pennsylvania borders 6 states plus Lake Erie:
| Border Water | States | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware River | PA / NJ / NY | PA or NJ license valid on main river; NY waters need NY license |
| Lake Erie | PA / NY / OH | Each state controls its own waters — need correct state license |
| Pymatuning Reservoir | PA / OH | PA or OH license valid (reciprocal) |
| Youghiogheny River | PA / MD / WV | Need license for the state you’re standing in |
Delaware River bonus: A PA or NJ fishing license is valid on the main Delaware River. This reciprocal agreement is managed by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.
Seniors Visiting Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a senior discount for PA residents only ($11.97 for 65+). Non-resident seniors pay the standard non-resident rate:
| Your Status | Cost |
|---|---|
| PA resident 65+ | $11.97 (senior rate) |
| Non-resident 65+ | $52.97 (standard NR rate) |
| Non-resident visiting for weekend | $26.97 (3-day tourist) |
See our Pennsylvania Senior Guide for PA resident details.
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Affiliate link · Prices may vary
How to Buy Your PA Non-Resident License
Online (Fastest)
- Visit FishBoatPA.com
- Click “Buy a License” — use the PFBC licensing portal (HuntFishPA)
- Select non-resident fishing license type
- Add trout and/or Lake Erie stamps
- Pay and print — valid immediately
At Retail Stores
- Walmart — all PA locations
- Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s (multiple PA locations, including Hamburg)
- Dick’s Sporting Goods (PA-headquartered chain)
- County treasurer offices
- Local bait and tackle shops
What to Bring
- Photo ID (driver’s license from home state)
- Cash, credit, or debit card
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Pennsylvania fishing license for non-residents? The annual non-resident fishing license costs $52.97. Short-term options: 7-day ($34.97), 3-day ($26.97), and 1-day ($11.97). Add the trout/salmon permit ($9.97) and/or Lake Erie permit ($9.97) as needed.
Do I need a trout stamp in Pennsylvania? Yes — if you plan to fish in Approved Trout Waters (ATW) or use trout as bait, you need the Trout/Salmon Permit ($9.97). It’s required regardless of what species you’re targeting in those waters.
Can I fish the Delaware River with a PA license? Yes — the Delaware River has a reciprocal agreement between PA and NJ. Either state’s license is valid on the main river.
Is there a non-resident daily fishing license in PA? Yes — the 1-Day Tourist License costs $11.97. PA also offers 3-day ($26.97) and 7-day ($34.97) tourist licenses.
Do non-resident seniors get a discount in PA? No — the senior discount ($11.97) applies only to PA residents age 65+. Non-resident seniors pay the standard non-resident rate of $52.97.
When does a Pennsylvania fishing license expire? PA fishing licenses expire on December 31 of each year. The new license year begins March 1. Licenses purchased between Jan 1 – Feb 28 are for the previous year’s remaining period.
Compare all states’ non-resident costs in our Non-Resident Fishing License Guide, or see PA-specific regulations on our Pennsylvania state page.
Source: PA Fish and Boat Commission — Prices as of 2025-26 license year