2024 PA Fishing Licenses on Sale
HARRISBURG, PA (December 1) – If you’re looking to punch your ticket to outdoor adventure for the next year, start gearing up Friday by purchasing your 2024 Pennsylvania fishing license, permits, and gift vouchers!
Beginning December 1, 2023, fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers for the 2024 season can be purchased through the HuntFishPA online portal on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) website (Fishandboat.com), on your smartphone using the FishBoatPA mobile app, or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. 2024 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.
“The holiday season is a great time to start dreaming about all the fishing fun you can still have this winter or in the spring season right around the corner,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “Whether you’re purchasing a license for yourself or a voucher to give as a gift to a family member or friend, you’ll be opening the door to fishing adventures that can become lifelong memories. When you buy your license now, it ensures that you’ll be ready to go for every fishing season for the rest of this year and next year. Thank you for investing in Pennsylvania’s fishing future.”
Fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers can be purchased easily, conveniently, and safely online from your computer or smart phone. Licenses may be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession. While many customers still prefer to purchase fishing licenses in person from local issuing agents, online purchases can save time and help you avoid long lines, especially right before the spring trout season, which begins statewide on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
In addition to licenses and permits, such as the trout or Lake Erie permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
“Getting someone new involved in fishing is extremely rewarding, and purchasing a fishing license gift voucher is one of the easiest ways to help them get started,” added Schaeffer. “As a gift idea, vouchers are a great choice for active anglers or someone who likes to fish but hasn’t been out on the water for a while. Even for someone who doesn’t fish, purchasing a fishing license supports the conservation of aquatic species and clean water that benefits us all.”
Once again for the 2024 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button. This year’s button features a navy blue background with a golden yellow keystone design. In 2024, a limited-edition production of 10,000 buttons will be produced, and customers will receive a randomly numbered button between 00001-10000. Please note that buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer.
Anglers who visit a license issuing agent in person can receive the 2024 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbook free of charge. The book outlines current fishing and boating regulations, seasons and creel limits, and safety information, and includes advertising and coupons. A digital version of these publications can be viewed and printed for free on the PFBC website, or viewed on the FishBoatPA mobile app. Customers should note that 2024 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbooks are still being shipped to retail locations in early December and may not be immediately available at all locations. Customers should access the free online version or return to a retail location later for a free printed copy.
Voluntary Permits
Customers who purchase a 2024 fishing license can once again support their favorite PFBC programs through the purchase of voluntary permits for Bass, Musky, Wild Trout/Enhanced Waters, and Habitat/Waterways Conservation. These permits are not required for fishing and carry no additional privileges, but all funds generated through them are reinvested into their respective program. Thanks to the generosity of anglers, the PFBC has invested more than $620,000 into special projects funded by the sale of voluntary permits since 2019.
While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in any special youth opportunities throughout the 2024 season. This includes the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
The PFBC is a user-funded agency that operates primarily on funds generated through the sale of fishing licenses, boating registrations, and associated fees. The PFBC receives no Pennsylvania General Fund tax revenue to support its programs.
The PFBC reminds anglers and boaters to protect themselves by always wearing a life jacket while on the water. From November 1 through April 30, all boaters aboard boats less than 16 feet, including all kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, are required to wear a life jacket. Anglers should also wear a life jacket while ice fishing.
Important 2024 Fishing Dates:
December 1 (2023) – 2024 Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses, permits, and vouchers on sale
March 30, 2024 – Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day
April 6, 2024 – Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season
November 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024 – Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement in effect
