Even without access to an ocean, Oklahoma boasts an astonishing 11,000 miles of shoreline! Combine that with vast prairies and lush forests, and you have a state that can fulfill the dreams of almost any freshwater angler. The waters here are teeming with Trout, Bass, Catfish, Walleye, and many others. But to get your hands on them you’ll first need an Oklahoma fishing license.
Since the process of buying a fishing license can be a bit much, we put together this guide for you. We’ll start with who needs a license, before going onto prices, discounts, and where you can buy one. This way, you have everything in one place so you can plan your fishing trip in the Sooner State sooner rather than later.
Who needs a fishing license in Oklahoma?
The minimum age from which you need a fishing license in Oklahoma depends is 18, whether you’re a resident or not.
Exceptions apply for residents fishing on the land they own or rent, as well as residents with a disability, among many others. The full list of exceptions can be found here. Resident disabled veterans can call the State Department of Veterans Affairs at (888) 655-2838 to request proof of their disability.
Information for Residents
To be eligible for a resident license, you must have an established residence in Oklahoma for at least 60 days. If you’re planning to purchase a senior, lifetime, or 5-year license, that number goes up to at least 6 months.
Members of the US Armed Forces, as well as their spouses and children, also count as residents – if they are permanently assigned to a military facility in the state. Your resident status ends as soon as you obtain a resident hunting or fishing permit, or a driver’s license issued by another state.
Lifetime License
If you’re a true fishing enthusiast and plan on fishing in Oklahoma for the rest of your life, you can apply for a lifetime fishing license. The application has no age restriction and can be done in person at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) Headquarters office in Oklahoma City (1801 N. Lincoln Oklahoma City, OK 73105), as well as via mail or online.
When applying in person, you’ll need to bring your Oklahoma Driver’s license and, if you’re 30 or younger, your Hunter Education Card. Since the Driver’s license also counts as proof of residency, it must be at least 6 months old. However, other documents may be accepted as proof of residency, including property tax receipts, your voter registration, and more.
Applicants aged 16 or younger may use their parents’ Oklahoma tax return, showing them as a dependent, or their school report card.
Applications via mail must be authorized by the county game warden or an authorized Department employee before you submit them. Senior residents are eligible to apply for the Senior Citizen Lifetime License from the year in which they turn 65. You can find more information on the application process and further details here.
Tribal Compact Licenses
The ODWC has standing agreements with both the Choctaw and Cherokee Nations. These agreements allow both Nations to issue their own fishing and hunting licenses to their members at a discount or even free of charge.
Costs for Residents
The range of fishing licenses on offer mostly consists of longer-term licenses, along with a 1-day license for short-term angling. The annual license is reasonably priced, so it’s worth it if you plan on fishing for more than 2 days. It’s valid for the entire calendar year, so get it early, to get the most out of it!
If you’re getting your license in the second half of the year, consider the fiscal-year combination license. It won’t only allow you to hunt as well as fish but is also valid from July 1 until June 30 the following year.
If you’re only fishing Lake Texoma, you can get a separate license that allows you to fish the entire lake, but you can’t use it anywhere else. If you’re a resident just fishing the Oklahoma portion of the lake, you can do so with your resident license. And don’t forget to get your free permit if you’re planning to go after Paddlefish!
| Resident Fishing Licenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-Day Fishing License | $11.00 |
| Annual Fishing License | $31.00 |
| Lifetime Fishing License | $375.00 |
| Lifetime Senior Citizen Fishing License (turning 65 years old or older during the current calendar year) | $30.00 |
| Lake Texoma Fishing License | $12.00 |
| Paddlefish Permit (Valid fishing license also required, unless exempt) | Free |
| Annual Land Access Permit for Honobia Creek and Three Rivers Wildlife Management Areas (unless exempt) | $100.00 |
| Special Use 3-day Land Access Permit for Honobia Creek and Three Rivers Wildlife Management Areas (unless exempt) | $20.00 |
| Resident Combination Hunting/Fishing Licenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Combination Hunting/Fishing License | $53.00 |
| 3-Year Combination Hunting/Fishing License | $121.00 |
| Disability 5-year Combination Fishing & Hunting | $20.00 |
| Lifetime Combination Hunting/Fishing License | $1024.00 |
| Lifetime Senior Citizen Combination Hunting/Fishing License (turning 65 years old or older during the current calendar year) | $60.00 |
| Lifetime Disabled Veteran Combination Hunting/Fishing License (Under 60% disability) | $200.00 |
| Lifetime Disabled Veteran Combination Hunting/Fishing License (60% or more disability) | $25.00 |
Information for Non-Residents
If you’re just visiting Oklahoma, or are simply not here long enough yet to qualify for a resident license, you can still go fishing! Keep in mind that, as a non-resident, you have no access to combination licenses that allow for both hunting and fishing.
Texan residents who are over 65 years of age are in big luck, though. Oklahoma has an agreement with the state of Texas that allows senior residents of each state to fish in the other state without needing a license.
Costs for Non-Residents
Non-residents have the option to choose between 1-day or annual licenses. Keep in mind that you’ll need a separate license if you’re fishing in Lake Texoma. This will allow you to fish the entirety of the lake. And as mentioned before, going after Paddlefish requires a separate free permit!
| Non-Resident Fishing License | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-Day Fishing License | $26.00 |
| Annual Fishing License | $81.00 |
| Lake Texoma Fishing License | $12.00 |
| Paddlefish Permit (Valid fishing license also required, unless exempt) | Free |
| Annual Land Access Permit for Honobia Creek and Three Rivers Wildlife Management Areas (no exemptions) | $200.00 |
Where to buy your Oklahoma fishing license?
Buying your Oklahoma fishing license is a straightforward process. You can do so in two different ways, depending on your preferences.
- Online. Buying online is probably the most convenient way of acquiring a fishing license. You just need an account on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma website, where you can also buy all the fishing licenses you may need. Note that there is a slider on the right-hand side, where you can select whether you’re a resident or not.
- In-person. Of course, you can also purchase your license in person if you prefer. To find the nearest licensing agent, you can check the map here.
Get the App
The Go Outdoors Oklahoma App allows you to legally carry your license on any mobile device you have the app installed on, so you’ll never lose your license again! It also lets you check current regulations and bag limits on the go.
What happens if you lose your license?
Losing your fishing license can be a scary experience, especially if you notice that it’s missing on the morning of your planned fishing trip! Luckily, replacing your license is simple.
Replacing a Printed License
If you have access to a computer with an internet connection and a printer, replacing your printed license takes just a few minutes to print it again. You can also visit your nearest license dealer and they’ll reprint your license for a $1.50 fee.
Replacing a Hard Card License
If you misplaced a hard card license, printing another out is not an option. Those licenses can only be replaced for a $5 fee. Contact the Helpdesk at (833) 457-7285 or [email protected] for more information.
Replacing an Electronic License
If you have the Go Outdoors Oklahoma App installed on your mobile device, you can purchase and renew your licenses and permits right in the app. The app is also a valid method of carrying your license, so losing it is almost impossible.
Free Fishing Days
Just want to test out fishing for a day, or maybe show a friend what fishing in Oklahoma is all about? Then you can make use of the Free Fishing Days between June 5–6 this year. On these two days, anglers will be able to fish most publicly available waters without a license. Only the free Paddlefish permit is still required if you are looking to catch them, as well as some city permits.
We tried to cover all the information you need to purchase an Oklahoma fishing license. If you have any further questions, it‘s best to contact your nearest ODWC office. Of course, you can also leave us a comment below.
After that, the only thing left to do is get your license, find a fishing guide near you, and head out to the beautiful waters of Oklahoma.
