Utah nonresident fishing licenses are sold by the state and valid for one year from the date of purchase

A nonresident fishing license in Utah allows you to fish in state waters if you do not live in Utah. You buy it directly from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), either online, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state. The license costs a flat fee and covers all freshwater and most saltwater fishing for the calendar year — or you can buy a shorter-term license if you are visiting for just a few days.

Utah does not require a separate license for different fish species. One nonresident license covers trout, walleye, bass, perch, and most other fish you will encounter in Utah lakes and rivers. Some special hunts and waters have additional restrictions, but those are managed through separate permits, not the base license.

Key Takeaways

  • Nonresident licenses are sold for one year, five days, or one day, with prices that vary by term length.
  • You can buy online through the DWR website, by phone at 1-800-221-0659, or at sporting goods stores and tackle shops throughout Utah.
  • The license is valid immediately upon purchase and covers freshwater fishing statewide, including reservoirs, rivers, and streams.
  • Utah residents do not need a nonresident license; Utah residents purchase resident licenses instead, which cost less.
  • Some waters have special rules — catch-and-release only, slot limits, or gear restrictions — that apply to all anglers regardless of residency.

License types and how long they last

Utah offers three nonresident license terms. A one-year license is valid from the date you purchase it through the same date the following year and covers all fishing days during that period. A five-day license is valid for five consecutive calendar days starting the day you buy it. A one-day license is valid for one calendar day only.

The one-year license is the best value if you plan multiple trips to Utah during the year or fish several days in a single visit. The five-day and one-day licenses are designed for short visits — a weekend trip or a single outing. All three types cover the same waters and species; the difference is only how many days you can fish.

Where to buy and how to get it immediately

The fastest way to buy a nonresident license is online through the Utah DWR website at wildlife.utah.gov. You create an account, select your license type, pay the fee, and receive your license number by email within minutes. You can then print it or show it on your phone to a ranger or game warden.

If you prefer to buy in person, call the DWR at 1-800-221-0659 during business hours and they will issue a license over the phone. You can also visit any authorized vendor — most sporting goods stores, tackle shops, and some convenience stores near fishing areas sell nonresident licenses on the spot. Vendors can issue a license immediately, though some may charge a small transaction fee on top of the state price.

You do not need to wait for a physical card in the mail. Your license is valid the moment you receive your license number, whether that is by email, phone, or receipt from a vendor. Carry proof of purchase or your license number when you fish.

What waters you can fish and what you need to know about regulations

A nonresident license covers fishing in all public waters in Utah — reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and streams — with no geographic restrictions. Major destinations include Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Bear Lake, Strawberry Reservoir, and the Green River, but you can fish any open water on public land or with permission on private land.

Utah has statewide regulations that apply to all anglers, resident or nonresident. These include daily catch limits, minimum size requirements, and gear restrictions that vary by species and water. For example, some waters are catch-and-release only for certain species, while others have slot limits (you must release fish within a certain size range). The DWR publishes a current fishing guidebook that lists rules for each major water body — download it from the website or pick up a printed copy at a vendor.

Some waters require additional permits beyond the base license. The DWR manages special hunts and limited-entry waters through a separate drawing system. If you want to fish a restricted water, you enter a drawing and pay an additional fee if drawn. Your nonresident license is still required; the special permit is on top of it.

Difference between nonresident and resident licenses

Utah residents pay less for a fishing license than nonresidents. A resident one-year license costs significantly less than a nonresident one-year license. Residency is determined by where you live — if you have a Utah driver's license or state ID, you are a resident for fishing purposes. If you live out of state, you must buy a nonresident license.

Some states have reciprocal agreements that allow residents of those states to buy resident licenses in Utah, but Utah does not currently have such agreements. Check the DWR website to confirm your residency status if you are unsure.

What to bring when you fish

Carry your license number or a printed copy of your license when you fish. A game warden or ranger may ask to see it. If you bought online, you can show your email confirmation or a photo of your license on your phone. If you bought from a vendor, keep your receipt.

You will also need to follow Utah's gear rules. Most waters allow rod and reel or fly rod. Some waters prohibit certain methods — for example, some streams are fly-fishing only. Check the fishing guidebook for the specific water you plan to fish before you go.

Refunds and license replacement

Utah does not refund nonresident licenses once purchased. If you lose your license number or receipt, contact the DWR and they can look up your purchase by name and date. If you buy a license and then realize you cannot fish during the term you purchased, you cannot transfer it to another person or get your money back.

If you buy a one-day or five-day license and do not use all the days, those unused days do not carry over or refund. Plan your purchase to match the days you actually plan to fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate license for different types of fish?

No. One nonresident license covers all freshwater fish species in Utah — trout, walleye, bass, perch, and others. Some waters have special rules about which species you can keep or how many, but those rules apply to all anglers with a valid license. You do not buy separate licenses by species.

Can I fish the day I buy my license?

Yes. Your license is valid immediately upon purchase, whether you buy online, by phone, or at a vendor. You do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail. If you buy a one-day license in the morning, you can fish that same day.

What if I lose my license number?

Contact the Utah DWR at 1-800-221-0659 with your name and the date you purchased the license. They can look up your purchase and provide your license number again. Keep your email confirmation or receipt as backup proof of purchase.

Can I fish on private land with a nonresident license?

Yes, but you need the landowner's permission first. Your nonresident license is valid on private water as long as you have written or verbal consent from the owner. Public water — reservoirs, rivers, and streams on public land — requires only the license.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license in Utah is a violation. Game wardens patrol fishing areas and check licenses. Penalties include fines and possible confiscation of gear. Always carry your license number or proof of purchase when you fish.