Who Needs a Youth License and What It Covers
In Utah, anyone between 12 and 17 years old must have a fishing license to fish in public waters, with one exception: children under 12 can fish without a license as long as they are supervised by a licensed adult. A youth fishing license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and lets you fish for any species in any public water in the state — rivers, reservoirs, ponds, and streams — under the same regulations that apply to adult anglers.
The license does not cover private property. If you want to fish on private land, you need the landowner's permission regardless of whether you have a license. The license also does not exempt you from following Utah's fishing rules: you still need to obey daily catch limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures for each species and water body.
Key Takeaways
- Youth licenses in Utah are for ages 12 to 17 and cost less than adult licenses, with the exact price set by the state each year.
- You can buy a youth license online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and tackle shops.
- Children under 12 do not need a license if they fish alongside a licensed adult, but anyone 12 and older must have their own license.
- Your license is valid for one calendar year and must be on you whenever you fish — digital or printed copies both count.
Where to Buy a Youth License
The easiest way to get a youth license is online through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website (wildlife.utah.gov). You can purchase and print your license immediately, or have it sent to your email. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and address. Payment is by credit or debit card.
If you prefer not to buy online, you can call the Wildlife Resources office directly during business hours, or visit an authorized vendor in person. Vendors include most sporting goods stores, tackle shops, and some Walmart locations. Call ahead to confirm the vendor near you carries youth licenses, since not all locations stock them.
Cost and Payment Options
Utah sets the price for youth licenses each year. The cost is lower than an adult license but varies depending on whether you want a one-year license or a shorter-term option. Check the Wildlife Resources website for the current year's prices before you buy, since fees can change.
Payment methods depend on where you buy. Online purchases take credit or debit cards. Vendors and the Wildlife Resources office accept cash, check, and card. There are no refunds once a license is issued, even if you do not use it.
What to Bring When You Fish
You must carry your license with you every time you fish. A printed copy or a digital copy on your phone both satisfy the requirement. If you bought online and printed it at home, bring the printed page. If you have it on your phone, make sure the image is clear enough to read your name, license number, and expiration date.
Wildlife officers can ask to see your license at any time. Fishing without a license or without your license on you is a violation and can result in a fine. Keep your license in a waterproof pocket or bag so it does not get damaged during the day.
Fishing Regulations You Still Need to Follow
A youth license gives you the right to fish, but it does not override Utah's fishing rules. Each water body and each species has its own regulations: some waters are catch-and-release only, others have daily limits on how many fish you can keep, and many have minimum or maximum size requirements. Trout, walleye, bass, and other species often have different rules depending on where you fish.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources publishes a Fishing Guidebook that lists all current regulations by water body and species. You can download it free from their website or pick up a printed copy at vendors. Read the rules for the water where you plan to fish before you go, because ignorance of the rules is not a defense if you break them.
Special Permits and Endorsements
Some types of fishing in Utah require additional permits beyond your youth license. If you want to fish for certain species in certain waters — such as some trophy trout sections or specialized areas — you may need a separate permit or endorsement. The Fishing Guidebook lists which waters require them.
Endorsements and special permits cost extra and are purchased the same way as your license: online, by phone, or at vendors. Ask at the point of sale or check the website before you buy to see if the water you want to fish requires anything beyond your base license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish if I turn 18 before my license expires?
Your youth license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even if you turn 18. You do not need to buy an adult license until your current license expires. After that, you will need an adult license to continue fishing.
What happens if I lose my license?
Contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources with your name and date of birth, and they can issue a replacement. There may be a small fee. If you bought online, you can also print another copy from your email confirmation if you still have it.
Do I need a license to fish in a private pond on my family's property?
No. Fishing on private property where you have the owner's permission does not require a license. However, you still must follow Utah's fishing regulations — catch limits, size restrictions, and seasonal rules apply everywhere.
Can I buy a license for just a few days instead of a whole year?
Utah offers short-term licenses for visitors, but availability and pricing vary by year. Check the Wildlife Resources website to see what options are currently available. Youth short-term licenses, if offered, cost less than a full-year license.
What if I fish without a license and get caught?
Fishing without a valid license is a violation. You may receive a citation with a fine. The amount depends on the specific violation and whether it is your first offense. It is much cheaper to buy a license upfront than to pay a citation later.