What a Wyoming nonresident annual license covers

A Wyoming nonresident annual fishing license lets you fish in Wyoming waters for a full calendar year without buying a new license each trip. It covers freshwater fishing only — trout, walleye, pike, and panfish in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across the state. The license does not cover saltwater fishing (not relevant in Wyoming) or hunting, and it does not give you permission to fish on private land without the owner's consent.

The license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it. You can buy it any time during that year, but you pay the full annual price regardless of when you buy it. If you plan to fish Wyoming more than once or twice, an annual license is cheaper than daily licenses stacked together.

You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a Wyoming Game and Fish officer if asked. The license itself comes as a printed card or, in some cases, a digital version on your phone — check with the vendor when you buy.

Key Takeaways

  • A nonresident annual license costs a set amount and covers freshwater fishing statewide for the full calendar year.
  • You can purchase the license online through the Wyoming Game and Fish website, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state.
  • The license does not cover private land — you must have the landowner's permission to fish there.
  • Wyoming has specific season dates and catch limits for different species and waters, so check current regulations before you fish.

Current cost and where to buy

Nonresident annual license prices are set by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and change periodically. The most direct way to learn the current price is to visit the Wyoming Game and Fish website or call their licensing office. Prices vary based on your residency status and the type of license, so confirming the exact amount before you buy saves confusion at checkout.

You can purchase a nonresident annual license through three main routes: online at the Wyoming Game and Fish website (fastest, available 24/7), by phone through their licensing office during business hours, or in person at authorized vendors including sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some convenience stores near fishing areas. Each method delivers the same license; the choice depends on your timing and location.

When you buy online or by phone, have your name, address, and payment method ready. In-person purchases at a vendor may be faster if you are already in Wyoming, but not all vendors stock licenses at all times — calling ahead is worth the minute.

Residency rules and who qualifies

Wyoming considers you a nonresident if you do not hold a Wyoming driver's license or state ID, or if you have not lived in Wyoming for at least one year. The one-year rule means someone who moved to Wyoming recently still buys a nonresident license until they have been a resident for 12 months. Military personnel stationed in Wyoming may have different rules — contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department directly if you are active duty.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to buy a nonresident license, but you do need a valid form of identification. Visitors from other countries can purchase a license using a passport or other government-issued ID.

Species, seasons, and daily catch limits

Wyoming's main gamefish are cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, walleye, northern pike, and various panfish. Each species has its own season dates and daily catch limits, and these vary by water body. A river might have a different season than a lake 20 miles away, and some waters are catch-and-release only.

Before you fish, check the current Wyoming fishing regulations on the Game and Fish website or pick up a printed regulation booklet at a vendor. The booklet lists every major water body, its season dates, and its catch limits. Regulations change year to year, so last year's rules may not apply. Fishing without knowing the current rules is the most common reason anglers get cited.

Some waters require special permits or have additional restrictions — for example, certain streams may require a special stamp or have restricted access during spawning season. The regulation booklet flags these; read the fine print for the water you plan to fish.

Access and where you can fish

Wyoming has thousands of miles of public water open to fishing, including national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, and state-managed waters. Many of the best trout streams run through public land, and you can access them without paying an extra fee beyond your license. Popular areas include the North Platte River, the Snake River, and numerous alpine lakes in the Wind River Range and Absaroka Mountains.

Access varies by location. Some waters have public boat ramps and parking areas; others require a short hike or a four-wheel-drive road. The Wyoming Game and Fish website and printed maps show public access points. Before you go, confirm the road condition and whether you need a high-clearance vehicle — mountain roads can be impassable in winter or after heavy rain.

Private land makes up a large portion of Wyoming, and you cannot fish it without the landowner's permission. Trespassing to fish is illegal and can result in a fine and loss of your license. Always ask permission before crossing private property to reach public water.

Fishing regulations you need to know

Wyoming requires you to fish with a single hook, artificial lure, or fly — live bait is not allowed in most waters, though some exceptions exist. Check the regulation booklet for your specific water. You cannot use explosives, poison, electricity, or nets to fish. Night fishing is legal in most places but prohibited on some waters; the regulation booklet specifies.

Catch-and-release rules apply to certain species or waters. If a water is marked catch-and-release for a species, you must release every fish of that species you catch unharmed. Some waters have slot limits — for example, you might be able to keep only walleye between 15 and 20 inches, and must release anything smaller or larger. Read the regulation booklet carefully; slot limits are easy to miss and easy to violate by accident.

Wyoming Game and Fish officers patrol fishing areas, especially popular ones. They check licenses, verify catch limits, and enforce regulations. Violations can result in fines, loss of your license, and confiscation of gear. It is far easier to spend five minutes reading the rules than to deal with a citation.

Licenses for special situations

If you fish Wyoming only once or twice a year, a daily nonresident license may be cheaper than an annual one. Wyoming also offers a 3-day nonresident license at a lower price than the annual. Compare the cost of daily or 3-day licenses against the annual price for your situation — the math is simple and worth doing before you buy.

Disabled anglers and seniors may may have access to for reduced-price licenses or exemptions. Contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to learn whether you may have access to and what documentation you need. Youth under a certain age may also have different license requirements or prices — confirm with the department.

If you plan to fish multiple states in one trip, research each state's license rules before you go. A Wyoming license does not cover fishing in Montana, Colorado, or Utah; you need a separate license for each state. Some states offer reciprocal agreements or multi-state licenses, but Wyoming and its neighbors do not currently have such arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the day I buy my license?

Yes. Once you purchase the license and receive it (either printed on the spot or emailed to you), you can fish immediately. If you buy online, print the license or show it on your phone. If you buy in person at a vendor, they hand you the card right away.

What happens if I lose my license while I'm fishing?

Contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and request a replacement. They can issue a duplicate, usually for a small fee. In the meantime, carry proof of purchase (your receipt or confirmation email) in case an officer asks to see your license. Some officers will accept proof of purchase temporarily while you arrange a replacement.

Do I need a separate license to fish on an Indian reservation in Wyoming?

No. A Wyoming nonresident license covers fishing on most tribal lands in Wyoming, but some reservations have their own rules or require an additional tribal permit. Contact the specific tribe or the Wyoming Game and Fish Department before you fish on reservation land to confirm what you need.

Can I fish Wyoming waters if I live in a neighboring state?

Yes. If you live in Montana, Colorado, Utah, or Idaho, you still need a Wyoming nonresident license to fish Wyoming waters. Your home state's license does not cover Wyoming. Buy the Wyoming license before you fish to avoid a violation.

What do I do if I catch a fish that is smaller or larger than the legal size?

Release it immediately and unharmed. Do not keep it, photograph it for proof, or do anything else — just put it back in the water as quickly as you can. Keeping an undersized or oversized fish is a violation even if you plan to release it later. If you are unsure whether a fish is legal size, measure it against your rod or a ruler before you decide to keep it.