What a Wyoming nonresident daily license covers
A nonresident daily fishing license in Wyoming lets you fish for one calendar day without buying an annual permit. You can fish any species in any open water — trout, walleye, pike, perch, and others — under the same rules that apply to resident anglers. The license is valid from midnight to midnight on the day you purchase it.
Wyoming issues these licenses through the Game and Fish Department. You buy them at authorized vendors across the state: sporting goods stores, fly shops, gas stations, and online through the Wyoming Game and Fish website. The daily license does not cover special areas like the National Elk Refuge or tribal lands, and it does not give you permission to fish private property.
If you plan to fish more than a few days in a year, a nonresident annual license is cheaper per day. But if you are passing through or testing a new water, the daily option avoids the larger upfront cost.
Key Takeaways
- A nonresident daily license costs less than an annual permit but is valid for only one calendar day, midnight to midnight.
- You can purchase a daily license online, by phone, or at physical vendors like fly shops and sporting goods stores throughout Wyoming.
- The license covers all open fish species and waters in Wyoming, but does not include special areas like refuges or tribal lands.
- You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a Game and Fish officer if asked.
Where to buy a nonresident daily license
The fastest option is the Wyoming Game and Fish website, where you can buy a license online and print it immediately or store it on your phone. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive by mail. The site accepts credit and debit cards.
If you prefer to buy in person, look for vendors in the town nearest to where you plan to fish. Fly shops and tackle stores usually stock licenses and can answer questions about local conditions. Larger sporting goods chains like Cabela's and Walmart also sell them. Gas stations and convenience stores in small towns often carry them too, though their hours may be limited.
You can also call the Wyoming Game and Fish Department regional office that covers your fishing area. They can sell you a license over the phone and mail it, though this takes longer than online or in-person purchase.
Cost and what the fee includes
The nonresident daily license fee varies slightly depending on the species you want to fish. A one-day license for trout costs one amount; a one-day license for all species (trout, walleye, pike, and warm-water fish) costs more. Check the current prices on the Wyoming Game and Fish website, as fees change periodically and may differ between purchase methods.
The license fee goes to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's fish management and habitat work. It does not include a conservation stamp, which is a separate purchase if you want to fish certain waters or species. Most daily anglers do not need the stamp, but check the specific water you plan to fish to be sure.
Regulations you must follow with a daily license
Your daily license does not exempt you from Wyoming's fishing regulations. You must follow all bag limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures that apply to the water and species you are fishing. These rules vary by location — some streams are catch-and-release only, others have daily limits of two or three fish, and some are closed during certain months.
You are required to carry your license with you at all times while fishing and produce it immediately if a Game and Fish officer asks. Fishing without a valid license is a violation and can result in fines and confiscation of your gear.
Check the Wyoming Game and Fish website or pick up a current fishing guide at a vendor before you fish. Regulations change year to year, and some waters have special rules that are easy to miss. A few minutes of reading prevents costly mistakes.
When a daily license makes sense versus an annual one
Buy a daily license if you are visiting Wyoming for a weekend, passing through on a road trip, or testing a new water before committing to more fishing there. The daily option has no commitment and no waste if you end up not fishing.
An annual nonresident license costs more upfront but breaks even after about five or six days of fishing, depending on the current fee structure. If you plan to fish three or more separate trips to Wyoming in a year, or if you will fish multiple days on a single trip, the annual license saves money. The annual license is also valid for the full calendar year, so you can fish in January and again in December on the same permit.
Some anglers buy a daily license on their first trip to scout conditions and decide whether to return. If they do, they buy an annual license for the next visit. This approach spreads the cost and lets you make an informed decision.
Special waters and restrictions on your daily license
Your daily license covers most public waters in Wyoming, but some areas require additional permits or have separate rules. The National Elk Refuge, for example, requires a special use permit in addition to your fishing license. Tribal lands like the Wind River Indian Reservation require tribal permits that you must buy separately.
Some private waters and pay-to-fish operations honor a Wyoming daily license, but others require their own day pass. Call ahead or ask at the access point before you arrive. A few waters are closed to nonresidents entirely, though this is rare in Wyoming.
Check the current Wyoming fishing guide or call the regional Game and Fish office for the area you plan to fish. They can tell you whether your daily license covers the specific water and what else you might need.
How to carry and display your license
If you buy your license online and print it, carry the printed copy with you. Keep it in a waterproof pocket or bag so it does not get soaked. A laminated copy lasts longer if you fish multiple days in a row.
Many vendors now offer digital licenses that you can display on your phone. Take a screenshot or download the license file so you can show it even if you lose cell service. Some Game and Fish officers accept a photo of the license on your phone; others want to see the printed version. When in doubt, carry both.
Write your name and license number on the back of a printed license in case it gets separated from you. If you lose your license, contact the vendor or the Game and Fish Department to report it and buy a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish multiple days with one daily license?
No. A daily license is valid for one calendar day only, from midnight to midnight. If you want to fish on two separate days, you need to buy two daily licenses. If you plan to fish more than a few days, an annual nonresident license is more cost-effective.
What happens if I fish without a license?
Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Wyoming law. Penalties include fines, confiscation of your fishing gear, and possible court appearance. A Game and Fish officer can stop you at any time and ask to see your license. Always carry it with you while fishing.
Can I buy a daily license for someone else?
No. A license is issued to the person whose name appears on it, and that person must carry it while fishing. Each angler needs their own license. If you are fishing with family or friends, each person must buy their own daily or annual license.
Do I need a daily license to fish in Wyoming if I am under 14?
Wyoming does not require a license for children under 14, but they must still follow all bag limits and size restrictions. Children can fish alongside a licensed adult. Check the current regulations, as age rules can change.
What if the water I want to fish is closed or has special rules?
Your daily license does not override closures or special regulations. Before you fish, check the Wyoming Game and Fish website or call the regional office for the area you plan to visit. Some waters are catch-and-release only, some are closed seasonally, and some have reduced bag limits. Fishing in violation of these rules can result in fines even if you have a valid license.