What the Special Limited Permit Covers
Wyoming's Special Limited Fishing Permit lets people with certain disabilities fish year-round in waters where the general public cannot, and it removes some of the usual catch limits. The permit is issued by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and is free. It does not replace your regular fishing license — you still need one — but it gives you access to specific waters and extended seasons that would otherwise be closed.
The permit is designed for people whose disabilities make standard fishing difficult or impossible. It recognizes that some anglers need different access windows, different water types, or different rules to fish safely and successfully. The specific waters open under this permit vary by region and season, so you will need to check with your local Game and Fish office or their website for current details about which waters are available to you.
Key Takeaways
- The Special Limited Permit is free and issued by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, but you must also hold a valid Wyoming fishing license.
- The permit opens specific waters year-round or during extended seasons that are normally closed to the public, with some catch-limit exceptions.
- You must provide medical documentation from a licensed physician showing your disability affects your ability to fish under standard rules.
- Contact your regional Game and Fish office directly — they handle applications and can tell you which waters are currently open under the permit.
- The permit is not transferable and is valid only for the person named on it.
Who Can Get the Permit
You must have a disability that substantially limits your ability to fish under Wyoming's standard regulations. The Game and Fish Department does not publish a list of may have access to conditions — instead, they evaluate each application based on medical documentation. A licensed physician must certify that your disability affects your capacity to fish, and that the Special Limited Permit would help you participate in fishing.
The disability does not have to be permanent, but it must be significant enough that standard fishing access would be unreasonably difficult or unsafe for you. Mobility issues, vision loss, chronic pain, and other conditions may may have access to, but the department makes the information based on your specific situation and the medical evidence you provide.
What You Need to Apply
Start by contacting your regional Wyoming Game and Fish Department office. You will need to provide a completed application form (available from the department) and a letter from a licensed physician. The physician's letter should describe your disability, explain how it affects your ability to fish under normal regulations, and state that the Special Limited Permit would enable you to fish safely and within your capabilities.
You will also need proof of Wyoming residency and a valid Wyoming fishing license number. Some offices may ask for additional information depending on your specific situation. Call ahead to confirm what documents your regional office requires before you submit anything — requirements can vary slightly by location.
How to Submit Your Application
Contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department regional office that covers the area where you plan to fish. You can find regional office phone numbers and addresses on the Game and Fish website. Many offices accept applications by mail, email, or in person — ask which method is fastest for your location.
Processing time varies, but most applications are reviewed within two to four weeks. The department will contact you if they need additional information. Once approved, your permit is issued for the calendar year and must be renewed annually if you want to continue fishing under the Special Limited rules.
Fishing License Requirement and Costs
The Special Limited Permit itself is free, but you must also hold a valid Wyoming fishing license. Wyoming offers several license types: a resident annual license, a non-resident annual license, short-term licenses (three-day or one-day), and conservation stamps that may be required depending on what species you fish for. License costs vary by type and residency status.
You can purchase a Wyoming fishing license through the Game and Fish website, at authorized vendors throughout the state, or by phone. Your license and your Special Limited Permit work together — the license gives you the legal right to fish in Wyoming, and the permit modifies which waters and seasons are open to you.
Waters and Seasons Available Under the Permit
The specific waters open to Special Limited Permit holders change by season and by region. Some waters may be open year-round under the permit, while others have specific windows. Catch limits may also differ from the general public regulations. The Game and Fish Department publishes current information on their website and in their annual fishing guides, but the easiest way to know what is available to you is to call your regional office directly.
When you contact the department about your application, ask them which waters are currently open under the Special Limited Permit and what the current catch rules are. This information changes, so do not rely on information from previous years. Your regional office can also tell you about parking, access points, and any other logistics for the waters you want to fish.
Renewal and Changes to Your Permit
Your Special Limited Permit is valid for one calendar year. To fish under the permit the following year, you must renew it. Renewal typically requires the same documentation as the original application — a physician's letter confirming your disability still affects your fishing ability, and a valid fishing license. Contact your regional office in late fall or early winter to start the renewal process for the next year.
If your disability changes or improves significantly, or if you move to a different region of Wyoming, contact your Game and Fish office to update your permit or transfer it to a new regional office. The permit is not transferable to another person, and it cannot be used by anyone other than the person named on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both a fishing license and the Special Limited Permit?
Yes. The fishing license is required to fish legally in Wyoming. The Special Limited Permit modifies which waters and seasons are open to you and may adjust catch limits. You cannot fish under the permit without a valid license.
What if my disability is temporary or seasonal?
You can still apply. The permit is based on your current condition and how it affects your ability to fish. If your disability is temporary, your physician's letter should explain the expected duration. You may need to renew annually or provide updated medical documentation if your situation changes.
Can I use the permit to fish on private land?
No. The Special Limited Permit applies only to public waters managed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Private land access is between you and the landowner, regardless of your permit status.
What happens if I lose my permit card?
Contact your regional Game and Fish office and request a replacement. They can usually issue a duplicate quickly. Bring your fishing license and proof of identity.
Can someone else fish with me using my permit?
No. The permit is valid only for the person named on it. Other anglers in your group must follow standard Wyoming fishing regulations for the waters you are visiting.