Purchase a Fishing License

Ready to Go Fishing?

First, you'll need a fishing license. Buying a fishing license is quick, easy, and directly contributes toward conservation efforts. In most states, licenses can be purchased online, by phone or at retail establishments. Every state has slightly different rules, so look up your state for state-specific requirements.

Fishing Funds Conservation 

Purchasing a fishing license directly contributes to conservation efforts. License fees provide critical funding for state fish and wildlife agencies and are one part of the broader funding system that supports conservation and outdoor access across the country. Each year, our Sport Fish Restoration Program apportions millions of dollars to state fish and wildlife agencies to fund fisheries restoration and enhancement projects. 

These funds are derived from manufacturer federal excise taxes collected through the Dingell-Johnson Act. Through this act, fishing tackle manufacturers and a portion of the fuel tax attributed to motorboat fuel have funded fisheries conservation for over 75 years.

Since 1952, more than $20 billion in Sport Fish Restoration funds have been apportioned to state agencies to fund fisheries management and research, species and habitat restoration, aquatic education courses, and public access for fishing and boating. When combined with state license fees, these investments create a powerful partnership that helps conserve fisheries resources and expands outdoor opportunities for current and future generations.

By the Numbers

Dingell-Johnson Act dollars fund:

• The management of more than 200 species of sport fish 
• The stocking of over 1 billion fish annually
• More than 9,000 public boating and fishing access areas
• Aquatic education programs for millions of participants