Can a Felon Get a Fishing License?
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Yes — in virtually all states, felons can get a fishing license. A standard recreational fishing license is not a professional license that requires a background check or moral character evaluation. You simply apply, pay the fee, and receive the license. There is no criminal background check for recreational fishing licenses in any state. The only exceptions that could affect a felon's ability to fish are: (1) if you have been convicted of specific fish and wildlife violations and had your fishing privileges revoked as part of the sentence, or (2) if you are on probation/parole with conditions that restrict your activities or locations. Fishing is one of the most accessible outdoor activities for people with criminal records, and many reentry programs actually encourage fishing as a healthy, low-cost recreational activity.
You CAN get a fishing license if you...
- ✓Any felon can purchase a recreational fishing license in all 50 states — no background check required
- ✓Fishing licenses are available online, at sporting goods stores, at bait shops, and at state wildlife agency offices
- ✓You can fish on public waters (lakes, rivers, streams, the ocean) with a valid license
- ✓You can fish from shore, boats, piers, and docks — no restrictions based on criminal record
- ✓You can fish for any legal species during open seasons with proper license and stamps
- ✓Charter fishing trips and guided fishing do not require additional background checks for clients
Rare exceptions that could affect fishing
- ✗Fishing privileges revoked as part of a fish/wildlife violation sentence
If you have been convicted of poaching, illegal commercial fishing, Lacey Act violations, or other serious fish and wildlife crimes, a court may have revoked your fishing privileges for a specified period as part of your sentence. During the revocation period, you cannot legally obtain a fishing license. These revocations are typically temporary (1-5 years for most offenses, longer for egregious violations). (State fish and wildlife codes / Federal Lacey Act)
- ✗Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact suspension
The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact is an agreement among most states that recognizes wildlife license suspensions and revocations across state lines. If your fishing privileges are suspended in one compact member state, the suspension applies in all member states. As of 2026, approximately 48 states and territories participate in the compact. (Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC))
- ✗Probation or parole conditions restricting activities or locations
Some supervision conditions may indirectly affect fishing: geographic restrictions (you may not be able to travel to fishing locations), association restrictions (you cannot fish with certain people), curfews, or specific activity restrictions. These do not prevent you from obtaining a fishing license but may limit when and where you can use it. (Federal/state supervision conditions)
Gray areas — it depends on your state and circumstances
Fishing from a boat
Felons can operate boats for fishing without restriction in most cases. You may need a boater safety certificate depending on the state. Boating registration does not involve criminal background checks. The main concern would be if your supervision conditions restrict where you can travel or if you cannot obtain a valid driver's license to tow a boat. Some states require a driver's license to operate a motorboat.
Fishing while on probation or parole
Fishing itself is almost never restricted by supervision conditions. However, you need to ensure your fishing activities do not violate any conditions: stay within your allowed geographic area, observe any curfews, avoid restricted associations, and do not possess any prohibited items (some supervisions restrict knife possession, which could affect fishing gear). Discuss with your supervising officer if you have concerns.
Commercial fishing licenses
Commercial fishing licenses (for selling your catch) may have additional requirements in some states, but criminal background checks are still uncommon for commercial fishing. Some commercial fishing operations require specific permits that involve more scrutiny, but standard commercial fishing licenses are generally available to felons. Federal commercial fishing permits may have additional requirements.
Hunting vs. fishing for felons
Fishing is much more accessible than hunting for felons. Hunting typically requires firearms, and federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) prohibits felons from possessing firearms. Fishing does not involve firearms. However, felons can hunt with bows, crossbows, and muzzleloaders in many states — see our crossbow and hunting pages for details.
Fishing License Types
| Type | Difficulty | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Fishing License | No Restrictions — Available to All | Standard freshwater fishing licenses for lakes, rivers, and streams are available to anyone who pays the fee. No background check. Costs typically range from $15-$50 for residents and $40-$100 for non-residents. Available online, at sporting goods stores, and at state wildlife agency offices. |
| Saltwater Fishing License | No Restrictions — Available to All | Saltwater fishing licenses for ocean, bay, and coastal fishing are equally accessible. Some states include saltwater in a combined fishing license; others require a separate permit. No criminal history check. A few states (like Florida) offer free saltwater fishing days several times per year. |
| Special Stamps and Endorsements (Trout, Salmon, etc.) | No Restrictions — Available to All | Special stamps or endorsements for specific species (trout stamp, salmon stamp, etc.) are add-ons to your base license. No additional background check. These typically cost $5-$25 extra and fund species-specific conservation efforts. |
| Commercial Fishing License/Permit | Generally Accessible | Commercial fishing licenses are generally available to felons, though requirements vary by state and fishery. Some commercial fisheries have limited entry and require permits that may be harder to obtain. Federal commercial fishing permits (managed by NOAA Fisheries) involve more documentation but do not typically include criminal background checks. |
How to Apply — Step by Step
Find your state's fish and wildlife agency
Visit your state's fish and wildlife agency or department of natural resources website. Each state manages its own fishing license system. You can find links through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website or by searching '[your state] fishing license.'
Purchase your fishing license
Buy your license online through the state website, at a sporting goods store (Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, etc.), at a bait shop, or at a state wildlife agency office. You will need a valid ID and to provide basic information (name, address, date of birth). There is no criminal background check. Prices vary by state: typically $15-$50 for residents.
Add any required stamps or endorsements
Depending on your state and what you plan to fish for, you may need additional stamps (trout, salmon, steelhead, etc.) or endorsements. These are purchased alongside your base license. No additional screening required.
Learn the fishing regulations
Each state has specific fishing regulations: season dates, daily bag limits, size limits, allowed methods, and restricted areas. These rules apply to everyone, not just people with records. Most states publish a free annual fishing guide (available online and at license vendors). Following the regulations protects you from additional legal trouble.
Go fishing
Head to a public lake, river, stream, pier, or beach and enjoy fishing. Public waters are open to all licensed anglers. Many cities and counties have free fishing piers, parks with lake access, and public boat ramps. Fishing can be an inexpensive, relaxing activity — basic gear costs $20-$50 for rod, reel, and tackle.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Find your state fish and wildlife agency
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — links to all state fish and wildlife agencies where you can purchase fishing licenses
- Take Me Fishing — State fishing license guide
Easy-to-use state-by-state guide to fishing license requirements, costs, and where to buy
- Free Fishing Days by state
Calendar of free fishing days in every state — no license required on these designated dates
- NOAA Fisheries — Federal fishing permits
Information on federal fishing permits for commercial fishing in federal waters
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a felon get a fishing license?
- Yes. Every state issues recreational fishing licenses without criminal background checks. You simply pay the fee and receive the license. The only exception is if your fishing privileges were specifically revoked by a court as part of a sentence for a fish and wildlife violation. A standard felony conviction — drug offense, DUI, assault, theft, or any other type — does not affect your ability to get a fishing license.
- Is there a background check for a fishing license?
- No. Recreational fishing licenses do not require a criminal background check in any state. You provide basic identification information and pay the fee. The process is the same whether you have a felony conviction or a clean record. You can buy a fishing license online, at a sporting goods store, or at your state wildlife agency office.
- Can a felon fish while on probation?
- In most cases, yes. Fishing itself is almost never restricted by supervision conditions. However, make sure your fishing activities comply with your conditions: stay within your allowed geographic area, observe curfews, avoid any restricted associations, and do not possess prohibited items. If you are unsure, ask your supervising officer. Many probation/parole officers actually encourage healthy recreational activities like fishing.
- Can a felon fish from a boat?
- Yes. Operating a boat for fishing does not require a criminal background check. You may need a boater safety certificate (which does not involve a background check) depending on your state. Boat registration does not involve criminal history screening. The main practical concern is whether you have a valid driver's license to tow a boat to the water.
- How much does a fishing license cost?
- Costs vary by state but are generally affordable. Resident annual fishing licenses typically cost $15-$50. Non-resident licenses are $40-$100+. Many states offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals. Some states offer free fishing days (usually 1-2 times per year) where no license is needed. Daily and short-term licenses are also available for $5-$15 in most states.
- Can a felon get a commercial fishing license?
- Generally, yes. Commercial fishing licenses do not typically require criminal background checks. Requirements vary by state and fishery — some require specific permits, vessel documentation, or business licenses. Federal commercial fishing permits (managed by NOAA) involve more documentation but do not focus on criminal history. Commercial fishing can be a viable career path for people with records.
- Can a felon hunt and fish?
- Fishing is fully accessible to felons — no restrictions on licenses or gear. Hunting is more complicated because it typically involves firearms, and federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms. However, felons can hunt with bows, crossbows, and in many states, muzzleloaders. See our pages on hunting and crossbow rights for details. Fishing is the more straightforward outdoor activity for people with records.