HARRISBURG, Pa. (December 1) – A year’s worth of angling adventure awaits when you purchase your 2025 Pennsylvania fishing license, permits, or gift vouchers -- on sale today!
Beginning December 1, 2024, fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers for the upcoming 2025 season can be purchased through the HuntFishPA online portal on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) website (Fishandboat.com), on your smartphone using the FishBoatPA mobile app, or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. 2025 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025.
"As the busy winter and holiday seasons kick into high gear, now is the best time to get a jump on the fishing opportunities happening right now and just ahead in the spring,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “Whether you’re buying a fishing license for yourself or purchasing a voucher to give as a gift to family and friends, you’re unlocking the chance to make some lifelong memories on the water. Getting your license now ensures you can take advantage of every fishing season throughout the rest of this year and next year. Pennsylvania is one of the premier states to fish in the country, with literally something for everyone. Those opportunities are made possible by the investment of fishing license dollars, and we thank you for being an integral part of that cycle of success.”
Fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers can be purchased easily, conveniently, and safely online from your computer or smart phone. Customers can choose from annual or multi-year licenses and permits with 3, 5, and 10-year options, and all documents may be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession. While many customers still prefer to purchase fishing licenses in person from local issuing agents, online purchases can save time and help you avoid long lines, especially right before the spring trout season, which begins statewide on Saturday, April 5, 2025. For added convenience, customers can choose an auto-renew option at the time of purchase, so they never miss a fishing season.
In addition to licenses and popular permits, such as the trout, Lake Erie, or even unpowered boat launch permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
"As an angler, one of the most rewarding things you can do is to get someone else, of any age, involved in fishing,” added Schaeffer. “Giving the gift of a fishing license voucher is an easy way to get someone new started, or spark renewed interest in someone who enjoys fishing but hasn't been out on the water for a while. Even for someone who doesn't fish, purchasing a fishing license supports the protection of Pennsylvania's native species, conservation of the outdoors, and clean water that benefits everyone."
Once again for the 2025 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button. This year's button features a classic keystone design familiar from many vintage fishing license buttons, highlighted by a vibrant conservation green and navy blue color scheme. In 2025, a limited-edition production of 10,000 buttons will be produced, and customers will receive a randomly numbered button between 00001-10000. Please note that buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer.
Anglers who visit a license issuing agent in person can receive the 2025 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbook free of charge. The book outlines current fishing and boating regulations, seasons and creel limits, and safety information, and includes advertising and coupons. A digital version of these publications can be viewed and printed for free on the PFBC website, or viewed on the FishBoatPA mobile app. Customers should note that 2025 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbooks are still being shipped to retail locations in early December and may not be immediately available at all locations. Customers should access the free online version or return to a retail location later for a free printed copy.
Voluntary Permits
Customers who purchase a 2025 fishing license can once again support their favorite PFBC programs through the purchase of voluntary permits for Bass, Musky, Wild Trout/Enhanced Waters, and Habitat/Waterways Conservation. These permits are not required for fishing and carry no additional privileges, but all funds generated through them are reinvested into their respective program. Thanks to the generosity of anglers, the PFBC has invested more than $720,500 into special projects funded by the sale of voluntary permits since 2019.
While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in any special youth opportunities throughout the 2025 season. This includes the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
The PFBC is a user-funded agency that operates primarily on funds generated through the sale of fishing licenses, boating registrations, and associated fees. The PFBC receives no Pennsylvania General Fund tax revenue to support its programs.
The PFBC reminds anglers and boaters to protect themselves by always wearing a life jacket while on the water. From November 1 through April 30, all boaters aboard boats less than 16 feet, including all kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, are required to wear a life jacket. Anglers should also wear a life jacket while ice fishing.
Important 2024 Fishing Dates:
December 1 (2024) – 2025 Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses, permits, and vouchers on sale
March 29, 2025 – Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day
April 5, 2025 – Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season
November 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025 – Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement in effect