Anyone aged 16 or older fishing in North Dakota generally needs a valid fishing license. This applies to residents and nonresidents, whether you’re targeting walleye, northern pike, perch, catfish, or other species.
North Dakota offers annual fishing licenses for residents, along with annual and short-term options for nonresidents. Married couples can also purchase a joint license, while eligible residents may qualify for reduced fees.
Planning to catch paddlefish? You’ll need a separate paddlefish tag in addition to your regular fishing license. Special rules also apply to snagging seasons and harvest limits.
Types of North Dakota fishing licenses
North Dakota offers several license options based on your residency, age, and how long you plan to fish. Here’s a breakdown of the 2026-27 fees.
North Dakota fishing license cost
| License | Resident | Nonresident | Key details |
| Individual annual | $27 | $68 | Valid April 1 through March 31. |
| Married couple annual | $42 | $108 | Joint license. |
| 3-day | Not available | $48 | Short trip. |
| 10-day | Not available | $58 | Longer visit. |
| Senior citizen (65+) | $10 | Not available | Eligible residents. |
| Totally or permanently disabled | $10 | Not available | Eligible residents. |
| Veteran (50%+ service-related disability) | $10 | Not available | Eligible residents. |
| Paddlefish tag | $15 | $35 | In addition to a regular license. |
| Fishing, Hunting and Furbearer Certificate | $2 | $5 | Separate requirement, once per license year. |
Residents aged 16 and older can also purchase a combination license covering fishing, small game, general game and habitat, and furbearer privileges. It costs $62, with the additional $2 certificate charged separately.
Residents returning from active military duty may qualify to fish without a license under specific conditions. Check the official North Dakota resident licensing requirements for eligibility details.
Nonresidents under 16 don’t need a regular fishing license when accompanied by someone with a valid North Dakota license. However, they still need a paddlefish tag if they want to snag paddlefish. The complete requirements are available on the official North Dakota nonresident licenses and fees page.
Which North Dakota fishing license should you choose?
| Your situation | License to consider |
| You live here and fish through the year | Resident annual ($27) |
| You and your spouse both fish | Married couple annual ($42) |
| You’re a resident 65 or older | Senior license ($10) |
| You’re visiting for a long weekend | Nonresident 3-day ($48) |
| You’re visiting for a week or more | Nonresident 10-day ($58) |
| You visit often | Nonresident annual ($68) |
| You want to snag paddlefish | Any license plus a paddlefish tag |
For visitors, the 10-day license costs just $10 more than the 3-day option. The annual license is only another $10 on top of the 10-day, so if you’re planning a second trip within the same license year, it may be worth paying the difference.
The small price gap between the 10-day and annual licenses makes the number of trips the main deciding factor. Explore the lakes near your accommodation in Fishbox and check their fishing forecasts. If the spots you want to visit are all in one area, a shorter license may be enough.
North Dakota fishing license age requirements
In North Dakota, the general minimum age for a fishing license is 16.
| Angler | License requirement |
| Resident 15 and younger | No license required. May take and possess their own daily limit. |
| Nonresident 15 and younger | No license if accompanied by someone with a valid North Dakota license. |
| Anyone snagging paddlefish | Paddlefish tag required, including anglers under 16. |
Even when an angler is exempt from licensing requirements, all fishing regulations still apply. This includes daily limits, size restrictions, seasons, and species-specific rules.
North Dakota fishing license residency requirements
Whether you qualify as a North Dakota resident determines which license fees you’ll pay.
Generally, you must have lived in North Dakota or maintained your legal residence there for at least six months. You must also stop claiming residency in another state.
Applicants aged 18 and older generally need a valid North Dakota driver’s license number or a state-issued non-driver identification number.
There are some exceptions. Nonresident full-time students attending certain North Dakota colleges, universities, or tribal colleges may qualify for resident fishing licenses. Specific exceptions also apply to some military personnel.
North Dakota paddlefish license and tag requirements
Paddlefish offer a unique fishing experience in North Dakota, but you’ll need more than a regular fishing license to catch them.
Anyone planning to snag paddlefish must have both a valid North Dakota fishing license and a separate paddlefish tag. The tag costs $15 for residents and $35 for nonresidents. The applicable Fishing, Hunting and Furbearer Certificate is also required.
| Paddlefish rule | Details |
| Tags per angler | One per season. |
| Transfer | Nontransferable. You can’t use another angler’s tag. |
| Seasons and limits | Designated seasons, locations and harvest limits apply. |
| Closures | Early closures are possible if the harvest quota is reached. |
For the latest season dates, tag requirements, and snagging rules, check the official North Dakota Paddlefish Snagging information.
Paddlefish seasons can close early if harvest quotas are reached, so checking conditions before travelling is important. Look at the fishing forecast for your planned dates before purchasing a nonresident tag. That way, you can avoid spending $35 on a trip when the weather is already working against you.
Free fishing days in North Dakota
North Dakota holds several Free Fishing Days throughout the year. On these dates, residents can fish without purchasing a regular resident fishing license.
| Date | Notes |
| June 6-7, 2026 | Passed. |
| December 26-27, 2026 | Upcoming. |
| June 5-6, 2027 | |
| December 26-27, 2027 |
These exemptions apply to North Dakota residents only. Nonresidents still need a valid fishing license.
Free Fishing Days also don’t cover paddlefish snagging. Anyone taking part must still have the required licenses and tag. All other fishing regulations remain in effect, including size limits, daily limits, and seasonal restrictions.
Where to buy a North Dakota fishing license
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department offers several ways to purchase a fishing license, including online, through its mobile app, in person, and by phone.
Buy a North Dakota fishing license online
The quickest option is the official North Dakota Game and Fish online licensing system.
Create an account or sign in, confirm your residency information, choose the appropriate fishing license, and complete your payment.
Buy a North Dakota fishing license through the mobile app
You can also purchase and manage your license through the official NDGF Mobile App.
The app allows anglers to:
- Purchase and manage fishing licenses.
- Keep licenses and regulations on their phones.
- Access fishing maps and other outdoor resources.
- Find nearby license vendors and department offices.
- Receive department alerts and notifications.
Find the app through the official North Dakota Game and Fish mobile app page.
Buy a North Dakota fishing license in person
You can purchase a license at a North Dakota Game and Fish Department office or from an authorized retail license vendor.
The department’s official website lists available locations and contact details.
Buy a North Dakota fishing license by phone
For help purchasing a license or accessing your online account, contact the licensing division at 701-328-6335.
The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding state government holidays.
Got your license? Pick the big water or the small one
North Dakota has more than 400 actively managed fishing waters, with walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, catfish, and salmon among the species you can target.
Popular destinations include Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, and the Missouri River. On large waters like these, wind and changing weather can shape your entire fishing day.
Fishbox brings nearby fishing spots and local fishing forecasts together on one map. Compare locations, check conditions, and choose the water that best suits the forecast before heading out.
