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Just In Time For Holidays: 2020 PA Fishing Licenses, Permits, Gift Vouchers Now On Sale

Just in time for the holiday season, the Fish and Boat Commission is excited to announce 2020 fishing licenses, permits and gift vouchers are now on sale!

"When you buy a fishing license now, you really get the most value for your dollar," said Amber Nabors, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Outreach, Education and Marketing. "Not only will you be covered for every fishing season for the rest of this year and next year, but if you like to buy your license at a store, you can avoid the long lines we often see around the start of the spring trout season."

All fishing licenses and related permits purchased now are valid for up to 13 months, from December 2019 through December 31, 2020.

Licenses and permits can be purchased at, at more than 700 issuing agents, county treasurers' offices, at all PFBC regional offices and online.

In addition to licenses and permits, such as the trout/salmon or Lake Erie permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.

"We are always looking for ways to spend more time with our families and friends," said Nabors. "Vouchers make great gifts for the avid angler in your life or even someone new to the sport. If you want to introduce someone to fishing, buying them a license voucher can be the nudge they need to join you on the water this year."

The price of an annual resident fishing license this year is still $22.90. Multi-year options are also available in 3, 5 and 10 year increments. The most popular add-ons, a trout-salmon permit and a Lake Erie permit cost $9.90 each, or $15.90 for a combination permit.

Once again for the 2020 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button for $10. This year's button features a pumpkinseed sunfish design and is customized with the angler's individual license number (buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer within 3-4 weeks).

In 2020, anglers who visit a license issuing agent in-person can receive the Fishing Summary book free of charge. The book, which outlines current fishing regulations and laws, seasons and creel limits, and safety information also includes advertising and coupons.

An identical, digital version of the Fishing Summary book can be viewed and printed for free on the Fish In PA website, or viewed on the free FishBoatPA mobile app for smartphones.

"Pennsylvania anglers have a lot to look forward to this year," added Nabors. "In 2020, we will be more than doubling the number of trophy-sized trout being stocked in lakes and streams across the state and extending many of our Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters. We'll also be increasing the number of Golden Rainbow Trout that we stock prior to the spring trout season and stocking them in-season for the first time ever. The FishBoatPA app can help you keep track of stocking locations and the expanded special regulation areas closest to you."

Customers purchasing a 2020 license can once again can 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.

While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License ($2.90) or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in various youth opportunities throughout the 2020 season.

This includes the Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Days, which occur on the Saturdays before the openings of the regional and statewide seasons.

The Fish and Boat Commission 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.

Purchase you license here.

Related 2020 Fishing Dates

-- March 28: Regional Mentored Youth Trout Day (18 southeastern counties)

-- April 4: Regional Opening Day of Trout Season

-- April 11: Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day

-- April 18: Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season

-- November 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020: Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement in Effect

-- Download the 2020 Pennsylvania Fishing Summary

For more information, visit the Fish and Boat Commission website.

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