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Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Discover More Outdoors in Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania's waterways are surrounded by thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, state parks, forests, and public lands. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a quick afternoon outside, it's easy to combine fishing or paddling with the outdoor activities you already love.

    Man sitting on the edge of a dock on a lake fishing. The words "Explore PA Waters" are at the bottom.

    See where the trail takes you.

    Hike to a quiet stream and cast a line. Bike to a favorite lake for an evening paddle. Camp beside a river and wake up to fish at sunrise. From mountain trails to peaceful lakeshores, Pennsylvania offers countless ways to turn one outdoor activity into a full day—or weekend—of adventure.

    A man wearing a back pack, sunglasses and hat holding a fly fishing rod while standing in a creek.

    Buy a Fishing License

    Fishing in Pennsylvania begins as soon as you have a fishing license and, if needed, a permit for trout fishing or fishing on Lake Erie.

    Getting a Pennsylvania fishing license is simple and convenient by visiting HuntFish.PA.gov or going to a licensing agent. 

    BUY A FISHING LICENSE

    Discover more about Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses

    By the water. On the water. Why not both?

    Explore Pennsylvania from the water with a paddling adventure.

    Some of Pennsylvania's best views are found on the water. Pair your next hike, camping trip, or outdoor getaway with a paddling adventure and explore scenic lakes, winding rivers, and peaceful streams. It's a simple way to experience more of the places you love while discovering new destinations along the way.

    Woman wearing a life jacket, floppy hat and sunglasses while paddling a kayak with a 2027 Launch Permit sticker along the Conestoga River.

    Buy a Launch Permit

    In Pennsylvania, launch permits must be displayed on a kayak, canoe, paddleboard or other unpowered boats using state accesses owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania State Parks or Forests.

    Visit HuntFish.PA.gov or find a licensing agent to buy.

    BUY A LAUNCH PERMIT

    Discover more about Pennsylvania Launch Permits

    A woman wearing a life jacket holding a paddle sitting in a kayak next to a woman wearing a life jacket holding a paddle while standing on a paddleboard on Marsh Creek Lake in PA.

    Build Your Skills!

    Check out our calendar of events and find a free fishing or paddling program.

    CALENDAR OF EVENTS