HARRISBURG, Pa. (December 1) – Never miss an opportunity for outdoor adventure when you purchase your 2026 Pennsylvania fishing license, launch permit, or gift vouchers – available now!
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission reminds anglers and boaters that beginning December 1, 2025, licenses, permits, and vouchers for the upcoming 2026 season can be purchased easily at HuntFish.pa.gov or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. 2026 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.
Customers can choose from annual or multi-year licenses and permits with 3, 5, and 10-year options. All documents may be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession.
While in-person retail purchases remain popular, online purchases can save time and help you avoid long lines, especially right before the spring trout season, which begins statewide on Saturday, April 4, 2026. For added convenience, customers can choose an auto-renew option at the time of purchase.
In addition to licenses and popular add-ons such as the Trout Permit, Lake Erie Permit, and Trout/Lake Erie Combo, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
Once again for the 2026 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button. This year's button features the vibrant and colorful pattern of Pennsylvania’s beloved state fish, the Brook Trout. In 2026, 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 a printed copy of the 2026 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 (Fishandboat.com) beginning on January 1, 2026 (2025 regulations still apply through December 31, 2025). Customers should note that 2026 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbooks are still being shipped to many retail locations in early December and may not be immediately available at all locations. Customers can return to retail locations at a later time to obtain a printed copy.
Voluntary Permits
Customers who purchase a 2026 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 $815,000 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 2026 season. This includes the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
The PFBC is a user-funded agency that operates primarily on funds generated through the sale of fishing licenses, permits, boating registrations, and associated fees. The PFBC receives no Pennsylvania General Fund tax revenue to support its programs.
Have Fun and Be Safe!
The PFBC reminds anglers and boaters to protect themselves by always wearing a life jacket while on the water. Annually, 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 2026 Fishing Dates:
December 1 (2025) – 2026 Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses, permits, and vouchers on sale
March 28, 2026 – Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day
April 4, 2026 – Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season
November 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026 – Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement in effect