Get a Fishing License

Fishing License Fees

As of December 1, 2009, the fees for the license are as follows:

(a) Resident                                         $10

(b) Nonresident

    - 14-Day $6.50                                $6.50
    - 1 Year $13.00                               $13.00

Scientific Collection Permit

    - Nonprofit or Public Institution        no charge

    - For-Profit Research Organization  $50.00

• No Cash Accepted. Checks or Money Orders only.

How to Get a District Fishing License

• Get Your District Fishing License Online

You may also obtain a license from any one of the many fishing license vendors in the Washington metropolitan area. Fishing Licenses go on sale in November for the following calendar year. View a list of fishing license vendors.

Licensing Requirements

The Fisheries Management Regulations promulgated on March 27, 1987, under the District of Columbia's Water Pollution Control Act of 1984 (DC Law 5-188), states the following:

Effective January 1, 1988, no person except:

(a) persons under sixteen (16) years of age and
(b) persons sixty-five (65) years of age or older, shall take fish or other aquatic organisms from District waters unless the person is licensed by the Department of Health.

A licensed angler shall maintain possession of the license while angling and shall display the license at all times. A scientific collection permit shall be required for the scientific collection of fish or other aquatic organisms from District waters.

Fishing licenses shall be valid from January 1 to December 31 of the calendar year marked on the license.

A person wanting to purchase a fishing license or obtain a scientific collecting permit should contact the Fisheries and Wildlife Division at (202) 535-2260.