Oklahoma is well known for having great fishing for panfish and trout, but there is also great bass fishing in the many lakes and rivers in the state.

To fish in Oklahoma, both resident and non resident anglers need a fishing license.

In this article we explain which Oklahoma fishing license to buy for various types of angler, where to buy licenses and how much an Oklahoma fishing license costs.

How Much is an Oklahoma Fishing License?

An annual fishing license in Oklahoma costs $25 for a resident angler. A non resident Oklahoma fishing license costs $55.

There are a variety of other licenses covering different time periods and for different types of angler and personal situation. We have summarized all of those in the tables a little further down in this article.

See here for fishing license costs in all states.

Oklahoma Fishing License Age

All individuals, whether they are residents or nonresidents of Oklahoma, must have a valid fishing license if they wish to catch, attempt to catch, or possess fish or any other aquatic dwelling organisms within the state. The following is a brief overview of further licensing requirements:

• Persons fishing in the Red River must have a valid Oklahoma fishing license unless exempt.
• Persons fishing on waters located within the Honobia Creek or Three Rivers Wildlife Management Areas must possess a valid Land Access Permit, unless exempt.
• Individuals who live in a different state, own property in Oklahoma that they don’t reside on, and engage in fishing on that property, are required to buy a nonresident fishing license.

You must have all the necessary licenses or proof of exemption, as well as identification, with you while fishing. Electronic licenses on your phone are also allowed.

Here is the license fees page: https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/licensing/regs/license-fees. See here for the age at which a fishing license is required in all other states.

Who Is Exempt From Needing a Fishing License in Oklahoma?

The state imposes several exemptions for both resident and non-resident anglers. The following details the criteria to determine the said exemptions:

Residents

• Residents under 16 years old.
• Resident owners or tenants, their spouses, parents, grandparents, children and their spouses, grandchildren, and their spouses who fish in private ponds on land owned or leased by such owner or tenant. 
• Resident disabled veterans with 60 percent or more disability. Call State Department of Veterans Affairs, (888) 655-2838 to acquire proof of exemption. 
• Any person who fishes with pole and line, trotline or throw line in streams, natural ponds and mine pits in or forming the boundary of the county in which he is a bona fide resident, when using any bait other than commercial or artificial bait, blood, stink bait, cut fish, and shrimp. 
• Residents having a proven disability rendering them nonambulatory and confined to wheelchairs as certified by a duly qualified physician. 
• The following persons are exempt from the purchase of the Land Access Permit (Honobia Creek and Three Rivers WMAs): Any Oklahoma resident who on the first day of the current calendar year was younger than 18, or anyone 64 or older. All non-residents are required to purchase an $85 annual Land Access Permit (no exemptions).

Non-Residents

• Non-residents under 14 years old. 
• Non-residents under 16 years old who reside in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas or Wisconsin. 
• Non-residents 65 and older who are residents of Texas. (Valid ID required.)

Other Exemptions

• Any person legally blind or physically impaired who is unable to properly use fishing apparatus and one accompanying companion while the blind or physically impaired person is fishing.
• Persons under 18 who are in the legal and physical custody of the State of Oklahoma or its agencies by court order.
• Persons under 18 who are in the custody of a child care facility as defined by Title 10 O.S., Section 402. 
• A person fishing during Oklahoma’s Free Fishing Days. 
• Any patient of a state institution in Oklahoma established for the care and treatment of mental illness or alcohol or drug dependency or any person developmentally disabled residing in any group home or other institution or persons developmentally disabled when accompanied by an attendant of such institution or legal guardian or when fishing on institutional property. 
• Job Corps trainees of this state, having a proper identification card. 
• Any person participating in an aquatic education event or clinic sanctioned by the Wildlife Department.

See these links for fishing license exemptions for seniors, veterans and disabled anglers in all other states.

Oklahoma Fishing License Costs

Oklahoma provides a range of fishing licenses, each with its own cost, depending on various factors. To assist you in selecting the most appropriate one, check out the tables below:

Resident Fishing License Costs

In Oklahoma, anyone who meets the following criteria can purchase a resident fishing license and avail special privileges exclusive to residents of the state:

• A “resident” is any individual who has an established residence in Oklahoma for 60 consecutive days prior to submitting a license application, except for lifetime license applicants and senior citizen lifetime license applicants who must have established residency for a period of six months and intend to remain a state resident.
• Any person holding a valid driver’s license is considered a resident of the state that issued the permit. For a valid Oklahoma driver license to be used as the sole source of proof of residency, it must be at least 60 days from the date the license was issued, except for lifetime license applicants, whose license must have been issued for six months or longer.
• Residency for children under 18 years of age is presumed to be that of the custodial parent, including a custodial parent where there is a joint custody order, and the physical custody of the child is shared by both parents, or legal guardian unless otherwise documented. 

It’s important to note that merely owning land or property in Oklahoma does not serve as proof of residency. Additionally, individuals cannot declare multiple states of residence unless they meet the exemptions outlined below:

• A person who is not otherwise a resident of the state and is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and is on active duty and permanently assigned to a military installation located in the state shall be eligible to qualify as a resident if the person presents with the license application a certificate of assignment in the state from a commanding officer or designated representative. A spouse or dependent of the person who is not otherwise a resident of the state, is living within the same household and is similarly certified by a commanding officer, shall also be eligible to qualify as a resident. 
• The residency status of any person, except active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and any dependents of the member, shall terminate if the person obtains any resident hunting, fishing, trapping license or permit or a valid driver’s license issued by another state. 

Non Resident Fishing License Costs

Who Can Purchase Discounted Oklahoma Fishing Licenses?

Certain individuals are eligible for discounted fishing licenses in Missouri, including the youth, seniors, veterans, and disabled persons. Each category has specific eligibility criteria, often requiring documentation to prove eligibility. These discounts make fishing more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of people.

Special Fishing Licenses in Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers combination hunting and fishing licenses for residents as well as other special licenses available for both residents and nonresidents:

Residents

Residents and Non-Residents

Where Can I Buy an Oklahoma Fishing License?

Several methods are available when purchasing an Oklahoma fishing license. You can choose from the following ways to submit your license application:

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

You can obtain a fishing license in person at Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation offices across the state. These offices provide personalized assistance and information on local fishing regulations. Check the official website for a list of office locations.

Online

For convenience, fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Go Outdoors Oklahoma licensing system. This platform allows applicants to browse available license types, make their selection, and securely complete the purchase.

Mobile App

You can also buy a permit by getting the Go Outdoors Oklahoma mobile app available for iPhone and Android devices. The app allows you to purchase, access, and store your license information, no matter where you are. It is also a legal means of carrying your licenses in the field.

Walmart and other Retail Outlets

Licenses can also be purchased at numerous license vendors such as select retail stores, bait and tackle shops, and sporting goods retailers. Please check the Locate an Agent page to find the nearest vendor in your area or drop into your local Walmart to buy a license.

What Happens With Oklahoma Fishing License Fees?

Fishing license fees in Oklahoma are primarily used to support conservation efforts, fisheries management, and various programs related to fishing and aquatic resource preservation.

Does Oklahoma Have Reciprocal License Arrangements With Neighboring States?

Yes, Oklahoma has reciprocity agreements with various other states, including Texas, Arkansas (see here for Arkansas fishing license info), Missouri (see here for Missouri fishing license info), Kansas (see here for Kansas fishing license info), Colorado (see here for Colorado fishing license info) and New Mexico.

This allows residents of one state to fish in the waters of another state without purchasing a separate fishing license, as long as they abide by the fishing regulations of the state they are visiting.

Does Oklahoma Offer Lifetime Fishing Licenses?

Yes, Oklahoma offers lifetime licenses to individuals who intend to remain permanent residents of the state. Lifetime license applicants must be legal residents for 6 months preceding application date.