Fishing in Nebraska
Nebraska's Lake McConaughy is the state's signature water, trophy walleye, white bass, and wipers cruise its 35,000 acres. The Sandhills hold dozens of small natural lakes loaded with bass and panfish. The Missouri River borders the state on the east and produces big sturgeon, blue cats, and walleye. The Niobrara and Calamus systems add smallmouth and stocked rainbows. Branched Oak, Pawnee, and Harlan County reservoirs round out a surprisingly deep fishery.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual Fishing Aquatic Habitat Stamp included | $41.00 |
| Resident 1-Day Fishing | $12.00 |
| Resident 3-Day Fishing | $33.00 |
| Resident 3-Year Fishing | $98.50 |
| Resident 5-Year Fishing | $146.00 |
| Resident Paddlefish Draw Permit Archery or Snagging, $7 application fee included | $35.00 |
| Resident Annual Hunt/Fish Combo | $57.00 |
| Resident 3-Year Hunt/Fish Combo (Habitat Stamp) | $207.00 |
| Resident 5-Year Hunt/Fish Combo (Habitat Stamp) | $310.00 |
| Resident Veteran Annual Hunt/Fish/Fur (64+) | $5.00 |
| Resident Senior Annual Hunt/Fish/Fur (69+) | $5.00 |
| Resident Deployed Military Annual Hunt/Fish | $5.00 |
| Resident Lifetime Fish (16–45) Includes $300 Lifetime Aquatic Habitat Stamp | $710.00 |
| Resident Lifetime Fish (0–15 or 46+) | $616.00 |
| Resident Lifetime Hunt/Fish (16–45) | $1,008.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Fishing | $95.50 |
| Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing | $12.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Fishing | $40.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Year Fishing | $248.50 |
| Non-Resident 5-Year Fishing | $375.00 |
| Non-Resident Paddlefish Draw Permit | $60.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Hunt/Fish Combo | $205.50 |
| Non-Resident Lifetime Fish (17+) | $1,306.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website before purchasing.
Resident fishing prices include the Aquatic Habitat Stamp; the Habitat Stamp ($25/year) is a separate hunting requirement. A $3 issue fee is included on most permits (excluded on veteran, senior, and deployed-military permits). A $7 nonrefundable application fee is included in paddlefish permit prices. Residents 69+ and veterans 64+ qualify for reduced-fee hunt permits.
Log Your Nebraska Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in Nebraska.
Nebraska Fishing License FAQ
How much does a Nebraska fishing license cost?
A resident annual fishing fishing license in Nebraska costs $41.00. Fees vary by residency, age, and license type, see the full breakdown above for short-term, non-resident, and senior options.
Where can I buy a Nebraska fishing license?
Nebraska fishing licenses are sold online by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in Nebraska?
Fishing licenses in Nebraska are issued by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.