Fishing in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's Lake Texoma is the country's only naturally reproducing striped bass fishery outside the East Coast, fish to 30 pounds are caught year-round. Eufaula, Tenkiller, Murray, and Broken Bow grow big bass and crappie. The Lower Illinois River below Tenkiller is a stocked-trout fishery. The Glover, Mountain Fork, and lower Illinois hold smallmouth. Robert S. Kerr and Keystone reservoirs round out a state fishery that's broader than its reputation suggests.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual Fishing (18+) | $31.00 |
| Resident 1-Day Fishing (18+) | $11.00 |
| Resident Annual Combination Fish + Hunt | $53.00 |
| Resident 3-Year Combination Fish + Hunt | $121.00 |
| Resident Disability 5-Year Combo (Fish + Hunt) Six months residency + qualifying disability benefits | $20.00 |
| Resident Lifetime Fishing | $375.00 |
| Resident Lifetime Combination (Fish + Hunt) | $1,024.00 |
| Resident Senior Citizen Lifetime Fishing (65+) | $30.00 |
| Resident Senior Citizen Lifetime Combo (65+) | $60.00 |
| Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Combo (60%+) | $25.00 |
| Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Combo (under 60%) | $200.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Fishing (18+) | $81.00 |
| Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing | $26.00 |
| Lake Texoma License Same fee for residents and non-residents; honored on both OK and TX waters; not valid below Texoma Dam | $12.00 |
| Paddlefish Permit Required for any paddlefish angler regardless of age/residency, including lifetime holders | Free |
| Annual Wildlife Conservation Passport (Resident) Required for entry on Department-owned lands ages 18+ | $46.00 |
| Annual Wildlife Conservation Passport (Non-Resident) | $239.00 |
| Land Access Permit (Resident, 18–63) Required to access certain ODWC-managed properties; lifetime holders also need it | $100.00 |
| Land Access Permit (Non-Resident, all ages) | $200.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website before purchasing.
Licenses run on the calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) unless noted. The Lake Texoma License at $12 is unique, same fee for residents and non-residents, and it covers both states' portions of the lake. Oklahoma does NOT sell a standalone trout permit, trout-stocked tailwaters (Lower Illinois, Mountain Fork) just require the regular fishing license. Lifetime hunting-only licenses are not sold; lifetimes are fishing-only or combination.
Log Your Oklahoma Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Fishing License FAQ
How much does a Oklahoma fishing license cost?
A resident annual fishing (18+) fishing license in Oklahoma costs $31.00. 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 Oklahoma fishing license?
Oklahoma fishing licenses are sold online by Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in Oklahoma?
Fishing licenses in Oklahoma are issued by Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.