Fishing License Information for Missouri

In order to fish in Missouri state waters, residents and non-residents of the state must possess a valid Missouri fishing license. There are exemptions from purchasing a license and all licenses are issued by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

It’s important to have all of the valid information for fishing licenses before planning your fishing trip. Regular fishing licenses cover most species of fish as well as frogs, clams, crayfish, turtles, mussels, and live bait. Special permits are required to fish for species such as paddlefish and trout.

In this article, we will review the costs of a Missouri fishing license, how to obtain a Missouri fishing license online, as well as the age requirements for possessing a fishing license.

Missouri Fishing License 2022

A Missouri fishing license can be purchased by both residents and non-residents for a daily or annual time period. The prices for the fishing licenses are listed below.

License Type

Resident Price

Non-Resident Price

Daily

$8

$8

Annual

$12

$49

Any active member of the military who is a resident of MO may obtain a fishing license at a reduced cost of $5. The Department of Conservation also offers lifetime fishing licenses for Missouri residents only. The prices are determined by age and outlined in the table below.

Age Range

Price of Lifetime Fishing License

15 years old or younger

$550

Ages 16 to 29

$800

Ages 30 to 39

$700

Ages 40 to 59

$600

Ages 60 to 64

$70

Persons who have been honorably discharged from the military with a 60% disability or greater or have served as prisoners of war can receive a Missouri fishing license for free. Those with a documented visual, mental, or physical disability may also qualify to receive a MO fishing license free of charge. Landowners may fish on their own property without a fishing license.

Trout permits are available for both residents and non-residents. For anglers under the age of sixteen, trout permits cost $3.50. For anglers sixteen and older, trout permits cost $7. MO residents may also purchase a combination hunting and fishing license at an annual rate of $19.

Missouri Fishing License Online

The Missouri Department of Conservation offers the option to purchase your fishing license online from their website. You simply need to create an account with their system and all of your permits and applications will remain stored in that account.

You can purchase the fishing license with a credit card online anytime and then print your license right from home. If you ever lose your paper copy of your license, you can log on to your account and go to the section labeled “View / Reprint My Permit History” to print off another copy to carry with you.

Alternatively, you can download the MO Fishing app on your phone from the Google Play or Apple App stores and keep a digital copy of your fishing license with you at all times.

The MO Fishing app not only helps keep your fishing license handy but also provides information on nearby fishing spots with seasons, guides, and local regulations so that you have all the information you need at your fingertips before you go angling.

Missouri Fishing License Age

All anglers over the age of fifteen, whether resident or non-resident, are required to possess a MO fishing license in order to fish in state waters. Missouri residents over the age of sixty-four are exempt from possessing a fishing license to fish in Missouri waters.

Lifetime fishing licenses are available for Missouri residents and are priced according to age.

 

Want an in-depth guide on trout fishing in Missouri? Check out our article.