While virtually all states have open fishing season year-round, there are a number of states which strictly regulate the fishing of trout. Some states require an additional license in order to fish for trout, while other states limit their fishing to specific times of the year. Because of the diversity in the rules and regulations regarding the fishing of trout in each state, it is always important to reach out to the state local Department of Natural Resources for more information.
What Is Trout Season?
Every state has its own individual rules and regulations for fishing and hunting. These rules are created in order to protect the individual species and ensure their survival for the seasons to come. And while many states allow trout fishing year-round, there are several states who enforce what is known as a trout season.
In fact, there are 10 states who explicitly regulate the fishing of trout, and have set aside specific seasons for trout fishing. Each of these states has a different trout season, depending on the type of trout species. For example, the state of Kansas allows the fishing of trout from November through April, while the state of Minnesota allows trout fishing from April through September. New Hampshire on the other hand, has a specific time of year for the fishing of rock, rainbow, and brown trout.
Before casting your line into the water, it is important to check with your local Department of Natural Resources to determine the rules and regulations related to fishing. Most states require both residents and non-residents to first secure a fishing license beforehand. At the same time, states that have regulations regarding trout, may also charge an additional fee or stamp in order to fish for them.
When Does Trout Fishing Season Start?
Of the 50 states, 40 allow the fishing of trout year-round, but 10 states have very strict regulations on trout seasons. Catching trout outside of the season in these 10 states may result in hefty fines.
Illinois
In the state of Illinois, the fishing of most species is allowed year-round, except for the seasonal restrictions on smelt and trout. While some parts of the state will allow catch and release starting in March, the general trout season does not start until April. Every year, the state generally stocks various bodies of water but also limits the fishing of trout to certain lakes and ponds.
Kansas
Kansas on the other hand, has a trout season that starts in November and goes through mid-April. Just like in Illinois, the state of Kansas generally stocks certain ponds and lakes prior to the start of the trout season. The state also limits the number of fish that a person is allowed to keep.
Minnesota
Minnesota has one of the strictest rules and regulations for trout fishing in the country, due to the number of different types of trout species that can be caught within the state. Lake trout can be caught between December and October, but only in Lake Superior and its tributaries. Brook, rainbow, and brown trout, on the other hand, can be caught in Lake Superior and its tributaries from April through September.
Missouri
Missouri has a catch and release season that runs from November through February, depending on the lake or pond. Rainbow trout is not native to the state, but the Department of Natural Resources tends to stock certain lakes every year in time for the fishing season.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire on the other hand is home to brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, as well as a number of different hybrids. The fishing of trout is restricted to certain seasons based on the type of water. For example, you may only fish for lake trout from January to September but may fish for trout in ponds from April to October.
New York
New York’s regulations for trout fishing are also based on the type of water. As such, the state declares that any type of landlocked fish including trout, kokanee, and salmon may only be caught between the months of April and October. Like many of the other regulated states, you will also need to obtain a license to fish.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s trout season begins in mid-April and continues on through February. The state maintains an active trout management plan and limits the stocking of trout to certain bodies of water. During trout season, both residents and non-residents may obtain a license in order to capture the popular game fish.
Pennsylvania
For the most part, Pennsylvania allows trout fishing from April until September. However, that season is often extended due to the downstream stocking of trout waters. As this extension changes on a year-to-year basis, it is important to check out the Department of Natural Resources website for more information.
Rhode Island
In the state of Rhode Island, fishing is allowed year-round except for trout. Trout season begins in April, and continues on through to the early part of November. Then the trout season opens again in December and continues on until February. If you get caught taking a fish outside of the fishing season, expect to pay a hefty fine.
Wisconsin
The state of Wisconsin allows year-round fishing for trout, so long as they are caught in the Great Lakes. The state strictly regulates the fishing of trout and land, to 2 separate seasons. You are allowed to fish for trout in land from January through early April, and from May through October.
Can You Trout Fish Before Opening Day?
Because the laws vary from state to state, some states may allow fishing prior to the opening of the season, while other states may have strict regulations against it. There are, however, several states that allow catch and release prior to opening day, in certain stocked ponds or lakes. These fish may not be taken home, as they must be released properly. It is still possible to receive a citation for fishing prior to the opening day if it is found that you willfully injured the fish when caught.
Can You Fish Without A License?
As long as you are on private property, and fishing within a privately-owned body of water, you can fish without a license. However, most states will require that you obtain a fishing license in order to fish on any public land or even fish in public bodies of water from private property. If you are caught fishing without a license, you may be issued a citation for anywhere between $15 and $12,000 depending on the state laws. Some states, will fine you for each fish caught without a license.
In the state of California, for example, a violation of fishing without a license starts at $485 and adds an additional thousand dollars for each fish caught. At the other end of the spectrum however, Pennsylvania has a set fee of only $75 regardless of the number of fish caught without a license. Fishing without a license in some states may even land you in jail.
How to Get A Trout Fishing License?
When it comes to obtaining a fishing license, as well as a trout permit, each state’s rules can vary greatly. But, as a general rule of thumb, most states will allow bait and tackle shops to sell both fishing licenses as well as trout permits. Other businesses that may also sell fishing licenses and trout permits include hunting, and camping stores, as well as a number of different hardware stores, and department stores.
How Much Is Trout Fishing License?
Each state is different in how they issue fishing licenses. While some states will allow you to catch trout with a regular fishing license, other states will require both residents and non-residents to obtain a special license just for trout. At the same time, there are a number of states that require residents and non-residents to pay an additional fee on top of the standard license in order to obtain the permission to fish for trout.
Arkansas
Under Arkansas law, anyone over the age of 16 must obtain a license before they can do any fishing within the state. In order to fish for trout, both residents and non-residents must obtain a fishing license first and then pay an additional fee for an annual trout permit. Residents currently will need to pay an additional $10, while non-residents are charged $20 per year.
Delaware
Anyone over the age of 12 in Delaware must have a fishing license before they can cast their line into the water. In order to fish trout within the state, both residents and non-residents must pay an additional fee for the trout stamp. For non-residents, the annual fishing license is $20, and the trout stamp is $6.20.
Georgia
If you are a resident of the state of Georgia, then you will need to pay $10 for an annual fishing license. Non-residents, on the other hand, will need to pay $50 for the annual fishing license. If you plan on fishing for trout within the state, you must obtain a one-day permit. Residents will have to pay $5 for the one-day permit, and an additional dollar for each subsequent day. Non-residents on the other hand will need to pay $10 just to fish for trout for a single day. For additional days, non-residents will have to pay $3.50 for each day they cast out their line.
Indiana
In the state of Indiana, both residents and non-residents pay the same amount for their fishing licenses. The standard fishing license is $23, but the state will also allow residents and non-residents to obtain a combination fishing and hunting license for only $32. The trout stamp fee regardless of whether you are a resident or non-resident is only $11.
Iowa
To go fishing in the state of Iowa, residents will need to pay $26 in order to obtain a fishing license, and then must pay an additional $14.50 in order to fish for trout. Non-residents on the other hand will need to obtain a fishing license which cost $49.50 and will have to pay an additional $17.50 for the trout fee.
Kansas
In the state of Kansas, anyone over the age of 15 must obtain a fishing license before casting their line into the water. The fee for a resident is $27.50. However, the trout fishing permit for residents is $14.50 on top of the license fee, unless the angler is under 15 years of age. A resident youth trout permit is only $7. For non-residents, the annual fishing license is $52.50, and the trout permit is the same as residents, $14.50.
Kentucky
For those wishing to fish in the state of Kentucky, a fishing license is needed. Residents will pay $23 for an annual fishing license, while non-residents will pay $55. Both residents and non-residents also would need to obtain an annual trout fishing permit, and pay the fee of $10.
New Jersey
In the state of New Jersey, anyone between the ages of 16 and 69 are required to obtain a fishing license. Those who are under 15, and over 70 are exempt from the licensing requirement. The trout fee for residents, is currently set at $10.50, while non-residents will have to pay $20 before they can catch a trout.
Pennsylvania
Not only are you required to obtain an annual fishing license in order to fish within the state of Pennsylvania, but both residents and non-residents must pay an additional fee in order to fish for trout. For visiting non-residents, the best option when it comes to fishing for trout, is to obtain a tourist license which includes the trout permit. However, the actual fishing license for both residents and non-residents are some of the highest in the country.
Rhode Island
Before you can fish in the state of Rhode Island you must obtain a fishing license. In order to fish for trout, both residents and non-residents must pay an additional $5.50 for the trout conservation fee.
Tennessee
The annual fishing license in the state of Tennessee costs $50, and anyone wishing to fish for trout will need to pay an additional fee of $9 per day. In order to make it more affordable, ten-day fishing licenses which include the trout fee can be obtained for $61.50.
Virginia
Both residents and non-residents are required to obtain fishing licenses in order to fish in the state of Virginia. The additional fee for trout fishing is as low as $23 for residents but will cost a non-resident $47. The fines for fishing without a license in the state, are quite high.
West Virginia
Any resident of the state of Virginia must obtain an annual fishing license for $19 before they can cast a line into the water. Visitors to the state on the other hand, must pay $37 for the annual fishing license. While residents can obtain the trout fishing permit for only 10 more dollars, non-residents will have to pay $16 if they want to go fishing for trout.
Wisconsin
Both residents and non-residents of the state of Wisconsin must pay $20 in order to obtain an annual fishing license. However, if you want to go fishing for trout, you will have to pay an additional $10 for the Great Lakes Salmon and Trout Stamp Fee.
What Size Do Trout Have to Be To Keep?
Each state’s regulations regarding the size of trout vary. The state of Connecticut for example will allow you to catch no more than 5 trout per day, and they must be greater than 9 inches in length. In the state of Texas however, the regulations on keeping trout are extremely strict, and an angler may only keep a trout if it is between 12 inches and 18 inches in length. Because of the variations from state to state, is important to reach out to the state Department of Natural Resources to verify the legal limits for keeping trout.