Missouri fishing license
Missouri requires a recreational fishing license from age 16. The state licenses freshwater fishing. The current license year is 2026 (March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027).
Source: Missouri Department of Conservation · Reviewed July 26, 2026
Your likely official license
Yes — a licence is required. For a 1-day non-resident freshwater trip in Missouri, the official match is Daily Fishing Permit.
- Daily Fishing Permit$9 · One day; may be purchased by residents and nonresidents for multiple days.
What it covers
- Daily Fishing Permit — freshwater. Price published by the Missouri Department of Conservation; same fee for residents and nonresidents.Limits on this license: For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait. A daily trout tag is still required in trout parks and a trout permit is required to possess trout outside trout parks.
Required add-ons
No stamp or endorsement is attached to this licence for your residency, age and trip length. Check “You may also need” below for requirements that depend on where and what you fish.
You may also need
Missouri Department of Conservation publishes these for the water you selected. Whether one applies depends on what you fish for and where — something this tool does not ask.
- Resident Trout Permit — age 16 or older — Required to possess trout, except in trout parks where a daily trout fishing tag is required instead. Also required for all winter fishing in trout parks and for all fishing year-round in Lake Taneycomo upstream from the U.S. Highway 65 bridge. You must also hold a fishing permit or qualify for an exemption. · $12
- Resident Trout Permit — age 15 or younger — Required to possess trout, except in trout parks where a daily trout fishing tag is required instead. · $6
- Nonresident Trout Permit — age 16 or older — Required to possess trout, except in trout parks where a daily trout fishing tag is required instead. · $24
- Nonresident Trout Permit — age 15 or younger — Required to possess trout, except in trout parks where a daily trout fishing tag is required instead. · $6
- Daily Trout Tag — anglers 16 and older — Required, in addition to a fishing permit unless exempt, to fish the four trout parks (Maramec Spring Park, Bennett Spring, Montauk and Roaring River state parks), which are open and stocked daily from March 1 through Oct. 31. · $5
- Daily Trout Tag — anglers 15 and younger — Required, in addition to a fishing permit unless exempt, to fish the four Missouri trout parks. · $3
Why this answer
- You selected non-resident status, age 35, freshwater fishing, for 1 day.
- Daily Fishing Permit covers the full trip: One day; may be purchased by residents and nonresidents for multiple days.
Other options you are eligible for
- Nonresident Fishing Permit — $57 for this trip · The permits, unless noted otherwise on the permit itself, are valid from the date of purchase through the last day of February 2027.For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait. A trout permit or daily trout tag is required in addition where trout are involved.
Exceptions that may change it
- Missouri's most recently published free fishing days were June 6, 2026 (Free Fishing Days) and June 7, 2026 (Free Fishing Days); check the agency for the next one. No licence is required on a free fishing day; other rules still apply.
- Daily Fishing Permit: For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait. A daily trout tag is still required in trout parks and a trout permit is required to possess trout outside trout parks.
- Missouri resident landowners who own five acres or more, and all members of their immediate households, may fish on the land they own without a permit. Any Missouri resident who owns land that completely encloses a body of water, or a member of their immediate household, may fish in those waters without a permit.
- Missouri residents with visual acuity not exceeding 20/200 in the better eye with maximum correction or 20 degrees or less field of visual concentric contraction, residents so severely and permanently disabled as to be unable to move freely without a wheelchair, and residents with cerebral palsy or a mental disorder or illness who cannot fish alone, are exempt from the fishing permit.
- Any resident or nonresident who is an honorably discharged veteran with a service-related disability of 60 percent or greater, or who was a prisoner of war during military service, may fish without a permit.
- Any member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit or a military medical center may fish without a permit.
- Students of an educational institution (educational purposes only) or patients/clients of a therapeutic institution (therapeutic purposes only) may fish without a permit when supervised by an employee of the requesting agency.
- This answer covers the licence only. Season, size, bag and waterbody rules still apply and change through the year.
We do not sell licenses and take no commission. This goes to the state agency.
Check current Missouri regulations(external, opens the official state website)Seasons, size limits, bag limits and waterbody closures are not covered by this tool and change through the year.
- Source
- Fishing Permits — Missouri Department of Conservation(external, opens the official state website) — Missouri Department of Conservation
- Validity
- 2026 · March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027
- Reviewed
- July 26, 2026
Answers at a glance
Common trips, answered from the same official record the checker uses. These assume an adult with no special circumstances — set your own age, water and trip above.
Visiting for a day
Adult visiting from another state · freshwater · one day
Daily Fishing Permit
Published total: $9
Resident for the season
Adult Missouri resident · freshwater · all year
Resident Fishing Permit
Published total: $14
Age and residency rules
Who counts as a resident. Any person who does not claim resident privileges in another state or country, and whose actual residence and legal permanent home address are both in Missouri, and have been for at least 30 days before applying for the permit. Owning real estate or attending a Missouri school does not in itself make you a legal resident. Missouri residents serving in the U.S. armed forces or employed by the United States in the District of Columbia, members of the U.S. armed forces stationed and residing in Missouri on permanent change-of-station status (and immediate family residing with them), nonresident students attending a Missouri school and living in Missouri, and holders of an I-551 Resident Alien Card meeting the 30-day test may also purchase resident permits.
Age-based rules
- Any person (resident or nonresident) 15 years of age or younger qualifies for a fishing permit exemption. Still required: Exempt anglers must still purchase a daily trout fishing tag or trout permit when or where required (youth trout permit $6; youth daily trout tag $3).
- Any Missouri resident 65 years of age or older may fish without a permit. Still required: Must still purchase a trout permit or a daily trout tag in areas where one is required.
License options
| License | Who | Water | Valid for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Fishing Permit(external, opens the official state website)For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait. A daily trout tag is still required in trout parks and a trout permit is required to possess trout outside trout parks. | Resident or visitor | freshwater | One day; may be purchased by residents and nonresidents for multiple days. | $9 |
| Resident Fishing Permit(external, opens the official state website)For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait. A trout permit or daily trout tag is required in addition where trout are involved. | ResidentAnyone 15 or younger, and any Missouri resident 65 or older, is exempt from the fishing permit requirement. | freshwater | The permits, unless noted otherwise on the permit itself, are valid from the date of purchase through the last day of February 2027. | $14 |
| Nonresident Fishing Permit(external, opens the official state website)For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait. A trout permit or daily trout tag is required in addition where trout are involved. | Non-residentAny person, resident or nonresident, 15 years of age or younger is exempt. | freshwater | The permits, unless noted otherwise on the permit itself, are valid from the date of purchase through the last day of February 2027. | $57 |
| Resident Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit(external, opens the official state website)Combined hunting and fishing privilege. A daily trout tag is required in trout parks and a trout permit is required for waters outside trout parks. | Resident | freshwater | Valid from the date of purchase through the last day of February 2027. | $22.50 |
| Resident National Guard and Reserve Service Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit(external, opens the official state website)For Missouri residents currently, or within the previous 12 months, mobilized and serving on full-time active military duty in the National Guard (federal status) or reserve forces. Cannot be purchased at vendors, by telephone, or online — apply by form. | Resident | freshwater | Valid from the date of purchase through the last day of February 2027. | $5.50 |
| White River Border Lakes Permit(external, opens the official state website)Only for Missouri and Arkansas residents. Covers the other state's portion of the impounded waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock lakes (not trout, and not Table Rock Lake upstream from Houseman Access in Arkansas). You must also hold a fishing permit, or qualify for an exemption, issued by your state of residence. | Resident | freshwater | The White River Border Lakes Permit is valid from date of purchase through the last day of February. | $10 |
| Resident Lifetime Fishing Permit — age 15 or younger(external, opens the official state website)Carries the same privileges as the Resident Fishing Permit and the Trout Permit. Missouri residents only; proof of residency required. | ResidentAge 15 or younger at purchase. | freshwater | Lifetime permit; residents only. | $320 |
| Resident Lifetime Fishing Permit — age 16–29(external, opens the official state website)Carries the same privileges as the Resident Fishing Permit and the Trout Permit. | ResidentAge 16–29 at purchase. | freshwater | Lifetime permit; residents only. | $465.50 |
| Resident Lifetime Fishing Permit — age 30–39(external, opens the official state website)Carries the same privileges as the Resident Fishing Permit and the Trout Permit. | ResidentAge 30–39 at purchase. | freshwater | Lifetime permit; residents only. | $407 |
| Resident Lifetime Fishing Permit — age 40–59(external, opens the official state website)Carries the same privileges as the Resident Fishing Permit and the Trout Permit. | ResidentAge 40–59 at purchase. | freshwater | Lifetime permit; residents only. | $349 |
| Resident Lifetime Fishing Permit — age 60 or older(external, opens the official state website)Carries the same privileges as the Resident Fishing Permit and the Trout Permit. Missouri residents 65 and older are already exempt from needing a fishing permit but can buy this as a lifetime trout permit. | ResidentAge 60 or older at purchase. | freshwater | Lifetime permit; residents only. | $40.50 |
Daily Fishing Permit(external, opens the official state website)
For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait. A daily trout tag is still required in trout parks and a trout permit is required to possess trout outside trout parks.
- Who
- Resident or visitor
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- One day; may be purchased by residents and nonresidents for multiple days.
- Price
- $9
Resident Fishing Permit(external, opens the official state website)
For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait. A trout permit or daily trout tag is required in addition where trout are involved.
- Who
- Resident · Anyone 15 or younger, and any Missouri resident 65 or older, is exempt from the fishing permit requirement.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- The permits, unless noted otherwise on the permit itself, are valid from the date of purchase through the last day of February 2027.
- Price
- $14
Nonresident Fishing Permit(external, opens the official state website)
For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait. A trout permit or daily trout tag is required in addition where trout are involved.
- Who
- Non-resident · Any person, resident or nonresident, 15 years of age or younger is exempt.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- The permits, unless noted otherwise on the permit itself, are valid from the date of purchase through the last day of February 2027.
- Price
- $57
Resident Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit(external, opens the official state website)
Combined hunting and fishing privilege. A daily trout tag is required in trout parks and a trout permit is required for waters outside trout parks.
- Who
- Resident
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Valid from the date of purchase through the last day of February 2027.
- Price
- $22.50
For Missouri residents currently, or within the previous 12 months, mobilized and serving on full-time active military duty in the National Guard (federal status) or reserve forces. Cannot be purchased at vendors, by telephone, or online — apply by form.
- Who
- Resident
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Valid from the date of purchase through the last day of February 2027.
- Price
- $5.50
White River Border Lakes Permit(external, opens the official state website)
Only for Missouri and Arkansas residents. Covers the other state's portion of the impounded waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock lakes (not trout, and not Table Rock Lake upstream from Houseman Access in Arkansas). You must also hold a fishing permit, or qualify for an exemption, issued by your state of residence.
- Who
- Resident
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- The White River Border Lakes Permit is valid from date of purchase through the last day of February.
- Price
- $10
Resident Lifetime Fishing Permit — age 15 or younger(external, opens the official state website)
Carries the same privileges as the Resident Fishing Permit and the Trout Permit. Missouri residents only; proof of residency required.
- Who
- Resident · Age 15 or younger at purchase.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime permit; residents only.
- Price
- $320
Resident Lifetime Fishing Permit — age 16–29(external, opens the official state website)
Carries the same privileges as the Resident Fishing Permit and the Trout Permit.
- Who
- Resident · Age 16–29 at purchase.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime permit; residents only.
- Price
- $465.50
Resident Lifetime Fishing Permit — age 30–39(external, opens the official state website)
Carries the same privileges as the Resident Fishing Permit and the Trout Permit.
- Who
- Resident · Age 30–39 at purchase.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime permit; residents only.
- Price
- $407
Resident Lifetime Fishing Permit — age 40–59(external, opens the official state website)
Carries the same privileges as the Resident Fishing Permit and the Trout Permit.
- Who
- Resident · Age 40–59 at purchase.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime permit; residents only.
- Price
- $349
Resident Lifetime Fishing Permit — age 60 or older(external, opens the official state website)
Carries the same privileges as the Resident Fishing Permit and the Trout Permit. Missouri residents 65 and older are already exempt from needing a fishing permit but can buy this as a lifetime trout permit.
- Who
- Resident · Age 60 or older at purchase.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime permit; residents only.
- Price
- $40.50
Stamps, endorsements and report cards
- Resident Trout Permit — age 16 or older — Required to possess trout, except in trout parks where a daily trout fishing tag is required instead. Also required for all winter fishing in trout parks and for all fishing year-round in Lake Taneycomo upstream from the U.S. Highway 65 bridge. You must also hold a fishing permit or qualify for an exemption. · $12
- Resident Trout Permit — age 15 or younger — Required to possess trout, except in trout parks where a daily trout fishing tag is required instead. · $6
- Nonresident Trout Permit — age 16 or older — Required to possess trout, except in trout parks where a daily trout fishing tag is required instead. · $24
- Nonresident Trout Permit — age 15 or younger — Required to possess trout, except in trout parks where a daily trout fishing tag is required instead. · $6
- Daily Trout Tag — anglers 16 and older — Required, in addition to a fishing permit unless exempt, to fish the four trout parks (Maramec Spring Park, Bennett Spring, Montauk and Roaring River state parks), which are open and stocked daily from March 1 through Oct. 31. · $5
- Daily Trout Tag — anglers 15 and younger — Required, in addition to a fishing permit unless exempt, to fish the four Missouri trout parks. · $3
Exemptions worth knowing
- Missouri resident landowners who own five acres or more, and all members of their immediate households, may fish on the land they own without a permit. Any Missouri resident who owns land that completely encloses a body of water, or a member of their immediate household, may fish in those waters without a permit. Still required: You must own all of the land around the body of water to qualify for the fishing permit exemption, and a trout permit or daily trout tag is still required when or where required.
- Missouri residents with visual acuity not exceeding 20/200 in the better eye with maximum correction or 20 degrees or less field of visual concentric contraction, residents so severely and permanently disabled as to be unable to move freely without a wheelchair, and residents with cerebral palsy or a mental disorder or illness who cannot fish alone, are exempt from the fishing permit. Still required: Must carry a certified statement of eligibility from a licensed physician, ophthalmologist or optometrist (use MDC's Fishing Permit Exemption Statement of Eligibility form). Anglers exempt because of cerebral palsy or a mental disorder must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler. A trout permit or daily trout tag is still required when or where required.
- Any resident or nonresident who is an honorably discharged veteran with a service-related disability of 60 percent or greater, or who was a prisoner of war during military service, may fish without a permit. Still required: Must carry a certified statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A trout permit or daily trout tag is still required when or where required.
- Any member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit or a military medical center may fish without a permit. Still required: Must carry orders showing the assignment, or admission verification to a military medical center. A trout permit or daily trout tag is still required when or where required.
- Students of an educational institution (educational purposes only) or patients/clients of a therapeutic institution (therapeutic purposes only) may fish without a permit when supervised by an employee of the requesting agency. Still required: The institution must apply to MDC for a Group Fishing Permit Exemption. The exemption does not cover supervisors, teachers, aides, parents, guardians or caretakers who fish or aid in the act of fishing.
- Any person — without permit or prescribed area daily fishing tag — may fish during Free Fishing Days, June 6 and 7, 2026.
Free fishing days
- Free Fishing Days — June 6, 2026. Any person may fish without a permit or prescribed area daily fishing tag. Other regulations, including length and daily limits, remain in effect, and special permits may still be required at some county, city or private fishing areas.
- Free Fishing Days — June 7, 2026. Any person may fish without a permit or prescribed area daily fishing tag. Other regulations, including length and daily limits, remain in effect, and special permits may still be required at some county, city or private fishing areas.
Where this comes from
- Primary source
- Fishing Permits — Missouri Department of Conservation(external, opens the official state website) — Missouri Department of Conservation
- Retrieved
- July 26, 2026
- Reviewed
- July 26, 2026
- Also consulted
- A Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations — Effective March 1, 2026(external, opens the official state website)
- Permit Exemptions(external, opens the official state website)
- Resident Permit Qualifications(external, opens the official state website)
- Trout Permit(external, opens the official state website)
- Free Fishing Days(external, opens the official state website)
Found something out of date? Email corrections@fishinglicensecheck.com and tell us which figure and which page — see corrections.
Nearby states
Licenses are issued state by state — a Missouri license does not carry its own rules across the border, so if your trip crosses one, check both states.