PENNSYLVANIA, USA — It may be the last month of the year, but the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission already has their sights set on 2024.
Fishing licenses, permits and gift vouchers for the 2024 season are available for purchase starting today, Dec. 1.
They can be purchased through the HuntFishPA online portal on the PFBC website, on your smartphone using the FishBoatPA mobile app or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents.
2024 licenses, permits and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024.
"The holiday season is a great time to start dreaming about all the fishing fun you can still have this winter or in the spring season right around the corner," said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC executive director. "Whether you're purchasing a license for yourself or a voucher to give as a gift to a family member or friend, you'll be opening the door to fishing adventures that can become lifelong memories. When you buy your license now, it ensures that you'll be ready to go for every fishing season for the rest of this year and next year. Thank you for investing in Pennsylvania's fishing future."
Licenses may be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession. While many customers still prefer to purchase fishing licenses in person from local issuing agents, the PFBC says online purchases can save time and help license-seekers avoid long lines, especially right before the spring trout season, which begins statewide on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
In addition to licenses and permits, such as the trout or Lake Erie permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
"Getting someone new involved in fishing is extremely rewarding, and purchasing a fishing license gift voucher is one of the easiest ways to help them get started," said Schaeffer. "As a gift idea, vouchers are a great choice for active anglers or someone who likes to fish but hasn't been out on the water for a while. Even for someone who doesn't fish, purchasing a fishing license supports the conservation of aquatic species and clean water that benefits us all."
Once again for the 2024 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button. This year's button features a navy blue background with a golden yellow keystone design. Buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer.
Anglers who visit a license issuing agent in person can also receive the 2024 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbook free of charge. The book outlines current fishing and boating regulations, seasons and creel limits, and safety information, and includes advertising and coupons. A digital version of these publications can be viewed and printed for free on the PFBC website, or viewed on the FishBoatPA mobile app. Fishing Summary/Boating Handbooks for 2024 are still being shipped to retail locations in early December and may not be immediately available at all locations. Customers may access the free online version or return to a retail location later for a free printed copy.
Those interested can also choose to purchase voluntary permits for bass, musky, wild trout/enhanced waters and habitat/waterways conservation to support PFBC programs. The permits are not required for fishing and carry no additional privileges, but all funds generated through them are reinvested into their respective program. The PFBC says it has invested more than $620,000 into special projects funded by the sale of voluntary permits since 2019.
The PFBC reminds Pennsylvanians of these 2024 fishing dates:
- Dec. 1, 2023 – 2024 Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses, permits and vouchers on sale
- March 30, 2024 – Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day*
- April 6, 2024 – Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season
- Nov. 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024 – Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement in effect
*Youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, but they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in any special youth opportunities throughout the 2024 season. This includes the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
