Nevada
Fishing License 2026.

License required?

Yes

Where to apply?

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) via NDOW online portal, by phone (855-542-6369), or at 300+ license agents (sporting-goods stores, Walmart). Combination hunt-fish licenses also available.

Cost

2026 fees: Resident annual $45; Non-resident annual $80; Non-resident 1-day $23 (+$8 each add'l day); Resident short-term 1-day $9. Trout stamp $10 (required for trout possession). Second-rod stamp $20. Youth (12–17) $15. Colorado River interstate stamp (NV/AZ reciprocity for Lake Mead/Mohave) $3.

Validity

12-month license valid from date of purchase through the same date the following year (rolling).

Available online?

Yes

Children under 12 fish free without license. Seniors (65+ with 5+ years residency) discounted resident license $15. Pyramid Lake on Paiute Tribal land requires a separate tribal permit (NDOW license NOT valid) — buy from Pyramid Lake Fisheries. Lake Tahoe, Lake Mead, and Colorado River border waters have interstate reciprocity stamps.

Closed seasons

Most waters open year-round. Trout seasons on some streams (e.g. eastern Sierra tributaries) closed Nov 15–last Sat of April. Pyramid Lake cutthroat season Oct 1–Jun 30 (tribal rules). Lake Mead striper year-round.

Catch limits

Trout (most waters): 5/day. Lahontan Cutthroat (Pyramid Lake): 2/day, size 17–20" OR ≥24", one fish only in 20–24" slot. Largemouth/Smallmouth bass: 6 combined, 12" min. Striped bass (Lake Mead/Mohave): 20/day no size. Walleye: 10/day.

Prohibited methods

Snagging, gaffing of gamefish, chumming on most waters, live baitfish on many trout waters, firearms/explosives, nets for gamefish. Artificial lures/flies only on some blue-ribbon trout streams.

Catch & Release

Pyramid Lake: strict slot — fish 20–24" must be released. Lahontan cutthroat under 17" released. Mandatory release of all Bonneville and Bull trout.

Barbless single hooks required at Pyramid Lake. Two-pole stamp needed to fish with 2 rods. All anglers must carry ID with license. Boats on Lake Mead/Mohave need AIS decal. Reporting of tagged striped bass encouraged.

Best season

April–June and September–November — striper boils on Lake Mead peak in spring/fall; Pyramid Lake cutthroat best Dec–April from beach with shooting-head fly gear.

Freshwater

Predominantly high-desert reservoirs (Mead, Mohave, Lahontan) and Sierra alpine lakes (Tahoe, Topaz). Trophy trout in Truckee/Walker river systems and Ruby Mountain streams.

Saltwater

Landlocked — no saltwater fishery.

Equipment

Well-stocked tackle at Cabela's (Reno, Las Vegas), Sportsman's Warehouse, Bass Pro (Las Vegas). Specialized Pyramid Lake shops (Cutthroat Charlie's, Reno Fly Shop) sell shooting-head fly lines and ladder rentals.

Fishing guides

Lake Mead striper guides $450–$700/day (half/full). Pyramid Lake fly guides $350–$500/half-day. Tahoe Mackinaw trolling $300–$600.

Transport

Fly into Las Vegas (LAS) for Mead/Mohave (30 min drive) or Reno-Tahoe (RNO) for Pyramid/Tahoe/Walker (30–90 min). Rental car essential — top waters all require drives of 30+ minutes.

Safety

Desert heat (summer 110°F+) — carry 1 gal water per person per day. Flash-flood risk in dry washes. Lake Mead summer storm cells. Remote eastern Nevada has no cell coverage.

License fees

$45 resident / $80 non-resident annual; trout stamp +$10

Guide prices

$300–$700/day

Daily budget

Self-guided budget: $80/day (license + gas + bait). Guided day: $400–$700/day.