Planning a destination fishing trip to Missouri or just contemplating trying your luck in your local area? Then, you’ll need a valid Missouri fishing license or permit. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to find out everything you need to know about Missouri fishing licenses.

In the following guide to Missouri Fishing Licenses, we’ll cover:

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Types of Missouri Fishing Licenses

If you’re planning a fishing trip in Missouri or want to spend your free time during the year fishing, then you’ll need the correct type of license. Missouri offers several different types of permits, which are perfect for anglers of all ages, both residents and non-residents. 

A percentage of all license fees collected goes directly towards the ongoing conservation of the state’s abundant fishery efforts, which include habitat protection, access initiatives, landings, boat ramps, research, and fish stocking and management. You can see a complete list of the conservation efforts on the Missouri Department of Conservation website here.

Be sure to check the Missouri Department of Conservation website for any price updates or changes that could affect you.

Missouri Fishing Permits

  • Daily fishing permits are available for both residents and non-residents.
  • Annual fishing permits are available for both residents and non-residents.
  • Lifetime fishing permits for residents.
  • Lifetime Conservation Partner permit for residents only.
  • Reduced Cost Military Permit.

Cost of MO Fishing Licenses

Missouri is dedicated to making hunting and fishing as accessible as possible for both residents of Missouri and non-residents who would like to visit and fish while they’re in the state. In the following section, we’ve broken down the cost of a fishing permit in Missouri for both residents and non-residents.

Be sure to check the Missouri Department of Conservation website for any price updates or changes that could affect you.

Missouri Resident Permit Costs

  • Daily Fishing Permit – $8.
  • Annual Fishing Permit – $12.
  • Lifetime Fishing Permit – Aged Based. A complete list of age brackets and prices is available on the MDOC Website.
  • Lifetime Conservation Partner Permit – Aged Based. A complete list of age brackets and prices is available on the MDOC Website.
  • Military Reduced Cost Permit – $5.

Missouri Non-Resident Permit Costs

  • Daily Fishing Permit – $8.
  • Annual Fishing Permit – $49.

By purchasing a Missouri fishing permit and following all rules and guidelines, including size, bag, and season limits, you’re doing your part as a responsible angler to ensure the ongoing health of the fishery for future generations of anglers to enjoy.

Age Requirements for MO Fishing License

To ensure that as many anglers as possible get to enjoy Missouri’s fantastic fishing and outdoors, there are several exemptions and price reductions available. The following people are not required to purchase a fishing permit in Missouri:

  • Any resident landowners who own five or more acres and are fishing on land that borders their immediate household.
  • Any Missouri residents that are aged 65+.
  • Any residents or non-residents that are 15 years or younger.
  • Any honorably discharged veterans or active military personnel with a service-related disability of 60% or more, prisoners of war during active military duty, or patients in a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or military medical center.
  • Those with severe medical conditions (please see the website for a detailed breakdown).

Where to Obtain a Missouri Fishing License

If you want to purchase a Missouri Fishing Permit, you can do it in several ways, including online, by phone, or in person at authorized dealers or MDOC offices during regular business hours.

Purchasing Online

Purchasing Via Phone

Purchasing In-Person

  • Either an Authorized Dealer located throughout the state or a Missouri Department of Conservation Office.

Complete Guide to Missouri Fishing Licenses – Conclusion 

Hopefully, with the information above, you now know everything there is to know and understand about Missouri fishing licenses, including where to purchase one, what type you need, and how much they cost.

By purchasing a fishing license and following all catch regulations, including size and bag limits, you’re being a responsible angler who’s directly contributing to the health and wellness of the Missouri fishery for future generations to enjoy.

Get your personalized fishing map

Answer a quick quiz and get your own personalized fishing map

The Fishbox App allows anglers to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best time to go fishing. Fishbox App utilizes in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling and when you’re better off relaxing at home.

If you have any questions about fishing licenses or permits in Missouri, please feel free to comment below. Our team of fishing enthusiasts loves to answer any fishing-related questions and enjoys helping new anglers.

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