Which fishing license do I need on a Lake Erie charter?

Summary only, last verified Oct 4, 2026. The agency's own regulations control. Not legal advice.

Last verified Oct 4, 2026

Does the license go by the port or by the water?

By the water. Lake Erie is split among Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan and Ontario, and each one requires its own license for its waters. A boat can leave an Ohio port and fish Pennsylvania water, so ask your captain where the trip will fish. New York says plainly that its license doesn't cover the Pennsylvania or Ontario part of Lake Erie. Ohio's limits also apply to anyone landing fish at an Ohio port.

What do I need in Ohio waters?

Anglers 16 and older need an Ohio fishing license on Ohio's Lake Erie waters; under 16 don't.

• Ohio resident 1-day: $14.00. Ohio resident 1-year: $25.00. Ohio resident senior: $10.00 for Ohio residents 65 and older born on or after January 1, 1938; residents born on or before December 31, 1937 get a free license.
• Nonresident 1-day: $27.04. Nonresident 3-day: $52.00. Nonresident 1-year: $76.96.

A one-day license can be credited toward an annual license if you buy one later. You can show your license on your phone.

What do I need in Pennsylvania's Lake Erie waters?

Pennsylvania requires a license from age 16. Everyone fishing Pennsylvania's waters of Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay and their tributaries also needs a Lake Erie Permit (or the Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit), except anglers under 16 and holders of a 1-Day Tourist license, which includes it.

• 1-Day Tourist: $31.97, includes the trout and Lake Erie permits (not valid March 15 - April 30). 3-Day Tourist: $31.97, plus the Lake Erie Permit. 7-Day Tourist: $39.47, plus the permit.
• Resident annual (16–64): $27.97. Resident 1-day: $14.47 (not valid March 15 - April 30), plus the permit. Non-resident annual: $60.97, plus the permit.
• Lake Erie Permit: $9.97 (Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit $20.97).

Some permitted Pennsylvania captains are authorized to sell short-term licenses and the Lake Erie Permit to their customers; ask yours.

What do I need in New York waters?

New York requires a license from age 16. Annual: $25 resident (16-69), $5 resident 70+, $50 non-resident. 7-day: $12 resident, $28 non-resident. 1-day: $5 resident, $10 non-resident. Annual licenses last 365 days from purchase.

What do I need in Michigan waters?

Michigan requires a license from age 17. Annual all-species: $26 resident, $76 non-resident, $11 senior (65+ or legally blind, Michigan residents). Daily all-species: $10 a day (resident or non-resident). Annual licenses run March 1 through March 31 of the next year.

What if the trip crosses into Ontario?

Fishing Ontario waters takes an Ontario license and, except with a 1-day license, an Outdoors Card. Non-Canadian residents 65 and older still need them. Non-Canadian residents under 18 may fish without them when they're with someone who holds a valid Ontario license; their fish count toward that person's limit. For non-Canadian residents: 1-day sport license CAD 24.86 (no Outdoors Card needed); 8-day sport CAD 54.38; 1-year sport CAD 83.19; Outdoors Card CAD 8.57; all plus 13% HST. Crossing the border on the water also has reporting rules; see guide 8 or ask your captain.

Where do I buy a license?

Only from the agencies: Ohio · Pennsylvania · New York · Michigan · Ontario. The license tool walks through it by state, residence and age.

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