How to Buy a Wyoming Fishing License Online
The trick is knowing where to go
Which License Do You Need?
It depends on where we're fishing that day.
Jackson Hole Anglers guides select the river the night before your trip based on current conditions. That's part of what makes every day different. But here's what you need to know for your license:
Fishing the Snake, Green, or Salt River: You need a Wyoming fishing license. That's it. All half-day trips fish Wyoming waters, so if you're on a half day, a Wyoming license is always the right call. When you buy it online, select Individual on the license site, not Group. No need to print it either. Saving it to your phone is all you need.
Fishing in Yellowstone National Park: (Firehole River, Lewis Lake, Yellowstone Lake): You need a Yellowstone National Park fishing permit instead. Wyoming state licenses are not valid inside the park and the two systems are completely separate. Yellowstone trips typically happen in June and early July. For the rest of the season, almost all trips are on Wyoming waters.
If you're not sure which water you'll be on, a Wyoming license is the safe choice. Your guide will confirm the night before whether you're heading into the park.
How to Buy Your Wyoming Fishing License Online (Step-by-Step)
Wyoming licenses are purchased through the state's online licensing system at wgfd.wyo.gov. Here's exactly how to do it.
Go to the purchase portal
Visit wgfapps.wyo.gov/elso/ELSOWelcome.aspx. This is the state's official online licensing system.
Create a profile or log in
First-time buyers will need to create a Wyoming Game & Fish account. You'll need your name, date of birth, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or your customer ID if you've bought a Wyoming license before.
Select your license
Once logged in, look for a fishing license product and select it. Two common mistakes to avoid here:
- Select Individual, not Group. The Group option is for organized groups purchasing multiple licenses and will take you down the wrong path.
- Click Buy, not Apply. The "Apply" button is for permit drawings, not license purchases.
Choose your license type (1-Day, 5-Day, or Annual) and add it to your cart.
Pay at the checkout portal
The system will take you to a third-party payment site to complete your purchase. Pay by credit or debit card. Once the transaction goes through, save it to your phone. No need to print it. You'll need it on the water and a digital copy is all that's required.
One important note: If you hit the back button at any point during this process, you'll lose your progress and need to start over from the beginning. Stay in the flow until the transaction is complete.
The whole process takes about five minutes once you have your information ready.
Fishing in Yellowstone National Park? You Need a Different Permit
If your Jackson Hole Anglers trip takes you into Yellowstone National Park (the Firehole River, Lewis Lake, or Yellowstone Lake), you need a Yellowstone National Park fishing permit, not a Wyoming state license. The two are completely separate. Wyoming licenses are not valid inside the park, and park permits are not available through Wyoming's licensing system.
Yellowstone fishing permit prices:
| Permit Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 3-Day | $40.00 |
| 7-Day | $55.00 |
| Season-Long | $75.00 |
Where to buy: Yellowstone permits are purchased online at Recreation.gov or in person at any Yellowstone park ranger station.
Children 15 and younger may fish in Yellowstone without a permit, provided they're fishing under the direct supervision of an adult who has a valid Yellowstone park fishing permit.
Note: A Yellowstone fishing permit does not cover fishing outside the park. If your trip includes both park and non-park waters, check with your guide. They'll tell you exactly what you need the night before your trip.
Prefer to Buy In Person?
If you'd rather skip the online process, Wyoming fishing licenses are also available at most sporting goods stores and outfitters in the Jackson Hole area. Look for shops along the main corridor through Jackson. Several carry Wyoming Game & Fish licenses over the counter.
Your guide can also point you toward the nearest local option if you have questions the day before your trip.
Wyoming Fishing License Fees
Current Wyoming non-resident fishing license fees:
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 1-Day | $14.00 |
| 5-Day | $56.00 |
| Annual (12-Month) | $102.00 |
| Youth Annual | $15.00 |
Wyoming resident fishing license fees:
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 1-Day | $6.00 |
| Annual (12-Month) | $27.00 |
| Youth Annual | $3.00 |
For most Jackson Hole visitors on a half-day or full-day trip, the 1-day license ($14) is the practical choice. If you're planning to fish on your own anywhere else in Wyoming during your trip, the 5-day ($56) or annual ($102) makes more sense.
Children 13 and younger do not need a Wyoming fishing license. Anyone 14 or older is required to have one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to carry my license on the water?
Yes. Wyoming law requires you to have your fishing license available for inspection while fishing. A digital copy on your phone is acceptable.
What if I forget to get a license?
Let your guide know as early as possible. If you run into trouble on the morning of your trip, your guide can walk you through the purchase process over the phone, or they can stop and help you get one in person before you hit the water. That said, sorting it out ahead of time is always the smoother option.
Do kids need a Wyoming fishing license?
Children 13 and younger do not need a Wyoming fishing license. Anyone 14 or older is required to have one. For Yellowstone National Park trips specifically, children 15 and younger fish free; anglers 16 and older need a Yellowstone park permit.
Does my guide's license cover me?
No. Guide licenses authorize the guide to operate. Every angler needs their own fishing license.
Is a Wyoming license valid in Yellowstone?
No. Wyoming state fishing licenses are not valid for fishing inside Yellowstone National Park. If your trip heads into the park, you'll need a Yellowstone-specific permit purchased separately through Recreation.gov.
What's included in my Jackson Hole Anglers trip?
Everything except your fishing license: rods, reels, flies, gear, a drift boat, your guide, transportation from most valley locations, snacks and drinks, and lunch on full-day trips. You just need to show up with your license.
Ready to Book Your Trip
Still have questions? Your guide will call you the night before your trip to go over the details and confirm exactly what waters you'll be fishing. It's a good time to ask anything you're unsure about.
Ready to book your day on the water?
