Pennsylvania's 2024 fishing licenses are on sale, and they'll cost a bit more

Anglers in Pennsylvania in will pay up to $5 more in 2024 than last year for their licenses.

General resident adult licenses that go on sale Friday increased by $2.50 to $27.97, and a trout permit also increased $2.50 to $14.97. Nonresidents will pay $60.97 for a general license, a $4 increase over 2023.

Fishing licenses, permits and vouchers for the 2024 season can be purchased online at huntfish.pa.gov by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. Licenses are valid Dec. 1 through the end of 2024.

Licenses may be printed or saved digitally to a mobile device, which serves as proof of possession.

In addition to licenses and permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.

Customers also can purchase a collectible fishing license button. This year's button, which costs $11.94, features a navy background with a golden keystone. The agency is producing 10,000 buttons and customers will receive a randomly numbered button. The 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 receive the 2024 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbook free of charge. The book outlines fishing and boating regulations, seasons and creel limits and safety information. Handbooks are being shipped to retail locations in early December and may not be immediately available at all locations. A digital version can be viewed and printed for free on the PFBC website, or viewed on the FishBoatPA mobile app.

Voluntary permits

Customers who purchase a 2024 fishing license can support PFBC programs through the purchase of voluntary permits for bass, musky, wild trout/enhanced waters and habitat/waterways conservation. These permits are not required for fishing and carry no additional privileges, but all funds generated through their sales are reinvested into their respective program.

While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a voluntary youth fishing license or a free mentored youth fishing permit to participate in any special youth opportunities. This includes the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on March 30.

Important 2024 Pennsylvania fishing dates

March 30: Statewide mentored youth trout day

April 6: Statewide opening day of trout season.

Nov. 1, 2023, through April 30: Mandatory life jacket requirement for boaters in effect.

Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him at bwhipkey@gannett.com and sign up for our weekly Go Outdoors PA newsletter email on this website's homepage under your login name. Follow him on Facebook @whipkeyoutdoors, and Instagram at whipkeyoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: PA fishing license cost increases in effect as 2024 sales start