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Fishing permit

This permit gives you access to a 'reel' good time catching fish at your favorite Nebraska water body.

A man and woman are silhouetted standing knee deep in water fishing.

Fishing permit

The Nebraska fishing permit is required for anyone age 16 or older to take, or attempt to take, sportfish, bullfrogs, snapping turtles, barred salamanders or mussels, from any water body in Nebraska. This permit includes the required Nebraska Aquatic Habitat Stamp, which funds the Aquatic Habitat Stamp program that improves conditions for aquatic life through better management or rehabilitation of existing resources.

Illustration of mobile permit

Mobile permits

Enjoy the speed and convenience of purchasing a fishing permit from your smartphone or tablet. Like a paper permit, you must be able to display your mobile permit upon request by a conservation officer.

Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp

Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp

Anglers who fish from a boat will notice an Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp is included in their boat registration. Nonresident anglers fishing from a boat will need to purchase this stamp separately each year they boat in Nebraska.

Men pull in a fishing net from a lake

Special applications & forms

Nebraska has special fishing permit applications and forms for bait and fish dealers, commercial put-and-take fisheries, fish salvage, private fish management requests and more.

Fish at a Nebraska state park

Nebraska state parks offer a plethora of opportunities to snag your favorite fish — from trout to walleye to muskie and everything in between. State parks also have amenities that can make your fishing trip a keeper. Get your state park permit online in advance or at a park kiosk or permit vendor near you. Then find your next fishing hole using our Find a Park interactive map.

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Learn to Fish

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Nebraska provides plentiful & diverse fishing opportunities for anglers. Find our top resources.

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Many programs have been implemented to enhance angling opportunities and experiences in Nebraska.

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Fisheries management programs help us in our stewardship of the state's wild fish population.

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