Fishing License
Yes freshwater fishing license required. Minimum age 12 (under 12 exempt). Issued by Nevada Dept. of Wildlife (NDOW).
Special-regulation waters in NV
Chimney Reservoir Humboldt Colorado River below Davis Dam Clark Comins Lake White Pine East Walker River Lyon Fort Churchill Cooling Pond / Mason Valley WMA ponds Lyon Jarbidge River (East & West Forks) Elko Lahontan Reservoir Churchill/Lyon Lake Mead When fishing from the Nevada shore, a valid Arizona license, Nevada license, or Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters license is accepted — no stamp needed. When fishing from a boat or the Arizona side, a Nevada-licensed angler must also carry the Nevada Colorado River Special Use Stamp ($3, valid Mar–Feb). An Arizona license alone is valid anywhere on the lake. Anglers under 12 need no license. Lake Mead / Mohave / Colorado R. NV/AZ reciprocal stamp system applies. On Lakes Mead and Mohave and Colorado River boundary waters: fishing from the Nevada shore, any valid AZ or NV (or NV Interstate Boundary Waters) license is valid with no stamp. Fishing from a boat or from the Arizona side with a Nevada license requires the Nevada Colorado River Special Use Stamp ($3, valid March–February). An Arizona license is valid lake-wide without any Nevada stamp. Anglers under 12 need no license. Per NAC 502.285. Lake Mohave Same stamp system as Lake Mead. From the Nevada shore: Arizona license, Nevada license, or Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters license valid — no stamp. From a boat or Arizona waters: Nevada-licensed anglers must also carry the Nevada Colorado River Special Use Stamp ($3, valid Mar–Feb). An Arizona license is valid lake-wide. Anglers under 12 need no license. Note: 2026 striped bass bag limit changed — check current Nevada regulations. Lake Tahoe and tributaries A valid California fishing license OR a valid Nevada fishing license (including a Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters license or short-term permit) is valid for the entire lake, regardless of which shore you fish from. Anglers under 16 are exempt. Each angler must follow the regulations of the state whose license they hold. Tributaries require a license from the state where the tributary is located. Marlette Lake Washoe Pyramid Lake Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation — tribal permit required; NV license NOT valid Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge Elko/White Pine Rye Patch Reservoir and Humboldt River Pershing Snake Range High Lakes White Pine South Fork Reservoir Elko Topaz Lake Same reciprocity as Lake Tahoe: a valid California OR Nevada fishing license (or Nevada Interstate Boundary Waters license or short-term permit) is valid for the entire lake. Anglers under 16 are exempt. No chumming permitted. Fishing is closed within the jetties of Topaz Marina. Truckee River (lower reach) Washoe/Storey Virgin River and Muddy (Moapa) River systems Clark Washoe Lake Washoe Wildhorse Reservoir Elko On the water? NV boating rules — BUI limit, life jackets & boater education → Don't get caught off guard Get a push the moment NV law changes — or when you cross into a state where it's different. Free. Get the free app Other NV laws
Informational only — not legal advice.
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