Trout & Salmon Stamps —
All 50 States

Most states with trout fisheries require an additional trout stamp, salmon stamp, or trout endorsement beyond the standard fishing license. These stamps directly fund trout and salmon stocking programs, hatchery operations, and coldwater habitat preservation. Fees are typically modest — $5 to $15 for residents and $10 to $25 for nonresidents — but fishing without one can result in fines. States in the Deep South and tropical regions like Hawaii and Florida generally do not require trout stamps due to limited trout habitat. This guide covers the requirement for every state so you know exactly what to purchase before your next trout or salmon fishing trip.

All 50 States Covered Trout & Salmon Coverage Waters Covered Info

50States Covered

24Stamp Required

10Also Cover Salmon

Stamp vs. endorsement rules

Resident & nonresident fees

Salmon coverage

Waters & species covered

Official purchase links

Why It Matters

Why Trout Stamps Fund Better Fishing

Fund Trout Stocking

Trout stamp revenues go directly to state fish hatcheries that raise and stock millions of brook, brown, rainbow, and lake trout annually in rivers, streams, and reservoirs across the state. More stamps sold means more fish in the water.

Protect Coldwater Habitat

Stamp funds support stream bank stabilization, riparian buffer restoration, and temperature monitoring projects that keep trout streams cold and clear. Climate change is already warming many trout waters, making this conservation work more critical than ever.

Dedicated Conservation Funding

Unlike general tax revenue, trout stamp income is earmarked exclusively for coldwater fisheries programs. This dedicated funding model ensures that trout anglers directly support the species and habitat they depend on, creating a sustainable cycle of investment.

Stay Legal & Avoid Fines

Fishing for trout or salmon without a required stamp is a license violation that can result in fines, license suspension, and gear confiscation. In states like Pennsylvania and New York where trout fishing is highly popular, conservation officers actively check for trout stamp compliance.

50 states

50 states shown

Common Trout Stamp Questions

A trout stamp is an annual endorsement or supplemental license required in many states to fish for trout or salmon. It's purchased in addition to your regular fishing license. Revenues go directly to trout stocking programs, hatchery operations, and coldwater stream habitat restoration. Without one in states that require it, you are fishing illegally even if you hold a valid general fishing license.

It depends on the state. Some states issue a combined "Trout and Salmon" stamp that covers both species. Others sell separate salmon or steelhead endorsements in addition to the trout stamp. States in the Pacific Northwest — like Washington and Oregon — often have separate salmon, steelhead, and trout licenses or endorsements. Check your specific state's regulations to understand exactly which stamp covers which species.

States in the Deep South — Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia — generally don't require trout stamps because wild trout are limited or absent from those states' warm-water fisheries. Hawaii has no trout program. Some Midwestern states like Kansas also do not require a separate trout stamp. However, even states without stamps may have special regulations for trout-designated streams.

In most states, yes — the trout stamp requirement applies regardless of whether you intend to keep or release fish. The stamp is required at the time of fishing, not at the time of keeping fish. A few states may have specific catch-and-release only waters with modified rules. Always read the specific regulations for the water you are fishing.

Most trout stamps cover all designated trout waters within the state — including stocked streams and rivers, designated trout ponds, and natural trout habitat. Some states restrict the stamp to specific categories of water such as stocked trout waters or delayed harvest areas. A few states require a separate Great Lakes or inland lake endorsement for trout in those specific water bodies.

In nearly all states, trout stamps are annual licenses that expire at the same time as your general fishing license — typically December 31 or March 31 depending on the state's license year. Some states tie the stamp to a specific calendar year. If you purchase your fishing license late in the year, consider whether the trout stamp will be valid long enough for your planned fishing season before buying.

Trout & Salmon Stamps —All 50 States

Why Trout Stamps Fund Better Fishing

Common Trout Stamp Questions

Trout & Salmon Stamps —
All 50 States