In Arizona, each licensed angler can use up to two fishing rods, or more precisely two lines, at the same time. That two-line allowance is built into every Arizona fishing license the state sells, and there is no stamp or endorsement you can buy to add a third. If you are fishing, two lines in the water is the ceiling.
The Two-Line Rule
Arizona Administrative Code R12-4-313 states that a person with a valid fishing license may not use more than two lines at any one time.1Legal Information Institute. Arizona Code R12-4-313 – Lawful Methods of Take and Season for Aquatic Wildlife The rules draw a distinction between “angling,” which means fishing with one line, and “simultaneous fishing,” which means fishing with two lines at once. Both methods are authorized under every Arizona fishing license, from a general resident license to a one-day short-term combination license.2Arizona Administrative Code. Arizona Administrative Code Title 12 – Game and Fish Commission Rules
Unlike some neighboring states, Arizona does not offer a two-pole or three-pole stamp as an add-on, because the second line is already included at no extra cost. There is also no separate trout stamp. Every fishing license covers trout and the second line automatically.
How You Can Rig Each Line
Each of your two lines has its own gear limit. On a single line, you can run up to two hooks, or up to two artificial flies or lures. You can also tie on one artificial lure that carries multiple hook points, such as a crankbait with two treble hooks, and the whole lure still counts as one.2Arizona Administrative Code. Arizona Administrative Code Title 12 – Game and Fish Commission Rules Per line, that works out to:
- Two hooks maximum, such as two single bait hooks.
- One artificial lure that may carry more than one hook point, including treble hooks.
- Two artificial flies or lures, like a tandem fly rig or two small lures.
With two lines fishing, that puts up to four hooks in the water across your spread, before any water-specific restrictions kick in.
Trotlines, Set Lines, and Juglines
Arizona does not authorize trotlines, set lines, or juglines for general fishing. The lawful methods under R12-4-313 are angling, simultaneous fishing, and a few alternative methods such as bow and spear that apply only to specific non-game species like carp and buffalo fish.1Legal Information Institute. Arizona Code R12-4-313 – Lawful Methods of Take and Season for Aquatic Wildlife If you fish those methods in other states, leave the gear at home for Arizona trips.
Who Gets the Two-Line Privilege
The two-line allowance follows the license. Arizona requires a valid fishing license for anyone 10 or older fishing public waters, resident or non-resident, and you have to carry the license and show it on request to a game ranger, wildlife manager, or peace officer under ARS 17-331.3Arizona Legislature. Arizona Code 17-331 – License or Proof of Purchase Required
Children under 10 can fish without a license but are still held to the same two-line limit and all bag and size rules. Blind residents are exempt from the license requirement under ARS 17-335 and receive the same privileges as a licensed angler, including the two lines.4Arizona Legislature. Arizona Code 17-335 – Blind Resident Fishing License Exemption
When Specific Waters Narrow What You Can Do
The two-line cap holds statewide, but individual lakes, rivers, and streams often carry gear and harvest restrictions that limit how you can use those lines. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission can designate conditions on particular waters under R12-4-313, including:1Legal Information Institute. Arizona Code R12-4-313 – Lawful Methods of Take and Season for Aquatic Wildlife
- Artificial flies and lures only, with no live or natural bait.
- Barbless, single-point hooks only, which rules out standard treble hooks.
- Catch and immediate release of a designated species.
- Immediate kill or release at the moment of catch.
- Limited entry permits for a given species or water.
Live baitfish use is particularly restricted in Arizona and is allowed only in waters specifically designated by commission order. Check the posted regulations for your destination water before each trip, because these site rules change by season.
Penalty for Using More Than Two Lines
Fishing with more lines than the rules allow, or fishing without a valid license, is a class 2 misdemeanor unless a different penalty is specifically prescribed elsewhere in the Game and Fish title. A class 2 misdemeanor in Arizona can carry up to four months in jail and a fine of up to $750, and a conviction can affect your ability to obtain future hunting and fishing licenses. The fine itself may look modest, but a misdemeanor on your record is a steep cost for a third rod.