You don’t have to look far to find world-class fishing in California. From San Diego to Lake Tahoe, the Golden State offers a huge range of angling hotspots. What they all have in common is that you need a California fishing license to enjoy them. How much does a license cost? What types are there? And where do you even buy one? We’ll cover all this and more in this simple, jargon-free guide.
Hi guys, my name is Mark
and today we’ll go over what you need to know before you purchase a California fishing license. Fishing in California is awesome because it’s a big state, it’s diverse, and depending on where you are, you can target a wide range of both freshwater and saltwater species. That’s why it’s very important though to familiarize yourself with the main rules and regulations before you get out there and hit the water.
So we’ll go over the different types of licenses, requirements, exceptions, and where to purchase a license, and everything else you need to know.
Believe me, the last thing you want is to be slapped with a fine because you caught something that you weren’t licensed to catch or because you were fishing in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The first question and probably the most important one is, “who needs a California fishing license?” To put it simply, anyone over the age of 16 will have to buy a fishing license in the state of California. So this applies to both state residents and non-residents.
A resident is defined as anyone who’s been living in California consistently for six months or more and a non-resident is obviously anyone who is coming from out of state. Licenses for residents and non-residents are sold separately and their costs vary as well. Also, every angler in your group will have to purchase a fishing license, so if you bring one of your friends along and even if they’re just helping you with netting or dehooking, they will also have to purchase a fishing license as well.
So there are some exceptions that exempt people from having to buy a fishing license and this includes if you’re casting from a public pier as well as if you’re fishing on what’s referred to as a Free Fishing Day.
Just keep in mind that these Free Fishing Days vary year-to-year and you can actually find the dates on California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website. And last but not least, anglers under the age of 16 also do not need a California fishing license, but they will be required to carry a permit or a report card if they’re fishing for a specific type of species and we’ll get into that later as well.
So there are several different types of fishing licenses in California. You have what’s referred to as Standard Licenses, you also have Lifetime Licenses, which are only available to California residents, and you have what’s called a Reduced Fee as well.
For Standard Licenses, you have a 1-day, 2-day, 10-day, and you have an annual license as well. The 10-day license is only available to non-residents. Now, for the hardcore anglers out there, if you really want to experience a little bit of everything, you can purchase what’s called a Fishing Privilege Package, that’s typically around $380 but just keep in mind that the price is subject to change. This license includes an Ocean Enhancement Stamp, a Lifetime Second-Rod Stamp, and a North Coast Salmon Report Card, as well as a Steelhead Report Card.
There are also some types of licenses that are available at reduced rates in a variety of situations. This includes anglers who are blind, developmentally disabled, or mobility impaired, as well as disabled or recovering veterans, as well as low-income seniors. You can fill out an application for a reduced fee license online at wildlife.ca.gov and submit it to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife by mail.
Just keep in mind, you may also need to bring extra paperwork as proof. For example, disabled veterans will have to have a letter with them from the VA stating that they were honorably discharged and have a service-connected disability rating of over 50 percent.
So, just some additional requirements to keep in mind. Report cards are also important if you plan on targeting a certain type of species.
These include Steelhead, Spiny Lobster, and Sturgeon. You’ll also need a North Coast Salmon report card if you’re fishing for Salmon in the Klamath, Trinity, and Smith Rivers. You still need to buy a report card even if you’re someone who isn’t required to buy a sport fishing license, this is very important to keep in mind. So this applies to anglers fishing from public piers or anglers under the age of 16 as well.
It’s important to remember that you’ll have to return your report card to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife by January 31st of the following year. Spiny Lobster Report Cards however are due at the end of Lobster season which is usually April 30th. You can report your card online or mail it to the address specified on the card. For more information on pricing, you can always check out our full blog article or you can also just head to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for the most up to date information.
Just remember that prices may change on a yearly basis, so it might be a good idea to just check on that information before you actually go out and purchase your license.
So you can purchase your license either in-person or online. You can do so through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or at one of their license’s sales offices as well. Just please note that California Department of Fish and Wildlife offices do not accept payments in cash, so you will need to bring your credit card with you.
You can also find fishing licenses at Walmart, Big 5 Sporting Goods, local tackle shops, and any other licensed retailers as well.
If you lose your license, don’t worry, you can always buy a replacement either online or at any California Department of Fish and Wildlife licenses sales offices. And same goes for renewals,
once your license expires, you can renew it online, again at California Department of Fish and Wildlife or at one of their sales offices as well.
Alright, so hopefully this video helped answer some of your questions regarding California fishing licenses.
For more information, you can always check out our full blog article to get the full price break-downs as well as more details about each licensing category. Now that you have everything you need, go on and get out there, fish the Golden State waters responsibly, and more importantly be sure to have fun!
Who needs a sportfishing license in California?
Every angler age 16 or older needs to buy a California fishing license, which covers both freshwater and saltwater. This applies to state residents and non-residents alike, even if you’re fishing with a guide or aboard a for-hire charter boat. However, there are a few situations where you don’t need a license. Most importantly:
You don’t need a license to fish on public piers.
You don’t need a license on Free Fishing Days.
Anglers under 16 don’t need a license, but they do need a report card for some species (see below).
How much is a fishing license in California?
You can buy a license for anywhere from a single day to an entire year. One- and two-day California fishing licenses cost the same whether you’re a resident or not, but annual licenses are more expensive for out-of-staters. Non-residents do have the option to purchase a 10-day license, though.
License Type
Resident Cost
Nonresident Cost
1-Day License
$21.09
$21.09
2-Day License
$32.40
$32.40
10-Day License
N/A
$64.54
Annual License
$64.54
$174.14
Want to spend the rest of your life exploring these waters? We can’t blame you! CA state residents have the option of buying a Lifetime Fishing License. This means that you get a new annual fishing license each year, for as long as you want to keep fishing. You can only buy Lifetime Fishing Licenses at a CDFW sales office, and the cost varies depending on the age of the angler:
License Type
License Cost
0-9 Years Lifetime License
$691.75
10-39 Years Lifetime License
$1,131.75
40-61 Years Lifetime License
$1,019.50
62+ Years Lifetime License
$691.75
Hardcore sportfishers who want it all can also purchase a Fishing Privilege Package for $467.25 (price subject to change). This includes an Ocean Enhancement Stamp, Second-Rod Stamp, North Coast Salmon Report Card, and Steelhead Report Card – all valid for your whole life.
Reduced-Fee Fishing Licenses
Licenses are available at a reduced rate in a variety of situations. This includes anglers who are blind, developmentally disabled, or mobility impaired, as well as disabled or recovering veterans and low-income seniors. These discounted licenses are usually sold for around $10.
To apply for a reduced-fee license, simply fill in the appropriate form and submit it to the CDFW along with any necessary evidence. For example, disabled veterans will need a letter from the Veteran’s Administration stating that they were honorably discharged and have a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater.
Additional Requirements: Report Cards and Validations
Report Cards
Anglers fishing for Steelhead, Spiny Lobster, and Sturgeon in California must have the appropriate report cards along with their licenses. A North Coast Salmon report card is also mandatory when fishing for Salmon in the Klamath, Trinity, and Smith Rivers. You would also need a validation to take Abalone, but they’re currently closed for harvest, so these aren’t available at the moment.
Report Card Type
Cost
Sturgeon
$8.13
Salmon(Smith or Klamath-Trinity River Systems)
$9.31
Steelhead
$10.29
Spiny Lobster
$12.70
You always need a report card to target these species, even in situations where you don’t need a fishing license. For example, under-16s and anglers fishing from a public pier still need valid report cards.
Remember to return your report card to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife by January 31 of the following year, or by April 30 of the current year for Spiny Lobster. You can report your card online or mail it to the address on the card.
Ocean Enhancement Validation
Anglers planning to fish in ocean waters south of Point Arguello in Santa Barbara County need to buy an Ocean Enhancement Validation ($7.30). One- and two-day sportfishing licenses come with this included.
Second Rod Validation
A Second Rod Validation ($20.26) allows an angler to use two rods or lines while fishing in inland waters. This validation doesn’t apply to special waters where anglers can only use barbless hooks and artificial lures.
Where to Buy a California Fishing License
You can buy a CA sportfishing license directly from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, either online or at one of their license sales offices. Walmart, Big 5 Sporting Goods, local tackle shops, and other licensed retailers also sell sportfishing licenses. Be aware that CDFW offices don’t accept cash payments.
Replacing Lost Licenses
Misplaced your license? Not a problem! You can get a replacement online and in CDFW license sales offices.
Duplicate Sport Fishing Licenses cost $14.30, while replacement Ocean Enhancement and Second Rod Validations are $3.81. Replacement Sturgeon Report Cards are only available in CDFW license sales offices, and cost $18.28.
California Fishing License FAQs
How long is my license valid?
Single-day, two-day, and 10-day licenses are valid from the date of purchase or from a date of your choice if you buy them ahead of time. Annual CA fishing licenses are valid 365 days from the date of purchase.
Can I fish interstate waters with a CA fishing license?
California shares a number of fishing spots with neighboring states, including Lake Tahoe, Topaz Lake, and the Colorado River. A CA sportfishing license is valid in all of these waters. You can also fish in Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake while carrying a Nevada license, with a Trout stamp. Anglers fishing in the Colorado River along the California-Arizona border can carry either a California or Arizona fishing license.
Do I need to have my license visible while fishing?
No. In California, you no longer need to have your license visible. You just need to make sure you have it on you at all times.
Do I need a license if I'm not fishing?
No. If someone in your group is fishing, you don’t need a license as long as you’re just watching. However, if you participate in any way, you do need a valid license. For example, if you take your kids fishing, it’s a good idea to have a license in case you need to help bait hooks or set the drag.
We tried to cover all the basics of getting a fishing license in California. If you still have questions, we recommend you get in touch with your local CDFW office and ask them directly. If not, find a local charter or just grab your rod and start fishing!
Jacqueline grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, always with an eye on the horizon to try and spot a shark fin. As a member of the FishingBooker team, she got to know the charter fishing industry by helping hundreds of captains market their trips online. She has also spent countless hours answering the internet’s most pressing questions about fish, such as: how do you tell all the different Salmon species apart? With 7 years of content marketing experience behind her, she eventually returned to her roots to focus on raising a family (and write about fish some more).
