What California fishing licenses cost

A California fishing license costs between $16 and $157 depending on what you want to fish, how long you want the license for, and whether you live in the state. A one-year resident sport fishing license runs $63. A one-day license is $16. Non-residents pay more — a one-year non-resident license is $142, and a one-day non-resident license is $24.

These prices are current as of 2024 and set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The department updates prices periodically, so check the official website before you buy to confirm the current cost for the license type you need.

You buy licenses through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, by phone at 1-888-334-2258, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops. Most vendors charge a small transaction fee on top of the license price.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year resident license costs $63; a one-day resident license costs $16.
  • Non-residents pay $142 for a one-year license or $24 for a one-day license.
  • You can buy licenses online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and bait shops.
  • Some people do not need a license — children under 16, people with certain disabilities, and Native American tribal members may be exempt.

License types and what they cover

California offers several license types beyond the standard one-year resident license. A two-year resident license costs $119. A 10-day resident license costs $47. These longer licenses are useful if you fish regularly or plan a trip that spans multiple seasons.

Each license type covers freshwater and saltwater fishing in California. The license itself does not restrict where you fish — you can use it in lakes, rivers, and ocean waters. However, some fish species require additional stamps or permits beyond the base license. For example, if you want to keep steelhead or salmon, you need a separate steelhead-salmon stamp ($16.10 for residents). If you want to keep abalone, you need an abalone report card. These add-ons are sold separately.

A license covers the person named on it only. If multiple people in your household fish, each person needs their own license.

Who does not need a license

Children under 16 can fish without a license in California. This applies to both residents and non-residents. An adult must supervise them, but the child does not need to buy one.

People with certain disabilities may be exempt. California offers a free lifetime license to residents who are blind or have a permanent disability that prevents them from fishing without information. You explore through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife with proof of disability. Native American tribal members who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe and have a tribal identification card do not need a state license to fish on tribal lands, though they may need one to fish elsewhere in the state.

Landowners fishing on their own property do not need a license in some cases, but the rules are specific. Contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to confirm whether your situation qualifies.

Resident versus non-resident licenses

You may have access to as a California resident if you have lived in the state for at least six months or hold a California driver's license or state ID. If you do not meet either condition, you are a non-resident for licensing purposes.

Non-resident licenses cost roughly double what resident licenses cost. A one-year non-resident license is $142 compared to $63 for residents. A one-day non-resident license is $24 compared to $16 for residents. If you fish in California multiple times a year, a non-resident annual license is cheaper than buying one-day licenses each trip.

Where to buy and how to get your license number

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sells licenses directly through its website at wildlife.ca.gov. You can also call 1-888-334-2258 to order by phone. Both routes issue your license when ready or within a few hours, and you receive a license number by email or text.

Authorized vendors throughout California also sell licenses. These include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some grocery stores. Vendor locations and hours vary, so call ahead if you are buying in person. Vendors charge a small fee — usually $1 to $2 — on top of the license price.

You do not receive a physical card in the mail. Instead, you get a license number and a confirmation email or receipt. Keep this confirmation with you while you fish. Some people print it; others show it on their phone. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife accepts either.

Additional stamps and permits you might need

Beyond the base license, certain fish species require separate stamps. A steelhead-salmon stamp costs $16.10 for residents and $26.10 for non-residents and is required if you want to keep steelhead or salmon. A California Resident Fishing License Validation Stamp is required if you fish for certain species in certain areas — check the regulations for your specific location.

Abalone fishing requires an abalone report card instead of a stamp. Lobster and crab have their own rules depending on whether you fish from shore or a boat. Spearfishing requires a separate spearfishing license. These add-ons are sold separately from your base license and have their own costs and rules.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes a detailed regulations booklet each year that lists which species require which stamps and permits. You can read it free from the website or pick up a printed copy at a vendor.

How long your license lasts

A one-year license runs from the date you buy it for 12 months. A two-year license runs for 24 months. A 10-day license is valid for 10 consecutive days starting the day you buy it. A one-day license is valid for one calendar day only.

Your license does not renew automatically. When it expires, you must buy a new one. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife does not send renewal reminders, so mark your calendar or check your confirmation email to see when yours expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in California with a license from another state?

No. You must have a California license to fish in California waters, even if you hold a valid license from another state. The only exception is Native American tribal members fishing on tribal lands with tribal identification.

Do I need a license to fish in a private pond on someone else's land?

You need written permission from the landowner, but you may not need a state license. The rules depend on the type of water and the species you are fishing for. Contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to confirm your specific situation before you fish.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a license is a violation of California law. Penalties include fines and possible confiscation of equipment. The amount varies depending on the circumstances. If you are caught, contact a lawyer or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for information about your options.

Can I get a refund if I buy a license and do not use it?

Refund policies vary depending on where you bought the license. If you bought it directly from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, contact them to ask about a refund. If you bought it from a vendor, ask the vendor about their return policy. Many vendors do not offer refunds on licenses.

Is there a discount for seniors or military members?

California does not offer a discounted license for seniors or military members. However, people age 65 and older may be exempt from needing a license in some cases. Contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to learn whether you may have access to.