What a California fishing license costs
A California resident fishing license costs $16.10 for one year. A two-year license costs $31.14. Non-residents pay $24.35 for one day, $42.70 for a 10-day license, or $63.05 for a one-year license. These prices are set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and have not changed since 2021, though the department can adjust them without notice.
You need a separate license if you want to fish in both freshwater and saltwater — one license does not cover both. The freshwater license lets you fish in lakes, rivers, and streams. The ocean fishing license (called a "Resident Packet" or "Non-Resident Packet") covers saltwater fishing from shore or a private boat. If you fish from a party boat or charter, the boat operator's license covers you, so you do not need your own.
Some people do not need a license at all. Children under 16 can fish without one. Adults 65 and older with a California ID get a free lifetime license. People with certain disabilities can get a free license through the Department of Fish and Wildlife's Disabled Persons Hunting and Fishing Program.
Key Takeaways
- A one-year California resident fishing license costs $16.10; non-residents pay $24.35 for one year or $42.70 for 10 days.
- Freshwater and saltwater licenses are separate, so you need two licenses if you plan to fish in both.
- Children under 16, adults 65 and older, and some people with disabilities do not need to buy a license.
- You can buy a license online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and bait shops.
Where to buy a California fishing license
The easiest way to buy a license is online at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website (wildlife.ca.gov). You can purchase and print your license when ready, and it is valid the same day. You will need a California ID or driver's license number and a valid email address.
You can also buy a license by phone by calling the Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-888-334-2258. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. They accept credit cards and debit cards.
Many sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart and Target locations sell licenses in person. Call ahead to confirm the store carries them, since not all locations do. You will need your ID and payment method with you.
What information you need to provide
When you buy a license, you will need to provide your full name, date of birth, California driver's license or ID number, and a valid mailing address. If you are buying online, you will also need an email address where the department can send your license.
The license is issued to you personally and cannot be transferred or loaned to someone else. Your name and license number will be on the document, and a wildlife officer can ask to see it while you are fishing.
How long your license lasts
A one-year license runs from the date you purchase it for exactly 12 months. A two-year license runs for 24 months. A 10-day non-resident license is valid for 10 consecutive days starting the day you buy it.
If your license expires while you are on a fishing trip, you are no longer legal to fish. Buy your next license before the current one runs out. You can renew online, by phone, or in person at any location that sells licenses.
Discounts and free licenses
California offers free lifetime licenses to residents 65 and older. You must explore in person at a Department of Fish and Wildlife office or through a license vendor with your California ID and proof of age. The process takes a few minutes.
The Disabled Persons Hunting and Fishing Program provides free licenses to people with certain disabilities. You must have a valid disability information from the state. Contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-888-334-2258 to learn whether you may have access to and how the process works.
Veterans do not receive a discount on fishing licenses in California, though some other states offer them. Military service members on active duty stationed in California can buy a non-resident license at the resident rate if they show military ID.
What happens if you fish without a license
Fishing without a valid license is a violation of California Fish and Game Code. A wildlife officer can issue a citation, which carries a fine. The amount depends on whether it is your first offense and the specific circumstances, but fines typically range from $100 to several hundred dollars.
If you are cited, you have the option to pay the fine or appear in court. Paying the fine is usually faster and cheaper than contesting it. If you cannot afford the fine, some courts allow you to request a payment plan.
Special licenses and stamps
In addition to your base fishing license, California requires certain stamps if you fish for specific species. A steelhead report card is required if you fish for steelhead in certain rivers and costs $3.22. A salmon report card costs $3.22 if you fish for salmon in ocean or inland waters. These are separate from your license and must be purchased at the same time.
Some areas also require a special permit for specific fisheries. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website or call 1-888-334-2258 before your trip to confirm whether the water you plan to fish requires any additional stamps or permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a fishing license for someone else as a gift?
No. A license is issued to a specific person and cannot be transferred. The person who will fish must buy their own license using their own name and ID. You can give someone a gift card to a sporting goods store, and they can use it to buy their own license.
Do I need a license to fish on private property?
Yes. A California fishing license is required on private property unless the owner has posted a sign saying otherwise. Even then, you should ask the owner's permission before fishing. The license requirement applies to all freshwater and saltwater fishing in California.
What if I lose my license while I'm fishing?
Contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-888-334-2258 to report it lost. They can issue a replacement for a small fee, usually around $2 to $3. You can also buy a new license online or in person while you wait for the replacement.
Can I buy a license on my phone and fish the same day?
Yes. If you buy online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, you can print your license when ready or show the digital copy on your phone to a wildlife officer. It is valid the same day you purchase it.
Do I need a license if I'm fishing with a guide?
Yes. The guide's license does not cover you. You must have your own valid fishing license, even if the guide is handling the rod and reel. The only exception is if you are fishing from a party boat or charter, where the boat operator's license covers all passengers.