What California Fishing Licenses Cost

A California fishing license costs $16.10 for a one-year resident license if you buy it in person at a vendor. If you buy online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website, the cost is $16.10 plus a $1.07 service fee, totaling $17.17. Non-residents pay $24.40 in person or $25.47 online.

These prices are current as of 2024 and cover freshwater and saltwater fishing for one year from the date of purchase. The state adjusts these fees periodically, so confirm the current price on the official California Department of Fish and Wildlife website before you buy.

If you fish only in saltwater and do not want to fish in freshwater, California offers a Shellfish and Seaweed Permit for $12.41 in person ($13.48 online) that covers harvesting clams, mussels, sea urchins, and seaweed but not finfish. A two-day resident license costs $24.40 and covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year California resident fishing license costs $16.10 in person or $17.17 online, and covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
  • Non-residents pay $24.40 in person or $25.47 online for a one-year license.
  • You can buy a license at sporting goods stores, bait shops, and online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
  • Some people are exempt from needing a license, including children under 16 and residents 65 and older.
  • Your license arrives when ready if you buy online, or you receive a physical card at the vendor if you buy in person.

Where to Buy a California Fishing License

You can buy a license at any of California's authorized vendors, which include sporting goods stores like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, independent bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations. Call ahead to confirm the store near you carries licenses, since not every location does.

The fastest option is to buy online at wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing. You will need a valid California ID or driver's license, and you can print your license when ready or have it mailed to you. If you print it, bring the printed copy with you when you fish — it is valid the same day.

If you buy in person at a vendor, you will receive a physical license card on the spot. Bring your ID and be prepared to pay cash or card. The entire transaction takes about five minutes.

Who Does Not Need a License

California residents who are 65 years or older do not need a fishing license. Children under 16 also do not need one, though they must follow all other fishing regulations and be supervised by a licensed adult in some situations.

Residents with a disability that prevents them from fishing may be issued a free license, but you must explore through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and provide medical documentation. Contact the department directly to learn whether your situation qualifies.

You also do not need a license if you are fishing on a licensed charter boat — the boat's captain holds the license that covers all passengers. However, you still must follow bag limits and size restrictions for the fish you catch.

What Your License Covers

A standard California fishing license lets you fish in any public freshwater body — lakes, rivers, and streams — and in saltwater from the shore or from a private boat. You can catch finfish, and the license also covers some shellfish harvesting depending on the season and location.

Your license does not cover fishing on private property without the owner's permission, and it does not cover hunting or trapping. If you want to fish in a state park or national forest, you may need additional permits or passes depending on the location.

The license covers you for one full year from the date you purchase it, not from January 1. If you buy a license in June, it remains valid through June of the following year.

How to Check Your License Status Online

You can verify that your license is active by visiting wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing and logging into your account with your ID number and date of birth. If you bought your license in person, you can also call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-888-334-2258 to confirm your license number and expiration date.

If you lose your physical license card, you can request a replacement at any vendor or online. Bring your ID and the license number if you have it. A replacement card costs the same as a new license.

Fishing Regulations You Must Follow

Having a license does not mean you can catch any fish anywhere. California sets bag limits — the number of each species you can keep per day — and size limits for most fish. These rules change by location and season, so check the current regulations for the specific water where you plan to fish.

You must also follow seasonal closures for certain species. For example, some trout streams close to fishing during spawning season. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes a free fishing regulations booklet each year that lists all closures, bag limits, and size requirements by region.

read the booklet or view it online at wildlife.ca.gov before you go fishing. Violations can result in fines ranging from $100 to several hundred dollars, so it is worth the few minutes to check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a fishing license for just one day?

Yes. California offers a two-day resident license for $24.40, which is useful if you fish only occasionally. You can buy it at any vendor or online. The two-day license covers both days consecutively from the date you purchase it.

Do I need a separate license for saltwater fishing?

No. A standard California fishing license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. You do not need to buy a separate permit unless you want to harvest shellfish or seaweed specifically, in which case a Shellfish and Seaweed Permit is an option.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation that can result in fines of $100 to $250 for a first offense, plus the cost of the license itself. Repeat violations carry higher fines. Fish and Wildlife officers patrol popular fishing areas and check licenses regularly.

Can I use my license in other states?

No. Your California license is valid only in California. If you plan to fish in another state, you will need to purchase that state's fishing license. Each state sets its own fees and regulations.

How long does it take to receive a license if I buy online?

If you print your license when ready after purchase, it is valid the same day. If you request a physical card by mail, it typically arrives within one to two weeks. You can fish with the printed version while you wait for the card.