California Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
How much is a fishing license in California?
A resident annual California fishing license costs $64.54, and a non-resident annual license is $174.14. Saltwater fishing also needs a separate stamp ($7.30). California also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
🎫 Buy a California Fishing License →Fishing in California
California may offer the widest variety of any state. The coast runs from San Diego to the redwoods with rockfish, lingcod, halibut, yellowtail and tuna; the Delta and Clear Lake grow trophy largemouth bass; the Sierra is full of trout streams and alpine lakes; the Central Valley has stripers and sturgeon; and coastal rivers see salmon and steelhead runs. Some ocean fishing needs an enhancement stamp. With this much range, a license can mean almost anything.
California Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$64.54
Saltwater
$64.54
Combo
$64.54
One license covers freshwater and saltwater
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$174.14
Saltwater
$174.14
Combo
$174.14
Non-Resident 2-Day
Freshwater
$32.40
Saltwater
$32.40
Non-Resident 10-Day
Freshwater
$64.54
Saltwater
$64.54
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$10.04
CA resident only — reduced-fee for low-income seniors receiving SSI or CAPI
Youth (under 16)
Free🌊 Saltwater stamp: California requires a separate saltwater stamp ($7.30) for saltwater fishing. Ocean Enhancement Validation required for ocean fishing
Additional report cards required for certain species (salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, spiny lobster).
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a California fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in California. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Report cards are still required for steelhead, sturgeon, abalone, spiny lobster, and some salmon.
- Seniors (65+)
- $10.04 reduced-fee license for residents 65+ who receive SSI or CAPI (annual verification required).
- Anglers with disabilities
- Free license for residents who are blind, mobility-impaired, or developmentally disabled (medical certification required for first issuance).
- Veterans & military
- $10.04–$10.54 reduced-fee for honorably discharged veterans with a 50%+ service-connected disability, and recovering service members.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Saturday, July 4, 2026 and Saturday, September 5, 2026 — no sport fishing license required statewide. All fishing regulations still apply (bag and size limits, gear restrictions, fishing hours, stream closures), and report cards are still required for steelhead, sturgeon or salmon in the Smith and Klamath-Trinity River systems.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
California Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular California species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth BassSlot limits on the Delta and some reservoirs | 5 | 12" | Year-round on most waters |
| Rainbow TroutMany wild trout streams have special regulations | 5 | No limit | Year-round (stocked waters) |
| Striped BassCheck Delta-specific rules | 2 | 18" | Year-round in Delta and Bay |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
California Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in California?
A resident annual fishing license in California costs $64.54, and a non-resident annual license costs $174.14. California also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Do you need a fishing license in California?
Yes. California requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. $10.04 reduced-fee license for residents 65+ who receive SSI or CAPI (annual verification required). Always confirm current rules with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before you fish.
Do you need a saltwater stamp to fish in California?
Yes — California requires a separate saltwater stamp or endorsement for saltwater fishing, which costs $7.30 on top of the regular license. Ocean Enhancement Validation required for ocean fishing
Where do you buy a California fishing license?
Buy directly from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in California.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
Got your license — now find a fishing buddy in California
MyFishingBuds matches you with anglers in California by style, species, and schedule.
Find a fishing buddy →