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How to Catch Fish How to Tie Fishing Knots Fishing Gear and Tackle How to Fish with Lures How to Fish with Live Bait Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing Fishing Terms Fishing and Conservation View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

⚠ Thanks for visiting TakeMeFishing.org. If you are interested in enjoying the outdoors and going fishing or boating, check the latest COVID-19 updates on your State Natural Resources Agency website first. We encourage you to follow CDC recommendations and official orders in your state before heading to the water.

Get a California Fishing License

California offers a number of different fishing license options including short-term and annual licenses. Learn more about the different types of licenses available, and then purchase a California fishing license online or from a license agent, like a sporting good store. Fishing licenses help pay for fishery conservation education and other valuable programs. Please note that California does not require a fishing license when fishing on a public pier.

CALIFORNIA FISHING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

California has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that need to be followed in order to preserve and protect the state’s fish populations. You will want to check the current fishing regulations prior to each fishing trip since these regulations are subject to change. There are two sets of fishing regulations for the state of California, one for freshwater and another for saltwater.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

When you purchase a California fishing license, the fees help fund a number of state conservation programs such as: fishery management, habitat protection, and fishing education. You can do your part to help with conservation efforts by respecting our resources and following some simple fishing etiquette tips.

CALIFORNIA FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION

You can purchase a California fishing license online or from a license agent, like a sporting good store.
A sport fishing license is required for any person 16 years of age and older.
Fishing licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31 every year.

CA FISHING LAWS & REGULATIONS

California has its own set of fishing laws and regulations that need to be followed in order to protect their fish populations

CA FRESHWATER FISHING REGULATIONS

CA SALTWATER FISHING REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE FISHING STARTS WITH YOU

earn how you can start protecting our aquatic natural resources.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CONSERVATION

THE IMPORTANCE OF FISHING REGULATIONS

CATCH AND RELEASE BEST PRACTICES

CA FISHING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife site.

FISHING TYPES & LICENSE FEES

CA FREE FISHING