How to Get a Fishing License in California

With more than 1,000 miles of beautiful coastline, thousands of lakes and reservoirs and miles of rivers and streams, California is an angler's dream come true. The hardest part of your California fishing trip will be knowing where to begin. But before you cast your first line, you will need to get your California Fishing License.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Determine which type of license and permits you will need. The type that you require is determined by various factors including: age, state of residency, and the type of fishing that you will be doing.
2. Purchase a license at a branch of the California Fish and Game Department or any of several hundred authorized dealers. You can find the branch office or authorized dealer nearest you by visiting the California Department of Fish and Game website.
3. Call the California Department of Fish and Game License and Revenue Branch at: [phone], if you have further questions about California fishing licenses.

Tips & Warnings

• A Reduced-Fee California Fishing License is available to eligible low-income seniors and honorably-discharged veterans.
• Blind residents, low-income American Indians and the developmentally and severely disabled are eligible for Free California Fishing Licenses.
• Register for a free California Fishing Passport when you purchase your license. Passport holders will be challenged to fish for 150 designated fish and shellfish species, and will get a special stamp in their "passport" for each successful catch.
• Your California Fishing License must be attached to your person and displayed on your outer clothing, above the waistline at all times, while fishing.
• California Fishing Licenses are not currently available online.