Discover the Cost of Fishing Licenses in California
Fishing in California is a popular recreational activity enjoyed by many. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, understanding the cost of fishing licenses is essential. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about the various fishing licenses available in California, their costs, and other related aspects.
365-Day Sport Fishing Licenses
Resident Sport Fishing License
- Cost: $58.58
- Eligibility: Available for any resident 16 years of age or older.
Nonresident Sport Fishing License
- Cost: $158.25
- Eligibility: Available for any non-resident 16 years of age or older.
Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing Licenses
Disabled Veteran
- Cost: $9.01 at CDFW Offices, $9.46 from License Agents
- Eligibility: Available for any resident or nonresident honorably discharged disabled veteran with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability.
Recovering Service Member
- Cost: $9.01 at CDFW Offices, $9.46 from License Agents
- Eligibility: Available for any recovering service member of the US military.
Low Income Senior
- Cost: $9.01
- Eligibility: Available for low-income California residents, 65 years of age and older, who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Cash Assistance Program for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Legal Immigrants (CAPI).
Low Income Native American
- Cost: NO FEE
- Eligibility: Available for any Native American who is a resident of the State and is financially unable to pay the fee required for a resident sport fishing license.
Mobility Impaired, Blind or Developmentally Disabled
- Cost: NO FEE
- Eligibility: Available for a person who is blind, developmentally disabled, or mobility impaired.
Short Term Sport Fishing Licenses
One-day Sport Fishing License
- Cost: $19.18
- Eligibility: Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for one specified day.
Two-day Sport Fishing License
- Cost: $29.42
- Eligibility: Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for two consecutive days.
Ten-day Nonresident Sport Fishing License
- Cost: $58.58
- Eligibility: Allows a nonresident to fish for ten consecutive days.
Validations and Report Cards
Ocean Enhancement Validation
- Cost: $6.74
- Requirement: Required to fish in ocean waters south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County).
Second Rod Validation
- Cost: $18.36
- Requirement: Allows a person to fish with two rods or lines in inland waters.
Recreational Crab Trap Validation
- Cost: $2.73
- Requirement: Required for any person taking crabs with crab traps.
Colorado River Validation
- Cost: n/a
- Requirement: Discontinued – Anglers who possess either a valid California sport fishing license or a valid Arizona sport fishing license can fish from either shore of the portion of the Colorado River that makes up the California-Arizona boundary.
Abalone Report Card
- Cost: $28.08
- Requirement: Fishery is currently closed – Required for any person taking abalone from ocean waters north of the center of the mouth of San Francisco Bay.
Sturgeon Fishing Report Card
- Cost: $10.29
- Requirement: Required for any persons taking sturgeon.
North Coast Salmon Report Card
- Cost: $8.13
- Requirement: Fishery is currently closed – Required for any person taking salmon in the Smith River System or Klamath-Trinity River System.
Steelhead Report Card
- Cost: $9.21
- Requirement: Required for any person taking steelhead in inland waters.
Spiny Lobster Report Card
- Cost: $11.62
- Requirement: Required for all persons taking spiny lobster.
Lifetime Fishing Licenses
Ages 0-9
- Cost: $644.50
- Eligibility: Available to residents of California.
Ages 10-39
- Cost: $1054.25
Ages 40-61
- Cost: $949.75
Ages 62+
- Cost: $644.50
Duplicate Fees
Duplicate Sport Fishing License
- Cost: $12.96
- Requirement: Replaces a lost or stolen sport fishing license.
Sport Fishing Validation
- Cost: $3.50
- Requirement: Replaces lost or stolen sport fishing validations.
Sturgeon Report Card
- Cost: $17.51
- Requirement: Replaces lost or stolen Sturgeon Report Card.
Abalone Report Card
- Cost: $20.60
- Requirement: Replaces lost or stolen Abalone Report Card.
Conclusion
The Cost of Fishing Licenses in California varies depending on the type of license, the applicant’s age, residency status, and other factors. This guide provides a detailed overview of the different licenses available, their costs, and eligibility requirements. Whether you’re planning a short fishing trip or considering a lifetime fishing license, this guide offers all the information you need to make an informed decision.
