California anglers can now purchase a sport fishing license valid from the date of purchase for 365 continuous days. Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 817 (Jim Wood, D-Healdsburg), allowing a transition of California’s fishing license validity from a calendar year to a full 365 days from purchase. Prior to this change, anglers who purchased their license after Jan. 1 were charged the same price for fewer days of fishing. This change allows anglers to receive 365 days’ worth of benefits after purchasing a license any time of year.
Californians are fortunate to have some of the most diverse fishing opportunities found anywhere in the world. With more than 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, 4,172 lakes and reservoirs, and 80 major rivers, freshwater fishing opportunities abound in California. The state also features more than 1,100 miles of coastline that provides access to hundreds of native fish and shellfish species.
In addition to resident and nonresident sport fishing licenses, all sport fishing validations (Second-rod, Ocean Enhancement and Recreational Crab Trap) will be valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
As in previous years, anglers have the option to sign up for auto-renewal of their sport fishing licenses, report cards and validations through CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website. For more information about sport fishing license auto-renewal, please refer to the Auto-Renewal Frequently Asked Questions on CDFW’s website.
You can purchase a California sport fishing license from CDFW authorized license sales agents, select CDFW offices, via telephone at (800) 565-1458 or online 24 hours a day.
For more information about 365-day sport fishing licenses, please visit the CDFW’s 365-Day Sport Fishing License Frequently Asked Questions web page.
PURCHASE YOUR 2023 SPORT FISHING LICENSE >
RESOURCES
Learn helpful fishing tips and tricks by watching these videos:
- The Basics of Bass Fishing
- A Beginners Look at California Halibut and Sandy Beach Surf Fishing
- Intro to California Inland Fishing
- Family Fishing – Teaching Kids How To Fish
- Ocean Fishing A Look at Shore Based, Pier and Inverts Fishing Opportunities
- Rockfish and Lingcod Fishing Tips and Tricks
- A Beginner’s Guide to Trout Fishing
NEWS
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By purchasing a fishing license in California, you are providing a dedicated source of funding for management and protection of the state’s fisheries and for fish hatchery operation. Purchasing a sport fishing license also helps support California’s longstanding fishing opportunities for today and future generations.
THANK YOU FOR FISHING IN CALIFORNIA!
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