California’s diverse landscapes offer an abundance of opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to cast their lines into both inland and ocean waters. To partake in this rewarding pastime, anglers are required to obtain a valid fishing license, which plays a crucial role in conserving and managing the state’s aquatic resources. In 2024, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) continues its commitment to sustainable fishing practices with fishing licenses that remain valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
Understanding the Basics:
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice eager to experience the thrill of fishing in California, a sport fishing license is a prerequisite. This license is essential for those aiming to catch fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians, or reptiles in inland or ocean waters. The fees for fishing licenses contribute to various conservation and habitat restoration efforts, ensuring a thriving environment for aquatic life.
Species-Specific Validations and Report Cards:
In addition to the general fishing license, anglers may need specific validations and report cards for certain species and areas. These additional requirements are designed to support the sustainable management of particular fish populations and habitats. Before heading out on your fishing expedition, be sure to check the CDFW website for information on any special validations or report cards needed for the specific species you plan to target.
The Convenience of Altaville Market:
For anglers looking to secure their 2024 fishing licenses conveniently, Altaville Market, located at 324 South Main St, Angels Camp, CA 95221, provides a one-stop solution. This local market not only offers a variety of fishing gear and supplies but also serves as an authorized vendor for fishing licenses. By purchasing your license from Altaville Market, you not only support a local business but also streamline the process, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful fishing trip.
The Importance of Compliance:
Obtaining a fishing license is not only a legal requirement but also a responsibility that comes with the privilege of enjoying California’s natural resources. By adhering to regulations and license requirements, anglers contribute to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, helping maintain the health and balance of the state’s waters.
Conclusion:
As we embark on a new year, California’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices remains unwavering. The 2024 fishing licenses, valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, offer anglers the opportunity to explore the state’s diverse waters and create lasting memories. Make your fishing experience hassle-free by obtaining your license from Altaville Market, a local establishment that not only provides the necessary documentation but also supports the local community. So, gear up, cast your line, and immerse yourself in the beauty of California’s waters while contributing to the preservation of its precious aquatic resources.
| Title | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Sport Fishing | $61.85 | Available for any resident 16 years of age or older. |
| Nonresident Sport Fishing | $166.89 | Available for any non-resident 16 years of age or older. |
| Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License – Disabled Veteran | $9.53 at CDFW Offices $9.98 from License Agents | Available for any resident or nonresident honorably discharged disabled veteran with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability. After you prequalify for your first Disabled Veteran Reduced Fee Sport Fishing License, you can purchase disabled veteran licenses anywhere licenses are sold. |
| Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License – Recovering Service Member | $9.53 at CDFW Offices $9.98 from License Agents | Available for any recovering service member of the US military. After you prequalify for your Recovering Service Member Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License, you can purchase recovering service member licenses anywhere licenses are sold. |
| Reduced Fee Sport Fishing License – Low Income Senior | $9.53 | ATTENTION! The eligibility requirements for low income seniors to obtain a reduced-fee sport fishing license have changed. Effective January 1, 2022, reduced-fee sport fishing licenses will be 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). The Reduced-Fee Sport Fishing License for Low Income Seniors is only available at CDFW License Sales Offices. |
| Free Sport Fishing License – Low Income Native American | NO FEE | 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. The Free Sport Fishing License for Low Income Native Americans is only available at CDFW License Sales Offices. |
| Free Sport Fishing License – Mobility Impaired, Blind or Developmentally Disabled | NO FEE | Available for a person who is blind, developmentally disabled, or mobility impaired. Your first Free Sport Fishing License must be obtained from the CDFW License and Revenue Branch. Subsequent licenses may be obtained from any license agent. See application for details. |
Short Term Sport Fishing Licenses
| Title | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| One-day Sport Fishing License | $20.26 | Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for one specified day. One-day sport fishing licenses are exempt from the Ocean Enhancement Validation requirement. |
| Two-day Sport Fishing License | $31.06 | Allows a resident or nonresident to fish for two consecutive days. Two-day sport fishing licenses are exempt from the Ocean Enhancement Validation requirement. |
| Ten-day Nonresident Sport Fishing License | $61.62 | Allows a nonresident to fish for ten consecutive days. |
Report cards are required for any person fishing for steelhead, sturgeon, abalone, spiny lobster, or salmon (salmon in the Klamath, Trinity and Smith Rivers only). Every person fishing for these species must have an appropriate report card, including any person who is not required to have a sport fishing license, such as a child who is under 16 years of age, a person who is fishing from a public pier, and any person who is fishing on a free fishing day.
| Title | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Enhancement Validation | $7.05 | Required to fish in ocean waters south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County). An Ocean Enhancement Validation is not required when fishing under the authority of a One or Two-Day Sport Fishing License. |
| Second Rod Validation | $19.44 | Allows a person to fish with two rods or lines in inland waters, except for waters in which only artificial lures or barbless hooks may be used. |
| Recreational Crab Trap Validation | $2.98 | IMPORTANT! Beginning November 1, 2021, this validation is required for any person taking crabs with crab traps as defined in CCR, T14, Section 29.80(c). When taking crabs with hoop nets or crab loop traps, this validation is not required. |
| Colorado River Validation | n/a | 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 | $29.73 | Fishery is currently closed – Required for any person taking abalone from ocean waters north of the center of the mouth of San Francisco Bay. Only one Abalone Report Card may be issued per person each license year. |
| Sturgeon Fishing Report Card | $10.80 | Required for any persons taking sturgeon. Only one Sturgeon Fishing Report Card may be issued per person each year. |
| North Coast Salmon Report Card | $8.64 | Required for any person taking salmon in the Smith River System or Klamath-Trinity River System. |
| Steelhead Report Card | $9.72 | Required for any person taking steelhead in inland waters. |
| Spiny Lobster Report Card (valid for the entire lobster season). | $11.62 | Required for all persons taking spiny lobster. Report card holders who fail to return their Spiny Lobster Report Card or report their harvest online by April 30, will be assessed a $21.60 non-return fee when they purchase a spiny lobster report card for the following season. |
Duplicate Fees
| Title | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate Sport Fishing License | $13.78 | Replaces a lost or stolen sport fishing license. |
| Sport Fishing Validation | $3.81 | (Second-Rod and Ocean Enhancement) Replaces lost or stolen sport fishing validations. |
| Sturgeon Report Card | $18.81 | Replaces lost or stolen Sturgeon Report Card. Available only at CDFW license sales offices. Sturgeon Fishing Report Card Affidavit (PDF Form) |
| Abalone Report Card | $21.63 | Fishery is currently closed – Replaces lost or stolen Abalone Report Card. Available only at CDFW license sales offices. |
Lifetime Fishing Licenses
| Title | NA | 2024 Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 0-9 Ages 10-39 Ages 40-61 Ages 62+ | $679.75 $1112 $1001.75 $679.75 | Available to residents of California. Lifetime fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. Lifetime Fishing Packages must first be purchased from a CDFW License Sales Office. See Lifetime License Information for more detail. | |
| Fishing Privilege Package | $459.25 | Includes a Lifetime Second-Rod Validation, Ocean Enhancement Validation, North Coast Salmon Report Card and Steelhead Report Card. The Second-Rod Validation and Ocean Enhancement Validation are valid for 365 days from the date of issuance. |