California Fishing License & Regulations
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Not legal advice. FishFig is an informational guide. License fees, size/bag limits, and seasons change yearly and vary by water, species, and zone. Always confirm the current rule with the state agency (linked on every regulations page) before you buy a license or keep fish. When in doubt, check the official source.
California — License & Regulations
Agency: California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
| Resident annual fee | $64.54 (2026) |
|---|---|
| Non-resident annual fee | $174.14 |
| Source | California Department of Fish and Wildlife — 2026 Sport Fishing License Fee Schedule (Title 14, Cal. Code Regs.). |
Size & bag limits (representative)
| Species | Min size | Bag limit | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12 in | 5 | CA Code of Regulations Title 14 §5.50 (2026). |
| California Sheephead | 12 in | 2 | CA Code of Regulations Title 14 §27.60 (2026). |
| General ocean finfish | — | 20 | CA Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations (2026); no size limit unless specified. |
CDFW 365-day sport fishing license: resident $64.54, nonresident $174.14 (2026). Ocean Enhancement Validation $7.30 required south of Point Arguello. Report cards required for steelhead, sturgeon, and salmon in specified rivers.