California · Fishing license · Age
What age do you need a fishing license in California?
From 16 on, with no upper limit.
The ages that matter
Under 16
No license needed
Children can fish without one. Everything else still applies though — limits, sizes and seasons do not change with age.
16 and up
License required
Carry it with you while fishing.
65 and up
Cheaper, not free
California has no age exemption. Residents get a reduced rate instead: Sport fishing, 365 days at $64.54, Reduced-fee, low-income senior (65+) at $10.04, Sport fishing, 365 days at $174.14.
How CDFW words it
CDFW: "Any person who is 16 years of age or older must possess a valid sport fishing license." California has no age-based exemption at the upper end — low-income anglers 65 and over pay a reduced fee instead of fishing free.
Quoted rather than paraphrased. With rules that carry a fine, the exact wording is the point.
Other ways to be exempt
Age is one route. CDFW lists these as well.
- Angling from a public pier in ocean waters — CDFW: "A sport fishing license is not required to take fish by means of angling from a public pier in the ocean waters"
- Everyone on the two Free Fishing Days, though report cards still apply
