The 2022 sport fishing season has started, and 2022 sport fishing licenses are available. California is fortunate to have some of the most diverse fishing opportunities found anywhere in the world. 2022 California fishing licenses are valid from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, and purchasing your license now will provide you with the most value when you take advantage of the unmatched fishing opportunities the Golden State has to offer. 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 is home to hundreds of native fish and shellfish species.

Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 817 authored by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Santa Rosa) this past legislative session for CDFW to provide an electronic display option for sport fishing license items and sell a sport fishing license that will be valid for 365 days from the purchase date rather than the calendar year. However, implementation of this new law requires technological infrastructure revisions, so neither will be available during the 2022 license year.

Anglers have the option to sign up for auto-renewal of their annual sport fishing licenses, report cards, and validations through CDFW’s online sales website. For more information about sport fishing license auto-renewal, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions about auto-renewal on CDFW’s website.

You can purchase a California sport fishing license from any license agent or purchase your license online 24 hours a day. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, license sales counters at CDFW offices remain temporarily closed to the public. Sport fishing license fees are nonrefundable.PURCHASE YOUR 2022 SPORT FISHING LICENSE  >