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California Fishing License Discounts

California Fishing License Discounts

If you’re a resident of the State of California who loves the outdoors, you might be wondering where you might find California fishing license discounts. Well, Low Income Relief has the scoop on where you can save while enjoying all the fishing California has to offer. 

Who is eligible for California fishing license discounts?

If you are interested in fishing for sport in the State of California, it is important to note, first of all, that it is required to obtain a fishing license before heading out onto the water. The regular cost of a fishing license for California residents is $54 per year. For those who are not residents of the State of California, the cost is $145.80 per year. 

However, there are a number of folks who can purchase fishing licenses at discounted rates. So, who is eligible for California fishing license discounts?

People under the age of 16: People under the age of 16 do not need to purchase a fishing license. However, it’s important to note that anyone under the age of 16 who is fishing for steelhead, sturgeon, abalone, spiny lobster, or salmon (salmon in the Klamath, Trinity and Smith Rivers only) must obtain a validation or report card. More information on validations and report cards is available through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Disabled Veterans: Honorably discharged veterans with a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability receive California fishing license discounts. The cost of a fishing license for disabled veterans is $8.24 or $8.64, depending on whether you obtain the license at a California Department of Fish and Wildlife office, or through a License Agent. You can pre-qualify by contacting the CDFW.  

Recovering Service Members: Recovering service members of the U.S. military receive California fishing license discounts. The cost of a fishing license for disabled veterans is $8.24 or $8.64, depending on whether you obtain the license at a California Department of Fish and Wildlife office, or through a License Agent. You can pre-qualify by contacting the CDFW.  

Low Income Seniors: Low income seniors receive California fishing license discounts at the rate of $8.24 per year. To qualify, you must be 65 years of age or older, and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or support from the Cash Assistance Program for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Legal Immigrants (CAPI). This discount is only available at CDFW License Sales Offices.

Low Income Native American: Fishing licenses are free for low income Native Americans. Free fishing licenses for low income Native Americans can be obtained only at CDFW License Sales Offices

Mobility Impaired, Blind or Developmentally Disabled People: If you qualify, your first license must be obtained at the CDFW License and Revenue Branch. Subsequent licenses may be obtained from any license agent. The application for these free fishing licenses is available here

man fishing on a pier in article on California fishing license discounts

Are there other ways to save money on fishing in California?

Aside from the above eligibility requirements, there are a couple of ways that you can save money on fishing in the State of California!

Free Fishing Days: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers two free fishing days per year. In other words, there are two days per year when you do not need a license to fish. In 2022, the California free fishing days will be on July 2 and September 3. This is a great option if you’re a beginner and want to “test the waters” before you commit to purchasing an annual license. 

SHARE Program: While this is not exactly a way that you can save money on fishing in the State of California, it is definitely a way to be compensated for fishing! If you own or manage private land that can be fished on and you allow others to fish there, you can be compensated by the State of California. More information about this program is available through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

We hope these tips on California fishing license discounts help you save while you enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer!

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Catherine Hall, LMSW is a therapist at a small group practice in New York City. She earned her master of social work degree at New York University.

Vickie brewer

Wednesday 14th of December 2022

I applaud CA to give disable Vets a discount. What about other first responders, police, fire etc. who are retired on a medical disability? We also served this country.

Larry

Friday 12th of May 2023

@Vickie brewer, I ask you about ALL disabled people in California. Why are they not ALL able to fish for food, Also for low income people? We the People Pay for all the Gov programs. Why not let certain people provide food with a fishing pole for there family or self? Thank you

Patrick Mccaslin

Wednesday 8th of June 2022

I am on welfare and I am a recipient of Eureka California Humboldt County interested in a free or discounted fishing license

Isaac

Wednesday 8th of June 2022

Information on this should be in the article above. Chat with Lira, she might be able to help! https://lowincomerelief.com/chat/