Fishing Regulations in California
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official California fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
California requires a sport fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available, along with 10-day and 2-day short-term options. Ocean enhancement and report card stamps may be required for certain species like steelhead and sturgeon.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 12 inches minimum | Year-round (some waters have seasonal closures) | California regulations are complex and vary by district and water body. Always consult the current California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations booklet before fishing. |
| spotted-bass | 5 per day (combined with largemouth) | 12 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| rainbow-trout | 5 per day | No minimum (varies by water) | Last Saturday in April through November 15 (general) | |
| striped-bass | 2 per day | 18 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| channel-catfish | No limit in many waters | No minimum | Year-round | |
| crappie | 25 per day | No minimum | Year-round | |
| carp | No limit | No minimum | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round (some waters have seasonal closures)
Notes: California regulations are complex and vary by district and water body. Always consult the current California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations booklet before fishing.
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined with largemouth)
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: No minimum (varies by water)
Season: Last Saturday in April through November 15 (general)
Bag Limit: 2 per day
Size Limit: 18 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: No limit in many waters
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 25 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: No limit
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Clear Lake
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, crappie, bluegill, channel-catfish, carp
Lake Castaic
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, rainbow-trout, bluegill, channel-catfish
California Delta
riverSpecies: largemouth-bass, striped-bass, channel-catfish, bluegill, crappie
Don Pedro Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, spotted-bass, rainbow-trout, crappie, channel-catfish
Shasta Lake
reservoirSpecies: largemouth-bass, spotted-bass, rainbow-trout, crappie, channel-catfish
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 21 lbs 12 oz | 1991 | Castaic Lake |
| spotted-bass | 10 lbs 4 oz | 2001 | Pine Flat Reservoir |
| rainbow-trout | 27 lbs 2 oz | 2013 | Lake Natoma |
| striped-bass | 67 lbs 8 oz | 1992 | O'Neill Forebay |
| channel-catfish | 53 lbs 8 oz | 2008 | Lake Jennings |
| crappie | 4 lbs 1 oz | 1975 | New Hogan Reservoir |
| bluegill | 3 lbs 14 oz | 1991 | Lower Otay Lake |
| carp | 52 lbs | 1968 | Lake Nacimiento |