Is a permit needed to freshwater fishing in California?

In the state of California, a fishing license is required to catch fish in any public water, including lakes, rivers, streams, and the Pacific Ocean. Anyone aged 16 or older must have a valid California fishing license while fishing. Children under the age of 16 can fish without a license, but must be accompanied by an adult who has a valid license.

Fishing licenses can be purchased online, at most sporting goods stores, and at some county offices. The cost of a fishing license varies depending on the type of license and the length of time it is valid for.

In addition to a fishing license, some areas in California may also require a permit to fish. For example, a permit is required to fish in national parks and wildlife refuges. Permits can be obtained from the agency that manages the area where you plan to fish.