About the California Fishing Passport

The California Fishing Passport program encourages participants to more fully experience the fishing opportunities the Golden State offers! Participants are challenged to fish their way around the state in search of a variety of popular fresh and saltwater finfish and shellfish species. Using this passport as a guide, anglers are encouraged to get out, go fishing, and try to catch one of every species listed. For each successful catch, participants can document each achievement and become eligible for awards.

The California Fishing Passport program is intended to provide adventure-seeking anglers with years of recreational opportunities, and to highlight and promote the many unique and diverse fishery resources available throughout California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the Fishing Passport program?

Anyone with valid California fishing license. Youth 15 years old and younger do not need a fishing license to participate.

Additionally, California offers two Free Fishing Days annually where participants may fish without a sport fishing license (all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect).

How can anglers verify their catches and get stamps for their passports?

At this time, physical stamps have been discontinued.

For each new species caught, verify the species, take a photo of the fish (if possible), and fill in the catch report section of the passport book with all the data requested. If a camera is unavailable or if no photo is taken, the angler may have a fishing partner or another witness who is present certify the authenticity of the species caught by signing their name on the witness line for that species in the book.

To record your catch and progress toward the California Fishing Passport, email a photo of your catch and a snapshot of the completed species submission page to Passport@wildlife.ca.gov.

Catch-and-release is encouraged where appropriate/required, but released fish must be verified by photo or witness signature in the passport book.

Why has this program been established and why is CDFW promoting it?

California is a state of remarkable outdoor recreational opportunities with an unrivaled diversity of fishing, boating and outdoor experiences. The California Fishing Passport program exists to provide the motivation, community, and information people need to get outside and enjoy the host of benefits California's outdoor recreational opportunities offer.

California is known for its diverse and extensive fishing opportunities, with 1,100 miles of ocean coastline, 220,000 square miles of ocean waters, 4,172 lakes and reservoirs, 29,664 miles of streams and rivers, and 1,800 miles of bay and delta waters, the state offers a significant range of fishing options for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

What are the major benefits of this program?

California offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the country. This program helps guide anglers on fishing adventures across the state, providing a full range of experiences in California's beautiful fishing locations! Some of these benefits include:

Quality time with family and friends in the outdoors
Knowledge and skill building
Funding contributions to conservation through license sales
Ethical fishing practices and concepts of conservation
Appreciation for California's aquatic and fishery resources