Arizona vs California fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, California is $1.51 cheaper than Arizona. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Arizona is $119.14 cheaper than California. You need a license from age 10 in Arizona and from 16 in California.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | Arizona | California |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $20 | $21.09 |
| 3 days | $55 | $53.49 |
| 7 days | $55 | $64.54 |
| 1 year | $55 | $174.14 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $37 | $64.54 |
| Prices for | 2026 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| Arizona | California | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 10 | 16 |
| Senior residents | Resident lifetime fishing license (age 62 and over): $296 (ages 62+) | Lifetime sport fishing license (ages 62+): $709 (ages 62+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | None | None |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Sat, Jul 3, 2027 Sat, Sep 4, 2027 Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license |
| License on your phone | – | Accepted |
| Annual licenses last | 12 months from purchase | 12 months from purchase |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Arizona fishing license · California fishing license
Shared waters
Colorado River boundary waters (Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu) (Arizona rules)
Privileges that used to need a separate Colorado River stamp are now included in Arizona fishing licenses for the California and Nevada boundary waters. Check the reciprocal rules before fishing from a boat or the far shore. Secondary source: Arizona Fishing Regulations (eRegulations)
Colorado River (California–Arizona) (California rules)
A valid California or Arizona sport fishing license lets you fish from either shore of the stretch of the Colorado River that forms the California–Arizona boundary. The old Colorado River Special Use Validation ended after 2013. Official source
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | Arizona | California |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass |
| Trout |
bag 4 in any combination (Statewide; 1 more) |
bag 5 (10 in possession) (Lakes, reservoirs and ponds; 1 more) |
| Crappie |
bag Unlimited |
Crappie and sunfish |
| Catfish |
Channel and flathead catfish |
Catfish and bullhead |
| Striped bass |
bag 10 (Statewide; 1 more) |
18" minimum; bag 2 (Statewide; 1 more) |
Questions
Is a Arizona fishing license valid in California?
No. Each state needs its own license, except on shared waters covered by a border agreement: Colorado River boundary waters (Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu); Colorado River (California–Arizona).
Which is cheaper for visitors, Arizona or California?
1 day (fresh water): Arizona $20, California $21.09. 1 year (fresh water): Arizona $55, California $174.14.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Arizona and California?
You need a license from age 10 in Arizona and from 16 in California.