Getting a Resident Fishing License

June 9, 2011

Question: I have homes in both California and Arizona. My primary residence is in Arizona but I have a boat and slip in California. Can I get a resident fishing license since I have a mailing address in California and I pay utilities and property taxes in California? I only fish a couple of days a year, but those days wouldn’t be consecutive so a temporary license doesn’t make sense. (Dwain L.)

Answer: California law is clear on the definition of a “resident.” A resident is defined as any person who has resided continuously in California for six months or more immediately before the date of application for a license, or persons on active military duty with the armed forces of the United States or an auxiliary branch or Job Corps enrollees.

If you cannot count yourself a California resident by this definition, you cannot purchase a California resident license. However, holders of a resident Arizona fishing license that has a California Colorado River Use Stamp affixed to it may take fish from a boat or other floating device on the Colorado River or adjacent waters that form the California-Arizona border.