Public pier
No license
Lines
2 max
Limits & seasons
Still apply
Lake piers
License needed
Last checked Oct 25, 2026 · Rules change. Confirm with the official sources below.
Closed right now: Berkeley Pier and Pacifica Pier. Details
Quick answer
No license
You don't need a California fishing license on a public pier in ocean or bay waters. CDFW FAQ
Still apply
Size limits, bag limits, seasons and report cards all still apply. Only the license is waived. CDFW pier rules
Lakes
Lake and reservoir piers (like Lake Chabot) don't count. Inland waters need a license if you're 16+. CA.gov
What counts as a "public pier"
Under California rules (CCR Title 14, §1.88), a public pier has to:
- Be connected to the shoreline
- Allow free, unrestricted public access
- Be built for, or mainly used for, fishing
Jetties and breakwaters only count if they're publicly owned and form the outermost protective edge of an ocean harbor. Other jetties and rock walls need a license.
Rules that still apply on a pier
| Topic | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Limits & seasons | Minimum sizes, bag limits, seasons and report cards all apply. | CDFW |
| Number of lines | No more than 2 rods and lines, 2 handlines, or 2 crab nets/traps actively in use per person. You can bring more rods, but fish only 2 at a time. | CDFW (§28.65(b)) |
| Salmon | Only 1 rod in ocean waters. Barbless hooks on lures; barbless circle hooks with bait. | CDFW |
| Crabs & lobster on hook and line | Release right away. | CDFW |
| Landing a fish on the beach | Walking down to the beach to land a fish needs a license. | CDFW |
| Ocean Enhancement Validation | Not required on a public pier. | CDFW |
| SF & San Pablo Bay piers | Golden Gate Bridge to west Carquinez Bridge: only 2 lines, 2 handlines, or 2 nets/traps per person. Species rules still apply. | CDFW |
| Rockfish, lingcod & others | Pier and shore anglers are exempt from groundfish seasons and depth limits. Rockfish, cabezon and greenling: 10 combined, no minimum size (copper 1, vermilion 2, canary 2; never quillback, yelloweye, cowcod, bronzespotted). Lingcod: 2, 22 in min. CDFW table updated Jun 23, 2026; verified Nov 4, 2026. | CDFW |
Bay Area piers: what's closed right now
Closed
Berkeley Pier. Closed since 2015 for structural damage. The city is planning a new pier with ferry service; fishing access hasn't been confirmed. City of Berkeley (Jan 2026)
Closed
Pacifica Pier. Closed June 4, 2026 after cracking near the base. No reopening date. City of Pacifica · Almanac
Check
Other Bay Area piers: UNVERIFIED Check CDFW's list and the pier owner's site before you go. Owners can close piers any time.
What people get wrong
"No license means no rules."
Size limits, bag limits and seasons still apply on the pier.
"Any pier works."
Only public piers on ocean or bay water. Lake and reservoir piers need a license.
"The jetty next to the pier counts too."
Only if it's the outermost harbor jetty. Most rock walls need a license.
"I'll climb down to the sand to land it."
Stepping off the pier to land a fish needs a license.
"Berkeley and Pacifica are the go-to piers."
Both are closed right now.