Complete Guide to Lake Tahoe Fishing Licenses (2025)
Planning a fishing trip to Lake Tahoe? This quick guide will help you understand how to get a fishing license and make sure you’re following the rules, so you can enjoy your time on the water without any issues.
Table of Contents
1. Which License Do You Need?
Lake Tahoe straddles the California–Nevada border, creating a unique situation for fishing licenses. The good news? You can use either a California or Nevada fishing license anywhere on the lake. However, understanding where you’re fishing can help you make the best choice:
- Fishing on the California side: California sport fishing license
- Includes popular spots like Emerald Bay, Sugar Pine Point, and Meeks Bay
- Also covers fishing in Taylor Creek and other California tributaries
- Fishing on the Nevada side: Nevada fishing license or Interstate Boundary Waters permit
- Covers areas like Sand Harbor, Incline Beach, and Zephyr Cove
- Applies to all Nevada tributaries flowing into the lake
- Fishing from a boat in the middle of the lake: Either license works
- The state line runs roughly down the middle of the lake
- Popular boat fishing spots include the deep waters around Crystal Bay and the center of the lake
Pro tip: If you plan to fish multiple days on both sides, choose the license that best suits your plans or offers better pricing for your situation. Nevada licenses are generally more affordable for non-residents.
2. Where to Buy a License
California License Options:
- Online: wildlife.ca.gov (instant digital license available 24/7)
- Fastest option – receive your license immediately via email
- Create an account to track your purchases and access your license anytime
- In person:
- Sporting goods stores: Walmart, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Local bait shops: Many around Lake Tahoe sell licenses (call ahead to confirm)
- CDFW offices: Limited locations but professional staff can answer questions
Nevada License Options:
- Online: ndowlicensing.com or via the NDOW mobile app
- Download the app for easy access to your license while on the water
- The app allows you to purchase and store your license digitally
- Phone: (855) 542-6369
- Available 7 AM to 6 PM (PST), Monday through Friday
- Have your credit card and personal information ready
- In person:
- Local sporting goods stores: Most in the Lake Tahoe area carry licenses
- Tackle shops: Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters, Tahoe Sports Hut, and others
- NDOW offices: Reno office is the closest to Lake Tahoe
3. License Fees (2025)
| License Type | California Resident | CA Non-Resident | Nevada Resident | NV Non-Resident |
| One-Day License | $20.52 | $20.52 | $10 | $19 |
| Two-Day License | $31.58 | $31.58 | – | – |
| Ten-Day License (CA only) | – | $62.90 | – | – |
| Annual License | $62.90 | $169.82 | $41 | $81 |
| Youth Combo (NV, age 12–17) | – | – | $15 | $15 |
| Disabled Vet / Senior License | ~$10 | ~$10 | $15 | – |
Fees may vary slightly by vendor or include processing charges of $1-3.
Money-saving tips:
- Nevada’s annual non-resident license ($81) becomes cost-effective after 5-6 days of fishing
- California’s 10-day license is perfect for week-long vacations
- Disabled veterans and seniors get significant discounts in both states
4. Age Rules and Special Considerations
- Under 16: No license required in either state
- Children can fish without supervision requirements
- They still must follow all bag limits and regulations
- Ages 12–15 in Nevada: Need a youth fishing license
- Required even on free fishing days
- Lifetime licenses available for Nevada residents
- 16+: Must carry a valid fishing license while fishing
- License must be readily accessible (not locked in a car)
- Digital licenses on phones are perfectly acceptable
5. Important Regulations & Report Cards
General Regulations:
- Bag Limits: Generally 5 fish daily limit (some species vary)
- Gear Restrictions:
- No live minnows or other live fish as bait (to protect native species)
- Barbless hooks recommended for catch-and-release
- Some areas restrict to artificial lures only
- Seasonal Closures: Check for spawning season restrictions
California-Specific Requirements:
- Report Cards: Required for species like:
- Sturgeon (even though rare in Lake Tahoe)
- Steelhead and salmon
- Required even for kids under 16 or on free fishing days
- Second Rod Validation: $19.70 allows fishing with two rods
- Spiny Ray Validation: May be required for certain species
Where to Check Current Regulations:
- Nevada: NDOW.org
- California: wildlife.ca.gov
- Local regulations can change seasonally
6. Free Fishing Days
California:
- Two free fishing days per year (dates vary; typically one in summer and one in early fall)
- Check wildlife.ca.gov for exact dates
- All regulations still apply, only the license requirement is waived
Nevada:
- Second Saturday in June (National Free Fishing Day)
- Perfect for families wanting to try fishing before committing to licenses
- Popular spots get crowded, so arrive early
7. How to Show Proof
After purchasing your license:
- Digital licenses are valid: Save to your phone’s photos or download the official app
- Screenshot option: Take a clear photo showing all license details
- Printed copies: Some vendors provide these, or you can print your digital license
- Must be readily available: Keep it where you can quickly show an officer
Important: Never leave your license in the car while fishing. Game wardens can issue citations even for temporary lapses.
Quick Tips for Success
Before You Go:
- Purchase your license online before leaving home to avoid delays
- Download offline maps showing the state boundary
- Check weather and road conditions (especially in winter)
License Strategy:
- Nevada licenses are usually cheaper for short trips
- California 10-day licenses are great for vacation rentals
- Consider your fishing plans: shore fishing vs. boat fishing
Local Knowledge:
- Ask bait shop staff about recent catches and regulations
- Join local fishing forums for real-time updates
- Respect private property around the lake
Safety Reminders:
- Lake Tahoe’s water stays cold year-round (even in summer)
- Afternoon winds can make boating dangerous
- Let someone know your fishing plans
Kate Clabeaux is a seasoned ski professional and outdoor educator based in Olympic Valley, California. With over eight years of experience in the industry, she currently serves as a Training Supervisor at Palisades Tahoe, where she helps instructors and coaches sharpen their teaching skills, refine their technique, and achieve professional certifications. Kate has been with Palisades Tahoe for over seven years, working as a Ski Instructor, Resort Trainer, and now leading training efforts across the resort.
Originally from the Bay Area and holding a B.S. in Environmental Science from UC Berkeley, Kate has a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors. She has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, rafted the Grand Canyon, and is an advocate for growing female representation in snow sports. When she’s not on the mountain, she enjoys mountain biking, backcountry skiing, hiking with her dog, and gardening at home in Truckee.
Kate brings a unique blend of technical expertise, mentorship, and love for adventure to everything she does, whether it’s coaching on snow or sharing stories from the trail.