California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Home Fishing California Fishing Passport Angler Awards Warmwater Fishing Achievement and Recognition

California Fishing Passport
Warmwater Fishing Achievement and Recognition

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Warmwater fish can be found throughout California in urban and rural streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, and can provide excellent sport and good table fare. These fish have not only introduced millions to the sport of fishing, they continue to provide a lifetime of angling challenges for many!
Warmwater Fishing

Warmwater Anglers may qualify for three different awards:

  • California Fishing Passport Warmwater Angler
    Catch at least 6 different qualifying fish.
  • California Fishing Passport Accomplished Warmwater Angler
    Catch at least 12 different qualifying fish.
  • California Master Warmwater Angler
    Catch at least 25 different qualifying fish.

Which warmwater fish qualify?

Specifically:

  • American shad
  • Black bullhead
  • Black crappie
  • Blue catfish
  • Bluegill
  • Brown bullhead
  • Channel catfish
  • Common carp
  • Flathead catfish
  • Green sunfish
  • Largemouth bass
  • Pumpkinseed
  • Redear sunfish
  • Redeye bass
  • Sacramento perch
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Spotted bass
  • Striped bass
    landlocked or
    freshwater-caught only
  • Tilapia
  • Tule perch
  • White bass
  • White catfish
  • White crappie
  • White sturgeon
    freshwater-caught only
  • Warmouth
  • Yellow bullhead
  • Yellow perch
 

Only species listed in the California Fishing Passport as defined above and caught in California during 2006 or afterwards qualify for Warmwater Fishing awards.

What California Fishing Passport awards will I receive?

certificate
  • California Fishing Passport Warmwater Angler
    • Warmwater Angler award pin
    • Certificate of Recognition suitable for framing
  • California Fishing Passport Accomplished Warmwater Angler
    • Accomplished Warmwater Angler award pin
    • Certificate of Recognition suitable for framing
  • California Master Warmwater Angler
    • California Warmwater Master Angler pin
    • Certificate of Recognition suitable for framing
    • CDFW Director's Letter of Congratulations

How to apply for recognition:

California Fishing Passport
  1. Get your Passport book stamped at one of our Department offices or independent stamping agents. Each qualifying species must be fully documented and stamped in your California Fishing Passport. If you have trouble finding an agent, call us at (707) 964-5026.
  2. Make clear photocopies of your passport showing all the stamps earned towards your current level of achievement
  3. Print and fill out a California Fishing Passport Angler Award application. Adobe Reader required
  4. Send the photocopies and the signed application to the Department at:

    California Department of Fish and Wildlife
    California Fishing Passport Program
    32330 N. Harbor Drive
    Fort Bragg, CA 95437

NOTE: Anglers will soon be able to apply online for recognition! Check back soon for more details.

What is the ultimate level of achievement?

Supreme Master Angler

Become a California Supreme Master Angler by earning two or more of the following:

Visit the California Supreme Master Angler page for more information about achieving California Supreme Master Angler status.

Questions? E-mail passport@wildlife.ca.gov or call us at (707) 964-5026.

All decisions of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are final.

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