Long Beach California Fishing: Pier, Harbor, Surf & License Tips
Fishing in Long Beach depends on one thing first: where exactly are you standing? Belmont Pier, Shoreline Village piers, Shoreline Aquatic Park piers, Pier J, Alamitos Bay jetties, marina docks, surf beaches, boats and kayaks do not all follow the same license and access rules.
This guide gives quick answers first, then official CDFW and City of Long Beach checks for license needs, public-pier exceptions, harbor restrictions, 2026 fees, local water quality, eating-fish advisories, maps, phone numbers and safe trip planning.
Fast Answer: Do You Need a Fishing License in Long Beach?
Usually yes if you are age 16 or older and fishing from the beach, surf, rocks, boat, kayak, float tube, marina edge, harbor shoreline or any nonqualifying structure. Usually no base license when recreationally fishing from a CDFW-listed public ocean or bay pier, but all size, bag, season, gear and report-card rules still apply.
What This Upgraded Article Fixes
The earlier version had useful facts, but it still felt like a long article. This version works more like a fishing decision dashboard.
More Local
Adds the full CDFW Long Beach pier list, not only Belmont Pier.
Less Generic
Separates pier, surf, jetty, marina, boat, kayak and harbor-edge situations.
More Useful
Adds “what to do now” blocks, trip checks, phone scripts and exact mistakes.
Official Details Inside
Extracts CDFW pier rules, 2026 fees, report-card warnings, water quality and marina restrictions into the page.
Better Safety
Adds water-quality checks, rain advisory logic and fish-consumption advisory steps.
Cleaner Video
Uses a direct official CDFW pier-fishing video embed instead of an unreliable search-result iframe.
CDFW-Listed Long Beach Public Piers, Jetties and Breakwaters
CDFW’s public-pier list includes several Long Beach locations. A fishing license is not required only when you are recreationally fishing from a qualifying public pier in ocean or bay waters. CDFW also warns that landowners may close piers, jetties or breakwaters for safety, maintenance or other reasons.
| CDFW-Listed Long Beach Location | License Meaning | Best Use | Important Local Warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont Pier, Long Beach | Public-pier exception may apply when open and used from the pier. | Beginner pier fishing, strolling, casual ocean fishing. | City page notes renovation/repair work; verify access before travel. |
| Shoreline Village Pier 1 | Listed by CDFW as a Los Angeles County public pier location. | Downtown waterfront pier-style access where open and allowed. | Follow Shoreline Village, City and posted access rules. |
| Shoreline Village Pier 2 | Listed by CDFW as a public pier location. | Short downtown sessions if access and signs allow. | Do not assume nearby marina docks are legal fishing spots. |
| Shoreline Village Pier 3 | Listed by CDFW as a public pier location. | Pier fishing near downtown attractions. | Check current public access and local signs first. |
| Shoreline Aquatic Park Pier 1 | Listed by CDFW as a public pier location. | Downtown pier-style fishing where open. | Nearby promenade, walls or non-pier structures may not qualify. |
| Shoreline Aquatic Park Pier 2 | Listed by CDFW as a public pier location. | Public waterfront access where posted rules allow. | A license exception does not cancel bag, size, season or report-card rules. |
| Pier J Fishing Pier South | Listed by CDFW as a public pier location. | Port/harbor-side fishing where open. | Verify current port/security/access conditions before driving. |
| Pier J Fishing Pier North | Listed by CDFW as a public pier location. | Port/harbor-side fishing where open. | Follow posted access, parking and safety restrictions. |
| Warehouse One Pier | Listed by CDFW as a public pier location. | Harbor/port access where open to the public. | Check current access before planning a trip. |
| Alamitos Bay Jetty East | Public jetty/breakwater rules may apply only on the qualifying structure. | Jetty fishing when access is legal and safe. | CDFW notes the adjacent rock wall touching land requires a fishing license. |
| Alamitos Bay (72nd Street) Jetty West | Public jetty/breakwater rules may apply only on the qualifying structure. | Jetty fishing near Alamitos Bay where open. | CDFW notes the adjacent rock wall touching land requires a fishing license. |
Long Beach Fishing License Rules by Exact Spot
This is the fastest way to decide what you need before fishing.
| Where You Are Fishing | Base License? | Ocean Enhancement? | What Still Applies? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDFW-listed public pier | Usually not required for recreational fishing from the pier. | Not required because the ocean stamp applies where a license is required. | Bag limits, size limits, seasons, gear restrictions, report cards, two-rod/two-line pier limit. |
| Surf or beach | Usually required for age 16+. | Usually yes in Long Beach if using a 365-day or ten-day license. | Tides, MPAs, species limits, beach water quality and OEHHA eating advice. |
| Adjacent rock wall touching land | Usually required unless CDFW specifically lists it as qualifying. | Usually yes where a license is required. | Safety, access signs, species rules and public/private restrictions. |
| Boat, kayak or float tube | Usually required for age 16+. | Usually yes in Long Beach ocean waters unless using a one-day/two-day license. | MPAs, depth rules, CDFW ocean regulations, report cards, safety equipment. |
| Long Beach marina docks, walls or fingers | A license does not make prohibited access legal. | Not the main issue if fishing is prohibited there. | Long Beach marina rules prohibit fishing from marina walls, docks or fingers. |
| Fishing pier or vessel berthed at slip | Depends on whether it is a qualifying public pier or a vessel/other situation. | Check if license is required. | Marina rules, vessel rules, CDFW rules and posted signs. |
| Free Fishing Day | Base license not required on CDFW free fishing days. | Base license not required that day, but all other rules still apply. | Report cards, bag limits, size limits, closures, gear rules and local access rules. |
2026 CDFW License Fees That Matter for Long Beach Anglers
Long Beach does not have its own city fishing license. Use CDFW’s California sport fishing license system, then add only the items your Long Beach trip actually needs.
| CDFW Item | 2026 Fee | Long Beach Use Case | Buy / Skip Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident 365-Day Sport Fishing License | $64.54 | California resident age 16+ fishing surf, boat, kayak, harbor shoreline or non-pier areas. | Best for repeat local anglers. |
| Nonresident 365-Day Sport Fishing License | $174.14 | Visitor who fishes California often. | Compare against short-term licenses for one vacation. |
| One-Day Sport Fishing License | $21.09 | Single-day surf, boat, kayak or non-pier Long Beach trip. | Exempt from Ocean Enhancement Validation. |
| Two-Day Sport Fishing License | $32.40 | Two consecutive Long Beach or nearby coastal fishing days. | Also exempt from Ocean Enhancement Validation. |
| Ten-Day Nonresident License | $64.54 | Visitor fishing up to ten consecutive days. | Ocean Enhancement may still apply where a license is required. |
| Ocean Enhancement Validation | $7.30 | Long Beach ocean fishing where a license is required. | Not required from a qualifying public pier or with a one-day/two-day license. |
| Spiny Lobster Report Card | $12.70 | Anyone taking spiny lobster. | Physical report card and reporting rules matter, including for pier/free-day/youth situations. |
| Recreational Crab Trap Validation | $2.98 | Using recreational crab traps. | Not the same as hoop nets or crab loop traps. |
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier: Practical Planning Card
Belmont Pier is the main Long Beach pier most searchers mean. The City lists it as a popular site for fishing and strolling, with sport fishing accessed at the end of the pier, plus a snack stand and bait shop.
Address
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, 35 39th Place, Long Beach, CA 90803.
Fishing Access
City page says sport fishing can be accessed at the end of the pier.
Bait / Snack Note
City page lists a snack stand and bait shop at the pier area. Verify current hours before depending on it.
Renovation Check
The City page notes pier renovation and repair work. Check current access before driving.
Bring a Pier Net
CDFW says you need a license if you go down to the beach to land a fish hooked from a pier. A pier net helps avoid that issue.
Rod Limit
CDFW says no more than two rods and lines, two handlines, or two crab-taking appliances per person on a public pier.
Long Beach Harbor, Marina and Dock Rules
This is a major missing piece in many generic Long Beach fishing articles. A California license does not override City marina rules, private dock rules or posted no-fishing areas.
Where Marina Fishing Is Not Allowed
- Long Beach marina rules state no person shall fish from the walls, docks or fingers of Long Beach marinas.
- Swimming is also not permitted in Long Beach marinas.
- Do not block slips, ramps, walkways, marina work areas or emergency access.
- Follow posted signs even if a nearby public pier is listed by CDFW.
Where Fishing May Be Allowed
- Fishing is permitted only from fishing piers or vessels berthed at slips under the marina rules.
- CDFW-listed public piers may qualify for the public-pier license exception when open.
- Boat or kayak fishing generally requires the California license for age 16+.
- Call the marina if your plan depends on dock, slip, pier or harbor-wall access.
Pier, Beach, Jetty and Surf Mistakes to Avoid
These are the exact mistakes that make a Long Beach article helpful instead of generic.
| Mistake | Correct Rule | Best Action |
|---|---|---|
| “All piers are license-free.” | Only qualifying public piers in ocean or bay waters get the base-license exception. | Use CDFW’s list/map and check local open/closed status. |
| “If I hook fish on a pier, I can land it from the beach.” | CDFW says you need a valid license if you go down to the beach to land it. | Use a pier net for larger fish. |
| “The Alamitos Bay rock wall is the same as the jetty.” | CDFW notes adjacent rock walls touching land can require a fishing license. | Stand only on the qualifying structure or buy the license. |
| “Ocean Enhancement is always needed.” | It applies south of Point Arguello where a license is required, but not from qualifying public piers and not with one-day/two-day licenses. | Match it to your license type and spot. |
| “A license lets me fish any marina dock.” | Long Beach marina rules prohibit fishing from marina walls, docks or fingers. | Use designated fishing piers or legal vessel access. |
| “Free Fishing Day means no rules.” | Only the base license requirement is waived; report cards, closures, size limits and bag limits still apply. | Check species and report-card rules before keeping fish. |
Common Long Beach Species: What to Check Before Keeping Fish
CDFW Southern Region ocean summaries help anglers know what to verify before keeping fish. Regulations can change, so use this as a check-list, not a permanent rulebook.
| Species / Group | Current CDFW Southern Snapshot | Long Beach Usefulness |
|---|---|---|
| California halibut | Open year-round; south of Point Sur daily bag/possession limit is five fish; minimum size 22 inches total length. | Common surf, harbor and boat target. Measure before keeping. |
| Kelp bass, barred sand bass, spotted sand bass | Open year-round; five fish combined, with no more than four barred sand bass; minimum 14 inches total length or 10 inches alternate length. | Important for harbor and boat/kayak anglers. |
| White seabass | Open year-round; three fish, except only one south of Point Conception from March 15-June 15; minimum 28 inches total or 20 inches alternate length. | Know identification and size before keeping. |
| Surfperch | Open year-round; 20 fish in combination, not more than 10 of any one species; shiner perch has a separate 20-fish limit. | Useful for surf and pier anglers; check species ID. |
| California sheephead | Open to divers and shore-based anglers year-round; boat-based anglers have specific 2026 dates; two fish, 12-inch minimum. | Boat/kayak anglers should check season status before keeping. |
| California grunion | Open July 1, 2026-March 31, 2027; 30-fish limit; hand take only; no holes may be dug to trap fish. | Popular beach-search intent; license and local beach rules can still matter. |
| Rock crab | Check CDFW invertebrate and crab rules before using gear or keeping crab. | Trap validation, hoop-net rules and pier appliance limits can differ. |
Water Quality and Eating Fish in Long Beach
Long Beach is an urban coast, harbor and bay area. Searchers need safety guidance, not just license advice.
Beach Monitoring
Long Beach has about 7 miles of public beaches and bays. The City collects and tests water samples to monitor bacterial levels.
After Rain
Avoid water contact after rain events, especially near storm drains, river mouths, streams and posted warning areas.
Eating Catch
OEHHA fish advisories recommend how often fish caught from specific California waters can be safely eaten.
| Safety Check | Why It Matters | Action Before Fishing |
|---|---|---|
| Long Beach recreational water samples | Bacterial levels can change with urban runoff, storm drains, bay conditions and closures. | Check Long Beach beach water status before water contact or surf fishing. |
| Rain advisory | Bacteria can rise significantly during and after rainstorms. | Avoid water contact after rain and follow posted signs. |
| OEHHA advisory area | The Santa Monica Beach south of Santa Monica Pier to Seal Beach Pier advisory includes many Long Beach-area fish species. | Check species-specific eating advice before eating local catch. |
| Shellfish / biotoxins | Marine biotoxins and shellfish advisories can be separate from license rules. | Check CDFW/CDPH/OEHHA health advisories before harvesting shellfish or eating high-risk species. |
| Posted signs | Local closures can happen faster than any article update. | Obey beach, pier, harbor, marina and water-quality signs first. |
Beginner Setup and Long Beach Local Tips
This section answers what beginners actually wonder before their first Long Beach trip.
Start Easy
Choose a CDFW-listed public pier first if you want the simplest license path and easiest access.
Fish Moving Water
For pier, surf and harbor-style fishing, moving tide often beats flat slack water. Check tide timing before paying for parking.
Use a Pier Net
A pier net helps land bigger fish without stepping onto the beach and changing your license situation.
Read Signs First
Long Beach marina, beach, pier and port signs can restrict fishing even where maps look promising.
Refresh CDFW App
If you need a license, refresh the CDFW License App before fishing. Screenshots are not valid proof.
Eating Catch
Decide whether you are catch-and-release or keeping fish before you go. If keeping fish, check OEHHA advice first.
Map, Official Contacts and Phone Scripts
Belmont Pier and City Contacts
- Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier: 35 39th Place, Long Beach, CA 90803.
- Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine: 562-570-3100.
- Long Beach Shoreline Marina: 450 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802.
- Shoreline Marina phone: 562-570-4950.
- Beach water quality office: 562-570-4132, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Water Quality Information Line: 562-570-4199.
CDFW and Safety Contacts
- CDFW License and Revenue Branch: 916-928-5805.
- CDFW online license support: 800-549-6868, 4 a.m.-midnight Pacific, Monday-Sunday.
- CDFW headquarters: 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
- CalTIP violations: 1-888-334-2258.
- OEHHA fish advisory contact: Fish@oehha.ca.gov.
- Shellfish Biotoxin Information Line: 800-553-4133.
Call Script: Pier Access
“Hi, I’m planning to fish at Belmont Pier. Is the pier currently open for recreational fishing, are any sections closed for repair, and is the bait/snack stand operating today?”
Call Script: Marina Access
“Hi, I want to confirm fishing access. Are there any designated fishing piers or legal fishing areas near this marina, and are docks, walls or fingers closed to fishing?”
Helpful Official CDFW Video: How to Fish From a Pier
CDFW lists this pier-fishing video as a useful “how to fish” resource. It fits Long Beach because public-pier rules are the biggest source of license confusion. VideoObject schema is not added because a verified uploadDate was not available from the official source view.
Official and Related Links for Long Beach Anglers
These links are placed after the useful answers so readers understand what to do before leaving the page.
Long Beach California Fishing FAQ
Do I need a fishing license at Belmont Pier in Long Beach?
A base California sport fishing license is usually not required when recreationally fishing from Belmont Pier because CDFW lists Belmont Pier, Long Beach as a public pier location. All size, bag, season, gear and report-card rules still apply.
What Long Beach piers are listed by CDFW?
CDFW’s Los Angeles County list includes Belmont Pier, Shoreline Village Piers 1-3, Shoreline Aquatic Park Piers 1-2, Pier J Fishing Pier North and South, Warehouse One Pier, and Alamitos Bay jetty locations with adjacent-rock-wall warnings.
Do I need a license for Long Beach surf fishing?
Yes, anglers age 16 or older usually need a California sport fishing license when fishing from Long Beach surf or beach areas because the public-pier exception does not apply to normal beach fishing.
Do I need Ocean Enhancement in Long Beach?
Ocean Enhancement is required in ocean waters south of Point Arguello where a sport fishing license is required. Long Beach is south of Point Arguello, so check this add-on for surf, boat, kayak or non-pier fishing. It is not required from a qualifying public pier or with a one-day/two-day license.
Can I fish from Long Beach marina docks?
No person may fish from the walls, docks or fingers of Long Beach marinas under the City marina rules. Fishing is permitted only from fishing piers or vessels berthed at slips where allowed.
Where is Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier?
The City of Long Beach lists Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier at 35 39th Place, Long Beach, CA 90803.
Is Belmont Pier open for fishing?
The City page lists Belmont Pier as a popular site for fishing and strolling, with sport fishing accessed at the end of the pier, but it also notes renovation and repair work. Check current City notices before going.
Can I go down to the beach to land a fish hooked from a pier?
No. CDFW says a fishing license is required when fishing everywhere except a public pier, even if the fish was hooked on the pier and you go down to the beach to land it. Use a pier net for larger fish.
How many rods can I use on a Long Beach public pier?
CDFW says no more than two rods and lines, two handlines, or two nets, traps or other crab-taking appliances may be used per person on a public pier. Species-specific gear restrictions still apply.
Are Alamitos Bay jetties license-free?
CDFW lists Alamitos Bay Jetty East and Alamitos Bay 72nd Street Jetty West, but notes that adjacent rock walls touching land require a fishing license. Stand on the qualifying structure or buy the license if unsure.
Should I check Long Beach water quality before fishing?
Yes. Long Beach monitors recreational water quality and tests beach and bay water for bacterial levels. Check beach status before water contact, especially after rain or near storm drains.
Is it safe to eat fish caught in Long Beach?
Check OEHHA fish consumption advisories before eating local catch. Advisory guidance varies by species, water body and person group, especially in urban coastal and harbor-influenced areas.
Do kids need a Long Beach fishing license?
Children under 16 generally do not need the base California sport fishing license, but report-card rules can still apply for species such as spiny lobster, steelhead, sturgeon or certain salmon fisheries.
What is the best beginner fishing spot in Long Beach?
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is usually the simplest beginner option because it is city-listed for fishing access and CDFW lists Belmont Pier as a public pier. Still check access, signs, water quality and current CDFW rules before fishing.
What should I check before a Long Beach fishing trip?
Check your exact spot, public-pier status, license need, Ocean Enhancement need, posted signs, pier access, CDFW Southern ocean regulations, Long Beach beach water quality, OEHHA eating advice, parking and weather/tide conditions.
Final Take: Match the Long Beach Spot to the Rule
CDFW-listed pier?
Base license usually not required, but rules and report cards still apply.
Beach, surf or rocks?
Plan on needing a California sport fishing license if age 16+.
Boat or kayak?
License, Ocean Enhancement, MPAs, app proof and species rules all matter.
Marina dock?
Long Beach marina rules prohibit fishing from marina docks, walls and fingers.
Keeping fish?
Check CDFW limits and OEHHA eating advice before taking fish home.
Best next action
Verify the exact spot, buy through CDFW if needed, check water quality, then fish legally.