Anyone interested in fishing in California lakes or streams can take up the hobby for free, at least for two days this summer, when the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Department waives fishing license requirements.
On those free fishing days — which land on Saturday, July 6, and Saturday, Aug. 31 — the public can fish throughout the Golden State without a fishing license.
California offers free fishing to children 15 and younger throughout the year, but free fishing days are when families and friends can experience the hobby together, according to a Fish and Wildlife Department press release.
Where are the best places to fish in California?
According to the outdoors website Wildnerness Today and the Salted Angler, the best places to fish in California are:
- San Joaquin Delta: Known for bass, catfish, stripers, sturgeon, bluegill, common carp, steelhead and king salmon
- Yosemite National Park: Excellent for trout fishing
- Lake Tahoe: Ideal for mackinaw (lake trout) fishing
- Half Moon Bay State Beach: Great for surf fishing in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Smith River: A top spot for salmon fishing in the Klamath Mountains
The CDFW website provides information about inland fishing locations and species for those interested in fishing California’s lakes, streams and rivers.
Information about year-round free fishing opportunities is also available on specific piers, jetties and breakwaters along the coast.
Are the usual rules and regulations in place during free fishing days in California?
All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures, remain in effect during the two free California fishing days, according to the CDFW press release.
The department encourages potential anglers to check rules and regulations before heading out on fishing trips.
In addition, CDFW’s Fishing in the City program offers various other programs. This program focuses on teaching Californians how and where to fish in metropolitan areas. General information about the program can be found on the CDFW website.
How do you get a California fishing license?
To obtain a California fishing license, you have a few options:
- Online: Visit the CDFW website, which lets you purchase resident and non-resident fishing licenses online.
- Local Agents: Visit any local license agent located throughout the state.
- CDFW License Offices: Head to any CDFW License Office for in-person assistance.
Sport fishing licenses are now valid for 365 days from purchase.
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