The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced two upcoming free fishing days that will allow California anglers to cast out on a local lake or stream without needing a state fishing license.
CDFW has designated two upcoming Saturdays, July 5 and Aug. 30, as official free fishing days at bodies of water across the state. The license-free fishing days are meant to promote outdoorsmanship and build interest in a potential lifelong hobby.
Anglers can discover (or rediscover) California fishing spots, introduce newcomers to the sport, or simply enjoy a family outing along the rivers and streams where rainbow trout, largemouth bass or Kokanee salmon swim.
CDFW has stocked dozens of bodies of water in California with “catchable-size trout,” including Big Bear Lake, Shaver Lake, Stoney Creek in Tulare County, and Burney Creek in Shasta County.
Although fishing can be done without a license during these designated free fishing days, state regulations remain in place that restrict the type of gear used, how many fish can be kept per day, and which hours local streams are open.
CDFW says those planning an outing should check local regulations depending on where they intend to cast. Anglers looking to catch specific species like steelhead and sturgeon will need to obtain a special report card before throwing a line.
Fish and Wildlife also has information about inland fishing locations and species, as well as guidelines about year-round fishing at local piers and breakwaters along the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
It also offers a “Fishing in the City” program, which provides resources for city dwellers to find fishing spots in metropolitan areas.
If you get hooked on California fishing and want to give it a try more often than twice a year, a California sport fishing license costs about $63 with proceeds going toward conservation and protecting the activity for future generations.
Children 15 and under can fish for free throughout the year.
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