The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that everyone can catch an opportunity to fish throughout California without a fishing license on two free fishing days: Saturday, July 5, and Saturday, Aug. 30. “It’s a great excuse to relax next to a beautiful lake or river and enjoy the great outdoors, and you might go home with tasty fish to throw on the grill,” said the agency.
For those new to fishing, this is a chance to explore a rewarding and exciting new hobby, said CDFW. For licensed anglers, this is a chance to introduce or reintroduce someone else to the joys of becoming an angler. Free fishing days are also a perfect time for former anglers to return and reconnect to the activity.
Children 15 and younger can fish for free every day of the year in California, but free fishing days offer a time when families and friends can experience the hobby together.
Those interested in fishing California’s lakes, streams and rivers can find information about inland fishing locations and species on the CDFW website. Other helpful tools for anglers include the fish planting schedule, fishing guide and Recruit, Retain, Reactivate Program resources.
Dozens of bodies of water across the Golden State, including Lake Almanor, await anglers with catchable-size trout recently stocked by CDFW hatcheries staff.
All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect. CDFW encourages potential anglers to check rules and regulations for each water they plan to fish.
For new anglers who get “hooked” on fishing, the agency encourages everyone to purchase an annual sport fishing license. Revenue generated from license sales helps conserve fish populations and habitats while supporting California’s longstanding angling opportunities for future generations. Annual sport fishing licenses are now valid for a full 365 days from purchase. More information on licenses, validations and fees can be found on CDFW’s sport fishing licenses web page.
