Free Fishing

August 10, 2023

Question: I live in another state. If I’m visiting California, can I participate in one of CDFW’s free fishing days?

Answer: Yes, you can! CDFW offers two free fishing days per year ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/free-fishing-days ) when anyone can fish without purchasing a fishing license. California Fish and Game Code section 7149.7 allows both residents and nonresidents to fish on these days without a sportfishing license and without payment of any fee. Note that all other rules and regulations applicable to the holder of a sportfishing license apply. These include season restrictions, size and bag limits, tags and tagging requirements, fishing hours, stream closures and report card requirements.

CDFW’s next free fishing day is Saturday, Sept. 2. Free fishing days are an amazing, low-cost opportunity to give fishing a try. CDFW’s Fishing in the City Program ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing-in-the-City ) offers in-person clinics that teach fishing fundamentals to aspiring anglers in metropolitan areas.