Sept. 1 is a Free Fishing Day in California

August 23, 2018

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is encouraging all Californians to give fishing a try for free on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018.
 
CDFW annually offers two Free Fishing Days, typically around the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends (the first in 2018 was held July 7). On these two designated days, people can fish without having to buy a sport fishing license. Free Fishing Days also provide an easy opportunity for licensed anglers to introduce non-angling friends and children to fishing and the outdoors.
 
All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours, and stream closures remain in effect. Every angler must have an appropriate report card if they are fishing for steelhead or sturgeon anywhere in the state, or for salmon in the Smith and Klamath-Trinity river systems.
 
Anglers residing in urban areas also have opportunities to fish close to home. Some CDFW regions offer Fishing in the City, a program that allows children to learn to fish in major metropolitan areas. For more information on the Fishing in the City program, please visit our website.
 
All anglers should also check the rules and regulations for the waters they plan to fish because wildlife officers will be on duty to enforce them. In addition, information on fish planting and a fishing guide are available.
 
For more information on Free Fishing Days, please visit the CDFW website.