The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announces that Saturday, August 31 will be the last free fishing day of 2024

Fishing in Mariposa County
Sierra Sun Times file photo

August 26, 2024 – There is one last chance this year to cast your line into a California river, lake or bay without a fishing license, and that’s Saturday, August 31.

On Free Fishing Day, the public can fish statewide without the need for a fishing license. Earlier this summer, on July 6, license-free anglers enjoyed the first of two Free Fishing Days.

Free Fishing Day is an inexpensive opportunity to try a new hobby. For licensed anglers, it’s a great way to introduce or reintroduce someone to the joys of fishing: watching the float suddenly move and then dive out of sight; feeling the snap of a bass as it grabs the worm on the end of the line; or netting a big trout as it’s reeled into the boat.

Free fishing days are also the perfect opportunity for former fishermen to dust off their rods and fishing gear and get back into the sport.

Kids 15 and under 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 pastime together.

Those interested in fishing California lakes, streams and rivers can find information on inland fishing locations and species on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website. Information is also available on year-round free fishing opportunities found at specific jetties, piers and breakwaters along the coast. Other helpful tools for anglers include the Recruit, Retain, Reactivate (R3) program resources, the Fishing Guide and the Fish Planting Calendar(opens in new tab).

Waterways across the Golden State await anglers with catchable-size fish stocked by CDFW hatchery staff.

Some of these waters include the Owens River in Inyo County, Reyes Creek in Ventura County, the San Joaquin River in Madera County, Huntington Lake in Fresno County, Twin Lakes in Mono County, Halsey Forebay in Placer County, Davis Lake in Plumas County and Baum Lake in Shasta County.

CDFW’s Fishing in the City program also offers a variety of offerings, which aim to teach Californians how and where to fish in metropolitan areas. General information about the Fishing in the City program is available on the CDFW website.

CDFW encourages potential anglers to check the rules and regulations of each body of water they plan to fish. All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, equipment restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and waterway closures remain in effect.

For new anglers “initiated” to sport fishing, it is easy to purchase a sport fishing license(opens in new tab) online. Revenue generated from license sales helps preserve fish populations and habitats while supporting California’s longstanding angling opportunities for future generations. Annual sport fishing licenses are now valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information about licenses, validations, and fees can be found on the CDFW Sport Fishing Licenses webpage.
Source: CDFW