If you have an old rod in your closet that’s been gathering dust, because you don’t have a fishing license, now’s the time to whip it out. It’s Free Fishing Day this Saturday, July 6, in all of California — meaning you don’t need a license, just the will to go find a hole to toss a bobber in.
This is the first of California’s two free fishing days in 2024, with the other arriving on Aug. 31.
“For those new to fishing, this is an opportunity to explore a rewarding and exciting new hobby,” writes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “For licensed anglers, this is an opportunity 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.”
That doesn’t mean that Saturday will be the Wild West out there, with people gathering armloads of flapping fish. All regulations remain in effect regarding fishing hours, bag and size limits, report-card requirements, stream closures and gear restrictions. You can find more about the rules of California fishing at the wildlife department’s website (wildlife.ca.gov/regulations).
Not sure where to head? The department has several useful guides — especially for those who live in urban areas — on where to find fish. Here are a few to start with:
• Interactive map showing historically good places to fish, as well as locations that have recently had fish planting (restocking): apps.wildlife.ca.gov/fishing
• A guide on California’s Fishing in the City Program, which has learn-to-fish videos and also fishing locations broken down by counties: (wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing-in-the-City/SF)
• A list and zoomable map of California’s public piers, jetties and breakwaters: wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Beach-Fishing
• Species of fish you might want to look for in California: wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland
• And if you decide you’d like to do more fishing in the future, here’s where to get your annual license: ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales