The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is encouraging Californians to get outdoors and give fishing a try for free on California’s second 2023 Free Fishing Day, Saturday, Sept. 2.

Free Fishing Days are a great opportunity to enjoy one of California’s most popular pastimes and to get introduced to fishing at no cost.

Those interested in fishing in California’s lakes, streams and rivers can find information about inland fishing locations and species on the CDFW website. Information is also available about year-round free fishing opportunities found on specific piers, jetties and breakwaters along the coast, to help with planning pier fishing adventures.

Other helpful tools for anglers include the fish planting schedule, fishing guide and various Recruit, Retain, Reactivate Program resources.

Virtual offerings are also available from CDFW’s Fishing in the City program, which focuses on teaching Californians how and where to fish in metropolitan areas. General information about the Fishing in the City program can be found on the CDFW website.

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. As a licensed angler, utilize Free Fishing Days as an opportunity to introduce non-angling friends 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. CDFW encourages potential anglers to check rules and regulations for each water they plan to fish.

CDFW hopes more Californians get “hooked” on fishing. If that happens, be sure to purchase an annual resident sport fishing license.

Beginning in 2023, annual sport fishing licenses are valid for a full 365-days from the date of purchase. The revenue generated from license sales helps conserve fish populations and habitats while supporting California's longstanding angling opportunities for future generations.