The Abridged version:
- The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is not requiring anglers to have a license to go fishing Saturday.
- Saturday is one of two free fishing days each year, meaning those without a license can fish for the day without the cost of buying one.
- Other regulations still apply on local waters.
An enterprising angler in California can wind up in some beautiful places.
“You see things when you’re out fishing that you don’t see in everyday life,” said California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Peter Tira. “A fishing license is really like a passport to adventure.”
Most days of the year, that privilege comes with a cost in the form of a yearly or daily fishing license from the state.
For some, that is enough of a deterrent to make getting out on the water unlikely.
But this Saturday, that financial hurdle will be removed.
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Fishing in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, creeks, streams and the ocean will not require a license on Saturday, Sept. 5. The move, announced by the department, is part of a statewide effort to make fishing more accessible to those who would like to try but do not want to commit to buying a license.
“It’s an opportunity for adults to get out and give fishing a try,” Tira said. “It’s actually pretty popular.”
Licenses fund Fish and Wildlife activities
The state requires anglers to have an active license for 363 days of the year. For an adult resident of California, a one-year license costs roughly $65 and a one-day license costs about $21.
The fees are used to fund official Department of Fish and Wildlife activities, such as habitat restoration, scientific research, stocking and enforcement.
“Anglers play an important part in conservation,” Tira said.
The agency’s two free days, the other of which happened July 4, were created in part to get people outside and expose them to the value of recreational fishing.
Other regulations still apply, including reporting requirements for steelhead, sturgeon and some salmon.
Beyond that, the free fishing day applies “anywhere fishing is allowed,” Tira said.
In this region, that includes places like Lake Berryessa, Clear Lake, Putah Creek, the Lower American River, the Sacramento River, the Yuba River, the Feather River, Folsom Lake, the upper American River watershed, Lake Tahoe and many more.
