No License? No Problem! Free Fishing Days Return to California this Summer

If you have been curious about fishing but never pulled the trigger on buying a license, California is giving you two chances to try it for free this year.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual Free Fishing Days for 2026 fall on Saturday, July 4 and Saturday, September 5. On both days, anyone can fish anywhere in the state without purchasing a sport fishing license.

It is one of the best ways for beginners to test the waters without spending money upfront. Grab a rod, find a lake or river and see if it sticks. CDFW also runs a Fishing in the City program in several metropolitan areas where free clinics teach new anglers the basics, from how to rig a line and cast to how to clean and cook what you catch.

There are a few things to keep in mind. While you do not need a license on Free Fishing Days, all other fishing regulations still apply. That means bag limits, size limits, gear restrictions, fishing hours and any seasonal closures are still in effect. You are responsible for knowing the rules for the water you are fishing.

If you plan to fish for steelhead, sturgeon or salmon on the Smith or Klamath-Trinity river systems, you will still need the appropriate report card even on Free Fishing Days. Report cards can be purchased through CDFW’s licensing portal.

Free Fishing Days are a great opportunity for parents looking for a low-cost outdoor activity with kids, or for anyone who has been meaning to get into fishing but has not known where to start. Lakes, rivers, reservoirs and urban ponds across Northern California are all fair game.

No excuses. The fish are waiting.