Fish without a license Saturday as part of Free Fishing Day

Anglers, grab your fishing rods!

Saturday, August 31 is the final Free Fishing Day in the state of California this year. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife holds two free fishing days each year. The first free fishing day this year was held on Saturday, July 6.

Free Fishing Day gives amateur anglers or any interested fishermen a chance to experience and try out the sport without needing a state fishing license. Fish and Wildlife says it’s a good, low-cost way to give fishing a try, as year-long fishing licenses cost around $50 for residents.

Although you won’t need a fishing license, all fishing regulations, including bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect.

Anyone fishing on Free Fishing Day must still have the appropriate report card if they are fishing for:

steelhead sturgeon or salmon in the Smith and Klamath-Trinity River Systems.

For more information about fishing in California, including license information, freshwater and ocean fishing regulations, and where to find the best bites, click here.