Californians Can Fish for Free on July 6

Sarah Bates hauls in a chinook salmon on the fishing boat Bounty near Bolinas, Calif., on July 17, 2019. Eric Risberg/AP Photo

Californians looking to get outdoors after the Fourth of July holiday can fish without a state license July 6, the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.

The state is hoping to snag new anglers to the sport by offering two free fishing days—this Saturday and Aug. 31.

“For those new to fishing, this is an opportunity to explore a rewarding and exciting new hobby,” the department wrote in an announcement Tuesday. “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 time for former anglers to return and reconnect to the sport, the department added.

Children 15 and under can fish for free every day in California, but free fishing days offer families and friends a chance to join them.

All state fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours, and stream closures, still apply on free fishing days, according to the department.

The free fishing day offer might also attract some of the nearly 80 million U.S. travelers expected to hit the road for the Fourth of July travel period, which started June 29 and ends July 7, according to the American Automobile Association.

In 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation implementing a year-round fishing license, which took effect in time for the 2023 season.

The cost of a yearly recreational fishing license in California is $61.82 for any resident age 16 years or older. Nonresidents pay $166.89 for a yearly license, according to the fish and wildlife department.

A one-day license for residents or nonresidents is $20.26, while two-day licenses are $31.06, and 10-day licenses for nonresidents are $61.82.

The cost is discounted for disabled veterans and recovering service members, and seniors 65 and older. The cost for discounted yearly licenses is $9.53. Low-income Native Americans and disabled people can get free licenses.

California first started requiring licenses 110 years ago in 1914. The cost was $1 for a yearly license, or about $31 in 2024 dollars, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.