CA Is Hosting 'Free Fishing Day' This Summer, No License Required

Whether you're a seasoned angler or you've always wanted to try your luck at catching a rainbow trout, California is hosting Free Fishing Day on Aug. 30 for all to enjoy.

On this day, all fees and license requirements will be waived, allowing Californians to discover or revisit the activity, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

"It’s a great excuse to relax next to a beautiful lake or river and enjoy the great outdoors, and you might go home with tasty fish to throw on the grill," CDFW wrote in a statement.

While children 15 and younger can fish for free every day of the year in the Golden State, there are only two Free Fishing Days this summer, where anyone and everyone can experience the hobby for free.

California is known to be a great place to fish with hundreds of fishing locations and boat launches available for use around the state.

"Dozens of bodies of water across the Golden State await anglers with catchable-size trout recently stocked by CDFW hatcheries staff," according to CDFW.

Interested anglers can choose between many of California's lakes, streams and rivers. Fishing is also available on some piers, jetties and breakwaters along the coast. To find a fishing location near you, click on the map below.

In California, anglers might be able to catch freshwater fish such as Black Bass, Brook Trout, Coastal Rainbow Trout, White Sturgeon, Striped Bass, Sacramento Perch, Kokanee salmon and more.

But before heading out, be sure to freshen up on the rules and regulations for each water you plan to visit.

To find out which species will be released into natural waters to support recreational fishing, visit this link. For those who end up getting "hooked" on fishing, an annual sport fishing license can be purchased here.

A Resident Sport Fishing license, available for those 16 and older, costs $62.90 per year. For those who live outside of California, that annual fee is $169.82. For low-income Native Americans, there is no fee. Find out more about sport fishing discounts here.