Sonora, CA—In celebration of the country’s 250th birthday, California wants the public to take advantage of the first of two 2026 free fishing days; the first is this Independence Day.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the public can head to their nearest fishing hole and cast a reel without a sport fishing license on Saturday, July 4, 2026. They added, “One of the oldest pastimes enjoyed by Americans, fishing gets you outside to experience, explore, and appreciate the great outdoors.”
Catchable-size trout were recently stocked by CDFW hatchery staff, including Pinecrest Lake in Tuolumne County. Click here for the CDFW’s online Fish Planting Schedule with dates and locations of fish plants. Although the fishing is free, all regulations, including bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours, and stream closures, still apply. Potential anglers are encouraged to check rules and regulations for each water they plan to fish before heading to the waterway.
Every day is free fishing in the state for children 15 and under, but CDFW officials say the free fishing days “provide an opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the activity together.” New anglers can acquire their yearly sport fishing license online. Revenue from license sales helps protect fish populations and ecosystems while also preserving California’s long-standing angling possibilities for future generations. Annual sport fishing licenses are now valid for a full 365 days after purchase. For more information on licenses, validations, and costs, visit CDFW’s website for sport fishing licenses.
The final free fishing day for 2026 is on Sept. 5, during the Labor Day weekend. For more information, click here.
