Department of Fish and Game

Fishing in the City

young girls first catch

Community Fishing and Watershed Education programs provide opportunities to enjoy aquatic resources while helping community members understand the role they play in maintaining clean and healthy waterways.

This is achieved through the cooperation of community institutions including schools, service clubs, local government, park agencies, water districts, storm water pollution prevention programs, tackle retailers, California Department of Fish and Game and anyone else that is interested in kids, fishing and clean water.

The ultimate goal is to create repeatable fishing experiences, improve recreational opportunities for residents of your community, and to create stewards of our waterways. More on partnerships...

Anglers lacking a fishing license have a day to fish free – Saturday June 7, 2008. On this day anyone may fish in California lakes and rivers without a fishing license. It is a great opportunity for those who have not wet a line in a few years to get out there and give it try again.

It is not about catching fish – it is about spending quality time out of doors: time with friends and family: time to slow down, relax, and just enjoy.

The following lakes will be stocked with 1-ound Rainbow trout prior to Free Fishing Day:

  • Lake Merced North
  • Campbell Perc Pond
  • Lake Cunningham
  • Lake Chabot (Vallejo)
  • Lake Cottonwood

To help those who never learned to fish or need a refresher, a learn-to-fish clinic will be offered at Lake Cunningham Regional Park in San Jose.

All equipment and instruction is provided. Each adult may register up to two children. Adults will be allowed to fish if they complete the clinic. For more information, go to www.dfg.ca.gov/fishinginthecity/sf/events.html.