Pay to fish in California: I relocated to California from Ohio a few years ago. When I would go fishing in any public waters in Ohio, I just loaded up, drove to the lake, launched the...

RonAult Loc: Hemet Ca.

I relocated to California from Ohio a few years ago. When I would go fishing in any public waters in Ohio, I just loaded up, drove to the lake, launched the boat and fished as long as I wanted. If I go fishing here in California, I've got to pay to fish, pay to launch the boat, and pay to park the car. It all seems to take the relaxation out of fishing. Is there anywhere in this state, other than an ocean pier, where a person can go to fish without worrying about what it cost?

Jeremy Loc: America

I think there is some places but not sure where. It seems like you could find more information online.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Not where you're at that I know of. I lived down your way, a little further south, for about 25 years and pretty much gave up on fresh water fishing down there. It sucks in SoCal. Maybe somebody more familiar with the area will show up and help you out. Come on up to Sacramento - plenty of places up here to fish where you don't have to pay.

Foodfisher Loc: SO. Cal coast

Other than the two free fishing days, I'm afraid not.l

just fishin 62 Loc: southern Wisconsin Milwaukee area

San Bernadino national forest has Lakes Gregory, Big Lake and there is some areas in Lake Arrowhead you can fish. most all lakes in California you have to pay to fish and to launch a boat.I rented the boat because I didn't have one but worked out for me. Also you can go to the Colorado River area in the Needles/ Laughlin areas But that probably would be a three day week end fishing trip. I don't know about Lake Silverwood that is north of San Bernardino of the I-15 on there fees when I went there I don't remember any entrance fees but there was boat launching fees I's been over 25 years so hope this gives at area at least to look into.

just fishin 62 Loc: southern Wisconsin Milwaukee area

San Bernadino national forest has Lakes Gregory, Big Lake and there is some areas in Lake Arrowhead you can fish. most all lakes in California you have to pay to fish and to launch a boat.I rented the boat because I didn't have one but worked out for me. Also you can go to the Colorado River area in the Needles/ Laughlin areas But that probably would be a three day week end fishing trip. I don't know about Lake Silverwood that is north of San Bernardino of the I-15 on there fees when I went there I don't remember any entrance fees but there was boat launching fees I's been over 25 years so hope this gives at area at least to look into.

Jeremy Loc: America

You https://trip101.com/article/lakes-in-hemet

I’m not sure but possibly you can buy an annual park pass for state parks there but not sure if have fish or lakes. Just an idea. I found some lakes in the link at least one has free lake access but not sure if launch is free.

Foodfisher Loc: SO. Cal coast

I'm sure that when the "undocumented immigrants" get a stronger foothold, things will change. Be patient and welcome to paradise.

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Foodfisher wrote:

I'm sure that when the "undocumented immigrants" get a stronger foothold, things will change. Be patient and welcome to paradise.

I am sure they get to fish for free, its only right.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

I've got a good friend who bought himself a lifetime California fishing license about 35 years ago. With that he has gotten an annual pass to all state parks plus free boat launching if there's a lake. Not sure that's still included, but you might want to look into it.

Granpa Quik Loc: SanJose Ca

RonAult wrote:

I relocated to California from Ohio a few years ago. When I would go fishing in any public waters in Ohio, I just loaded up, drove to the lake, launched the boat and fished as long as I wanted. If I go fishing here in California, I've got to pay to fish, pay to launch the boat, and pay to park the car. It all seems to take the relaxation out of fishing. Is there anywhere in this state, other than an ocean pier, where a person can go to fish without worrying about what it cost?

You can fish Clearlake for free. Parking and launch are free at library park and at redbud park. Lake Berryessa at capele cove launch was free. They just started charging $10 for park and launch though. Sorry that’s not much.It’s not the good old days anymore. GQ

Big TC Loc: Raytown, MO.

RonAult wrote:

I relocated to California from Ohio a few years ago. When I would go fishing in any public waters in Ohio, I just loaded up, drove to the lake, launched the boat and fished as long as I wanted. If I go fishing here in California, I've got to pay to fish, pay to launch the boat, and pay to park the car. It all seems to take the relaxation out of fishing. Is there anywhere in this state, other than an ocean pier, where a person can go to fish without worrying about what it cost?

If you go real early, like before they open. They won't charge you. You could have been there all night.

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Foodfisher wrote:

I'm sure that when the "undocumented immigrants" get a stronger foothold, things will change. Be patient and welcome to paradise.

Really , unbelievable ,you old gents rock ! I guess,,

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Big TC wrote:

If you go real early, like before they open. They won't charge you. You could have been there all night.

They all have Iron Rangers, unless you go before they open and stay until they close and don't get check during the day, they will fine you.

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

RonAult wrote:

I relocated to California from Ohio a few years ago. When I would go fishing in any public waters in Ohio, I just loaded up, drove to the lake, launched the boat and fished as long as I wanted. If I go fishing here in California, I've got to pay to fish, pay to launch the boat, and pay to park the car. It all seems to take the relaxation out of fishing. Is there anywhere in this state, other than an ocean pier, where a person can go to fish without worrying about what it cost?

Here you have to pay for the pier too, lol!