Pay to fish in California (Page 2): Been fishing quite a few lakes in your area for years Ron. Unfortunately, they all cost to get in. Average cost for most lakes with launch and one...

OldBassGuy Loc: Temecula, 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?

Been fishing quite a few lakes in your area for years Ron. Unfortunately, they all cost to get in. Average cost for most lakes with launch and one person is around $11, extra $4-$8 if you bring a buddy. DVL is probably the most expensive lake in the nation at $27 + another $8 for a buddy, maybe more on weekends, not sure because I only fish on weekdays. If you are a vet, make sure you ask for military rate, saves you a little. Being a senior doesn't help. If you love fishing, just have to live with it. Tight lines.

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

kandydisbar wrote:

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

Almost every pier here I've ever been too is free and you don't need a license, Here in the Central San Joaquin Valley hundreds and hundreds of no fee places to Fish, Sierras, Rivers, Creeks, Canals ,The Aqueduct, on the lakes if you park in there parking lots you pay $6 or more in some lakes, don't park in there parking lots and you don't have to pay ,but more walking, and you do need your license,

Fishing Fool Loc: redding, ca

Get the lifetime senior pass for all federal lakes in California and no charge for fishing or parking. All of our lakes in the Redding area are free except for launch passes and yuou can buy those for the season for three lakes for around 100.00.Baum Lake and Mccloud Reservoir are 5.00 per day carload for camping or fishing with boat ramps.

RonAult Loc: Hemet Ca.

I just may do that I have grandchildren that live in Sacramento.

lvpfisherman

Candybar: Are you sure on Pier fishing fees? It sounded like a 'fake news' since all public piers are free for fishing - except parking - in CA, right?

Sawasan Loc: So Cal

Yea that’s true. But you can go to Lake Hemet east of Hemet in the mountains and fish free on the northwest side and the campground there does plant massive amounts of trout. There’s always Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino mountains. The whole lake offers free fishing. That’s the only I can think of right now, but there probably are more. Tight lines!

This pix is Lake Hemet.

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

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?

Doubtful but good luck

SEPC1958 Loc: College Park, MD

That is it. I am never moving to California! 2 free days to fish ??????? All that and forest fires ?

Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.

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?

Not in Southern California !!
I grew up there!!
Now live in North Central California.
You do have the Eastern Sierra off 395 all kinds of lake's and Steam's.
Also Big Bear lake by the Dam. And the cannels by Niland CA. You can drive on the dirt roads and fish for miles on it.
Any questions pm me and I'll help you out.
Andy
Bassman

Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.

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?

I grew up in Southern California I know what you mean!
I know live in Modesto California.
Have you tried fishing the channels down by Niland California?
You can get on the cannel road and fish it goes for miles, great Bass and catfish fishing and while you are fishing and it is Dove season you can shot dove.
Fished it for years and hunted Dove and Quial.
You also have the Eastern High Sierra off 395.
If any questions please feel free to PM me I'll tell how to get to the cannel in Niland.
Good luck fishing
Andy
Bassman

johnklang Loc: Oakhurst, CA

Like someone said, if you are a senior and have an "America the Beautiful" lifetime Senior pass I believe you can fish all the Army Corp lakes for free, in California and nationwide. I could be wrong about it being "every" Army Corp lake/reservoir but all the ones I go to I just put the card on the dash. Also, I think you can buy a yearly Army Corp pass that works on all their reservoirs and it's not too bad as I recall, maybe $30 or $40. I'll stand corrected if someone knows something I don't but I'm pretty sure that's right. I don't know how many Army Corp lakes there are in So Cal though but you can Google it.

Dberry Loc: Arkansas

Why in gods name would anyone move to California

lvpfisherman

different folks, different strokes...! Right?

Smokey2 Loc: San Diego

You can go to Imperial valley and fish canals. There are bass , stripers, catfish, blue gills, smallmouth.
The great American canal is large and long.

Fishing Fool Loc: redding, ca

The 278 days of sunshine in Northern California with mountains to 14,000 feet 60 minutes away , little to no humidity and very few summertime bugs, and some of the best fishing in the U.S.