California Kids Fishing Festivals

Fishing isn't to top sport for most California kids and their parents. In fact, it seems to be dropping in popularity on the list of activities that kids do. However, it can be an exciting venture and a great activity that families can do together. Age 15 & younger do not need a fishing license but parents do. So the cheapest way to go is to try it on California Free Fishing Days 

BELMONT: Get Hooked on Fishing April 14, 2018, 7-9 a.m.
Waterdog Lake
2400 Lyall Way
Belmont, CA
Open to ages 7+. Register on belmont.gov

Grunion Schedule: Grunion Runs occur March through August but there are limited catch days when the public is allowed to catch grunion with bare hands.

For parents introducing fishing to kids:

• Keep it simple and take it slow
• Choose one knot and one rigging and teach that to your child
• Your child may not share your enthusiasm for fishing
• If your child just doesn't get excited, let it go. Even if you do everything right, fishing is not for everyone.

YORBA LINDA: Fishing Derby March 24, 2018, 8-10 a.m.
 Fathers, Sons, and Grandfathers are invited to enjoy a Saturday morning of fun and fishing at the Huckleberry Pond at the Santa Ana River Lakes. Begin with a continental breakfast and a rafflee, followed by a joint fishing experience. You can bring your own pole or use one of ours. Pre-registration is mandatory, $10 call (714) 961-7192 | ci.yorba-linda.ca.us

Tentative - September 23, 2017
18th Annual Orvill P. Ball Memorial "Fishin' in the Pines"
Lake Cuyamaca
This is a free kids derby open to kids up to age 15. Trout fishing starts at 6:00 a.m. and a free lunch is prepared by the San Diego Anglers club. The event is sponsored by the Lake Cuyamaca Recreation and Park District, 15027 Highway 79, Julian, CA 92036.

SAN JOSE: October 7, 2017, ​8-11:30 a.m.
Lake Cunningham City Park $6 Parking Fee
sccgov.org

WALNUT CREEK: Fishing Derby September 23-24, 2017, 8-11 a.m.
Heather Farms Pond
Walnut Creek
ebparks.org/register | thewalnutfestival.org
In conjunction with the Walnut Festival, rods available for loan.
Fishing Derby at Heather Farms Pond, Walnut Creek.

VACAVILLE: Annual Fishing Derby September 30, 2017, 8 a.m. - Noon
vacavillesunriserotary.org/fishing-derby.html
Location
Lake Solano Park
Alvin Bonifacio Memorial Fishing Derby at Lake Solano Park. This event is free to children age 15 and under. Fishing pole, bait and lunch provided. Adults are invited to help the younger children but the fishing is for the children only. During the first hour of the event, pond fishing will be limited to children age 7 and under. Older children will be able to fish lakeside during this time. $5 vehicle parking fee, no license required for kids to fish.

JULIAN: Fishin in the Pines September 23, 2017 
Orvill P. Ball Memorial "Fishin' in the Pines"
Lake Cuyamaca
lakecuyamaca.org
This is a free kids derby open to kids up to age 15. Trout fishing starts at 6 a.m. and a free lunch is prepared by the San Diego
Anglers club. The event is sponsored by the Lake Cuyamaca Recreation and Park District, 15027 Highway 79, Julian, CA

LOS ANGLES: Off Tha' Hook – Fishing Event September TBA 2017
folar.org
North Atwater Park
3900 Chevy Chase Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90039
FoLAR Fish Derby is a Catch & Release with an experienced angler contest and a No Cost Kids Fish where anglers teach kids stewardship of fishing. Anglers who stick around to help with the Kids Fish will have their registration fee discounted. Biologists at the event will weigh, measure and catalog every fish prior to releasing back into the LA River. This event is also designed to promote Stewardship of Fishing on the Los Angeles River. Children are FREE and will be provided a loaner Rod & Reel. Due to limited space for youth, registration is required – wpb@ folar.org to register your child. Children must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian.
Catch & Release 9am-10am
Fishing Contest for the Experienced
Two categories: Weight & Rarest Species!
Family Fish 10am
Adult supervised children
Learn to fish with morning angler volunteers
Awards 11:00am
Blue Ribbons given to registered child anglers

TBA - October 2017
26th Annual Return of the Salmon Festival
Coleman National Fish Hatchery, Anderson
This annual salmon festival is a free, fun-filled day loaded with lots of fishing activities and fascinating information about California salmon. The festival runs 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. California Fishing Passports are provided to all attendees and fishing passport stamps are given for each new species caught. Open to everyone! For more information, please call (530) 365-8622.

October 14, 2017
Santa Barbara Harbor Festival
Santa Barbara
This event coincides with lobster season and features local commercial fishermen offering the Santa Barbara Channel's freshest seafood. Fishermen and seafood vendors provide thousands of festival-goers with live lobster, crab, prawns, BBQ albacore, clam chowder, fish tacos, seafood gumbo and other prepared dishes. CDFW is on hand to answer questions, stamp and provide California Fishing Passports, and display the latest landing statistics for ocean resources near Santa Barbara. A large variety of vendors offer their wares, the Maritime Museum shows films and exhibits, and touch tanks with live fish and invertebrates are available, in addition to tall ship tours, free boat rides, live local entertainment, and dockside tours.

DANA POINT: Ongoing Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip Sundays at Noon
Dana Wharf Sportfishing
danawharf.com
Sundays at Noon Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to come to their dock side fishing clinic and learn hands on techniques on fishing from the experts. After the clinic Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip from 12:45 - 5:45, adults are $fee plus license and equipment, children 12 and under fish for FREE when an adult ticket is purchased 1 free child per paying adult. No discount tickets of any kind are accepted for this adult ticket Extra bonus is the chance of spotting whales, dolphins and other marine life! This trip includes equipment! More information and reservations call Dana Wharf at 949-496-5794 ext 7.More information and reservations call Dana Wharf at 949-496-5794.

Past events

LOS ANGELES: Lincoln Park Lake April 29, 2017, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
3501 Valley Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Annual Meet Me at the Lake event at Lincoln Park in Los Angeles.
sccgov.org

BASS LAKE: Bass Lake Fishing Derby May 6-7, 2017
basslakechamber.com/fishing-derby/
3 Grand Prize Fish Worth a total of $25,000! 2- $10,000 1- $5,000 Registration $25
$15 under age 16 years, $10 additional child

LOS ANGELES: Youth Fishing Derby May 6, 2017 at Apollo Park is still scheduled to take place. As a result, the lake is not stocked with fish by the California Department of Fish and Game. We understand how important Apollo Park and the Fishing Derbies are to the community, and we are currently doing everything we can to make sure we can stock the lake with fish in the near future.

WATSONVILLE: Monterey Bay Youth Outdoor Day May 12-13, 2017, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Watsonville
Monterey Bay Youth Outdoor Day is a totally free event open to the public. The focus is to get kids interested and involved in the many outdoor activities available right in our own back yards. CDFW's California Fishing Passport program quizzes kids on different aspects of sport fish and fishing, gives attendees California Fishing Passports and California Finfish and Shellfish Identification books, and provides fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing information. With over 40 different organizations represented, there is something for everyone!

FREMONT: Fly-fishing Introduction Tilden Fish First! 7am-1pm, Sun, May 14 #17254; Jun 11 #17255 This exciting and informative day is geared toward the beginning angler. Spend three hours at Lake Anza practicing casting with a certified fly-casting instructor. Then enjoy two and one-half hours of classroom instruction where you will be introduced to knots, fly selection, reading the water, and more. 12+yrs. Registration is required. Fee: $60 (non-res. $66) ebparks.org

CLEAR LAKE: Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Catfish Derby May 19 - May 21, 2017
clearlakeoaks.org/derby
Catfish on Clear Lake 10000incashprizes Held annually for over thirty years, the Clearlake Oaks – Glenhaven Catfish Derby is the largest catfish tournament west of the Mississippi. Separate divisions for adults and kids; food and entertainment; a $4,000 largest fish adult division; $100 for the largest fish caught in each of two kids divisions. Fish must be caught and presented for weigh-in between 12 Noon on Friday and 12 Noon on Sunday. Weigh-in is at Derby headquarters. Kids rules: Kids Derby Rules 1. The Kids Derby is open to individuals 15 years of age and under. Age for entry purposes is as of Friday of the Derby. 2. Kids contestants do not require a California state fishing license.

BIG BEAR LAKE: Hall Family May Trout Classic May 20- 21, 2017
bbmwd.com
Derby Hours: Saturday, May 20 from 6 am to 6 pm & Sunday, May 21 from 6 am to 2 pm.
Award Ceremony: At the Big Bear Lake Convention Center from 3-5pm
$8,000 in Prizes
Trophy Size Trout Stocked
Great Family Fun - Kids Under 16 FREE (with paid adult)
Trophies, Drawings, and Prizes!
Phone: 909-866-5796

SAN DIEGO: Kids Fishing Clinic May 21, 2017, 9-10 a.m.
Kids Fishing Class Join park staff for class at the boat dock. Information varies week-by-week depending on what works best; sometimes we talk about trout, other times it may be how to catch bass, bluegill or catfish. Get info on baits, lures, how to rig your tackle... we'll even show true beginners how to tie knots and cast. Meet at the boat dock. Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Fee: Free for campers/$3 parking fee Age: Youth. Lake Morena County Park 2550 Lake Morena Dr. Campo 91906 | 619-579-4101

SAN PEDRO: Grunion Fishtival May 27, 2017, 8-11:59 p.m. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
$1-5, preregistration recommended
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M. White Drive
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-7562
cabrillomarineaquarium.org
Come in style to the Grunion Fish-tival! Wear an aluminum hat to greet the grunion and shield yourself from the cosmic rays of the moon. All Foiled Hat Guests will receive a special gift. Special "Larry Prizes" will be given out for the best grunion-themed hats. Hatch grunion eggs, learn how to make grunion origami, participate in grunion arts and crafts, watch a classic grunion video, interact with grunion researchers, touch live tidepool animals and see the many fish and other live animals in the Aquarium. Don't miss your chance to test your GQ (Grunion Quotient), or guess what's in the Mystery Box!

LA JOLLA: Grunion Run
Fri, April 28, 2017 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Grunion Run
Sat, May 13, 2017 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Grunion Run
Sun, May 28, 2017 11:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Grunion Run
This true Southern California experience is an observation of hundreds of small silver fish called grunion who ride the waves onto La Jolla beaches to spawn. Before hitting the beach, see grunion hatch before your eyes during a special presentation about this mysterious fish. Prepare for cool, wet conditions and bring a flashlight. Ages 6+ (minors must be accompanied by a paid adult.). Pre-purchase Required: Call 858-534-7336 or online. $16 aquarium.ucsd.edu

SAN JOSE: Youth Fishing Event May 13, 2017, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Join South Bay Fishing in the City partners for a free learn-to-fish event for children ages 5-15. Expert instruction and all equipment provided. On-site registration 8-10am for first 150 kids. Parental supervision required. Meet at Sandy Wool Lake. Questions? (408) 355-2240

CHICO: Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs May 20, 2017, 7 a.m. - 12 Noon.
Bidwell Park, Chico
Horseshoe Lake in Upper Bidwell Park
(530) 891-4757 to donate, volunteer
Age 15 and under, free — no fishing license required
Tackle, bait, and instruction provided — limit 1 fish per child. Kids can have their catfish cleaned for free.
Kick off National Fishing Week with the City of Chico and Hooked on Fishing, not on Drugs, an American Sportfishing Association event. It is one of the largest single-day fishing events in the U.S. 8,000 pounds of channel catfish are planted for the event. Expert local anglers act as coaches. There will be a separate area for the littlest anglers, age 1 to 5. There will be plenty of rods and reels available to use free, but all are encouraged to bring their own. Bring your favorite secret catfish bait, but please, no lead sinkers.

SAN JOSE: Sandy Wool Lake Beginner Learn-to-Fish Clinic Saturday, May 20, 2017 8-10 a.m.
(fishing till 11:30) No pre-registration $6 Parking fee 5-15, Adults may not fish
This is a first come, first serve clinic. Children must be ages 5-15 years. Participants first go through a clinic on the basics of fishing: safety and ethics, knot tying, casting and rigging. All clinics are taught by our dedicated and knowledgeable volunteer staff. Children are loaned a rod (a parental ID is required for every two rods loaned), provided bait and tackle and then try their luck at fishing for the remainder of the event! Parental supervision is mandatory, but kids are encouraged to do it themselves — fishing!

ALAMEDA: Early-Early Grunion Search May 27-28, 2017, 1 a.m.-3 a.m. Crab Hosted by Crab Cove Visitor Center and East Bay Regional Park District
1252 McKay Ave
Alameda, California
apm.activecommunities.com
On full and new moon nights a small fish called grunion appears on sandy beaches to spawn. Become a citizen scientist and help us search the shore to see if they are here! Saturday morning we will meet at Crab Cove and walk towards Park Street. On Sunday morning meet at Park Street and Shoreline Drive and walk toward Crab Cove. Bring a small flashlight. Dress in layers and wear shoes for walking on a sandy beach 2-4 miles. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sign up for one or both programs 1-888-EBPARKS, option 2. Saturday, May 27, 1:00-3:00am, course #17309
Sunday, May 28, 2:00-4:00am, course #17310 Registration required, Free Admission

LAKE ELSINORE: Just 4 Kids Fishing Derby June 3, 2017, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
La Laguna Resort & Boat Launch, Lake Elsinore
(951)471-1212
Free event. Prizes will be available to kids 15 and under, and local anglers will be on hand providing tips and instruction. Make sure to bring your own rod, reel and tackle!

BIG BEAR LAKE: Fishing for 50K Trout Derby June 3-4, 2017, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. both days
bigbear.com
Entry fee is $70 for adults (16 years of age and older) and $30 for participants under 16 years of age. Discount with hotel stay.
A total of 80 tagged trout, all worth cash or other prizes.

WOFFORD HEIGHTS: Kids Fishing Derby June 6, 2017, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
30th annual derby presented by Fish & Game Habitat Club.
Elaine 760-417-0950 Free to Kids 4 To 15 Yrs. Trophies, Prizes, Free KIDS LUNCH & Free Drawing - Wofford Heights Park
kernvalley.com

SAN JOSE: Sandy Wool Lake Beginner Learn-to-Fish Clinic Sunday June 11, 2017, 8-10 a.m.
(fishing till 11:30) To volunteer
Information No pre-registration $6 Parking fee 5-15, Adults may not fish. sccgov.org

Alondra Park Lake*
May 6, 2017, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
38850 W. Manhattan Beach Blvd., Lawndale, CA

MacArthur Park
May 5, 2017, 8 a.m. - noon
2230 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA

Cerritos Regional Park Lake*
June 3, 2017, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
19700 S. Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, CA
Chollas Park Lake*
June 24, 2017, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
6350 College Grove Drive, San Diego, CA
Annual Kids Fishing Festival (Mammoth)*
July 29, 2017, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Belmont Pier Kids Fishing Rodeo*
August 4, 2017, 8 a.m. - noon
35 39th Place, Long Beach, CA

SACRAMENTO: Saturday, July 1, 2017, 8:30 a.m. - 12 Noon Free Fishing Day Howe Park in Sacramento 2201 Cottage Way at Howe Ave. wildlife.ca.gov

MAMMOTH LAKES: Kids Fishing Festival July 29, 2017 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
SnowCreek Ponds on Old Mammoth Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA
kidsfishfest.com
Free age 14 years and under
Rods & reels provided or bring your own
The Annual Kids Fishing Festival promises the High Sierra ponds are stocked with plenty of huge trophy trout from Desert Springs Trout Farm. Fisheries staff from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) will be available to lend a hand and teach children a little about California's trout fisheries. Every child receives a California Fishing Passport and fish identification book. Catch a fish and get special passport stamps in your book. A trout aquarium with enormous trout is sponsored by Hot Creek Hatchery, while DFW Fishing in the City program volunteers bring loaner rods and reels and teach casting techniques. Game Wardens answer questions about becoming a warden.

HUNTINGTON BEACH: Huck Finn Fishing Derby and Huck Finn & Becky Thatcher Costume Contest August 12, 2017, 8 a.m. - noon
Huntington Beach Pier
Huntington Beach, CA
surfcity-hb.org
Free
facebook.com/Letsgofishing.surfcity | hbsands.org
Co-sponsored by City of Huntington Beach and Let's Go Fishing the free event features a fishing derby and Huck Finn & Becky Thatcher look alike contest with prizes. Bring a fishing pole if you have one — bait is supplied. A limited number of fishing poles are available for free use during the event.

SEAL BEACH: Seal Beach Pier Rotary Kids Fishing Derby Pier August 19, 2017, 8 a.m. - 12 Noon
Seal Beach
900 Ocean Avenue, Seal Beach, CA
Chris Carr Park

HUNTINGTON BEACH: September 30, 2017, 12 noon - 4 p.m.
16532 Springdale Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Chollas Park Lake*
October 21, 2017, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
6350 College Grove Drive, San Diego, CA
Bell Gardens Family Fishing Derby*
John Anson Ford Park Lake
November 4, 2017, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
8000 Park Lane, Bell Gardens, CA
Urban Kids Fishing Derby*
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Lake
November 11, 2017, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
4100 La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90056
El Dorado Park Youth Fishing Event*
November 18, 2017, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
7550 E. Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815
Fishing with Santa, Youth Fishing Event*
Whittier Narrows Regional Park Lake
December 2, 2017, 8 a.m. - noon
823 Lexington-Gallatin Road, S. El Monte, CA 91733
Belvedere Regional Park*
(Saturday TBD), 8 a.m. - noon
4800 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Knabe Katch*

La Mirada Park Lake
(Saturday TBD), 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
13701 Aldelfa Avenue, La Mirada, CA

ANTIOCH: Kids Free Fishing Derby! Saturday, October 14, 2017 Antioch Marina, 9:00 am Brought to you by: California Striped Bass Association, West Delta Chapter A great opportunity to create stewards for our future fisheries and to introduce children to the benefits of fishing as an individual and family activity! ci.antioch.ca.us

If you are new to the sport of fishing, and not sure if you will enjoy it, a great opportunity awaits you. CDFW offers two Free Fishing Days each year. On these days, you can fish without a sport fishing license. Free Fishing Days provide a great, low-cost way to give fishing a try. Some CDFW Regions offer a Fishing in the City program where you can go fishing in the middle of major metropolitan areas perhaps just a few blocks from your home. Fishing in the City and free fishing day clinics are designed to educate novice anglers about fishing ethics, fish habits, effective methods for catching fish, and fishing tackle. You can even learn how to clean and prepare your catch so you can enjoy it for dinner that night.

While all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect, there are two days each year when anyone can fish without purchasing a fishing license.

On Free Fishing Days, every angler must have the appropriate report card if they are fishing for:

abalone
steelhead
sturgeon
spiny lobster
or salmon in the Smith and Klamath-Trinity River Systems.

April 29-30, 2017
Eastern Sierra Trout Season Opener
Bishop and Mammoth

June 10-11, 2017
California Fishing Passport Workshop
Orange County
A fishing and ocean educational workshop designed for anglers and potential new anglers to develop fishing skills and techniques, and to learn about conservation, fish identification, regulations, safety and more. All ages and fishing skill levels welcome. Please check back for additional information and to sign up for a workshop.

MAMMOTH LAKES: Trout Fest June 24, 2017
Hot Creek Hatchery, Mammoth Lakes
(559) 765-4824
Free
Mammoth Lakes area, Trout Fest is a fun-filled day loaded with lots of fishing activities and fascinating information about California native trout. California Fishing Passports provided to all attendees and fishing passport stamps given for each new species caught.

FORT BRAGG: World's Largest Salmon BBQ July 1, 2017
Fort Bragg
This annual event is held as a fundraiser for the Salmon Restoration Association, which helps to fund watershed restoration efforts. Attendees learn about salmon habitat restoration and other local conservation efforts, and indulge in some fish printing! Hundreds of attendees from all over northern California come out to contribute to a worthy cause, eat great BBQ, and listen to some fun music. CDFW's California Fishing Passports are provided and stamped!

July 1-2, 2017
California Fishing Passport Workshop
Orange County
A fishing and ocean educational workshop designed for anglers and potential new anglers to develop fishing skills and techniques, and to learn about conservation, fish identification, regulations, safety and more. All ages and fishing skill levels welcome. Please check back for additional information and to sign up for a workshop.

Mammoth Lakes Kids Fishing Festival July 29, 2017, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Snowcreek Resort, Mammoth Lakes
Annual Kid's Fishing Festival, Fishing Passport event, is hosted by the Town of Mammoth Lakes and is completely free. The trout fishing and catching will be limited to kids 14 years of age and under but there was a full menu of events for everyone. More than 1,700 kids and adults attended last year and nearly every child caught a big fish! Loaner rods and reels were provided by CDFW's Fishing in the City program at no charge, while other may choose to bring their own. The Berkley fishing tackle company will provide all bait as well as some complete fishing rod and reel packages for prizes. CDFW fisheries staff and wildlife officers, Berkeley Fishing Pro Staff and many other volunteer fishing guides will be on-hand to provide helpful hands for all who needed it. In addition, CDFW staff will provide Fishing Passports with official California Fishing Passport stamps (for all successful anglers), California Finfish and Shellfish Identification books, junior fishing licenses and posters. The beautiful CDFW's Game Warden Recruitment Trailer that's full of beautiful animal and fish mounts from throughout California, and a living trout stream exhibit from CDFW's Hot Creek Hatchery will be on display. This is sure to be a great outing for families living in or visiting California's Eastern Sierras!

August 5-6, 2017
California Fishing Passport Workshop
Orange County
A fishing and ocean educational workshop designed for anglers and potential new anglers to develop fishing skills and techniques, and to learn about conservation, fish identification, regulations, safety and more. All ages and fishing skill levels welcome. Please check back for additional information and to sign up for a workshop.

BELMONT SHORE: Kid's Fishing Rodeo August 4, 2017
64th Annual
Belmont Pier, Long Beach
This perpetual fishing event will be FREE and open to boys and girls 16 years of age and under and ran 8am to 12pm. Free bait, snacks and instruction are available to all. CDFW provides loaner rods and bait, California Fishing Passports, passport stamps and California Finfish and Shellfish Identification books. Participants are also welcome to bring their own rods and reels to use. Prizes will be awarded in many categories.

SAN DIEGO: IGFA/UPSAC Young Angler's Fishing Tournament August 12, 2017, 8am - 1pm.
Shelter Island Pier, San Diego
The California Fishing Passport Program again will join forces with the International Game Fish Association and the San Diego Sportfishing Council to host the 15th annual day of pier fishing from the Shelter Island Pier in San Diego. Typically more than 200 kids and their families come out for this festive annual event. Free lunches of hot dogs and tacos will be served to all. Trophies will be awarded to winners in every age group, along with fishing rods, reels and tackle donated by sponsors. California Fishing Passports and California Finfish and Shellfish Identification books will be provided to all participants, and passports will be stamped for each type of fish caught. As usual, it was a great event for young kids and families to all participate in together.
Additional Information: (619) 234-8791

Huntington Beach Huck Finn Fishing DerbyAugust 12, 2017
Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach
The 54th Huck Finn Fishing Derby at the Huntington Beach Pier, as always, is a fun event and continues to be one of our favorites to support each year. Seeing all of the kids fishing while cleverly dressed up as Huck Finn or Becky Thatcher is always a real highlight. All types of saltwater fish have been caught over the years including; sharks, stingrays, perch, croakers, sea bass, lizard fish, topsmelt, and sardines! The derby will run from 9am to noon (check in begins at 8am) and will be open to children between the ages of 4 to 15 to experience the fun of recreational fishing off the Huntington Beach Pier. CDFW will provide loaner rods and bait, California Fishing Passports, passport stamps and California Finfish and Shellfish Identification books. Prizes will be awarded to both the largest and smallest fish caught, as well as the best dressed Huck Finn and Becky Thatcher participants. If you missed this special event last year, please try to attend this year. It's always a lot of fun for both children and adults alike.

August 20, 2017
IGFA/UPSAC Junior Angler Series & Kid's Day on the Pier
Marin Rod and Gun Club
CDFW's California Fishing Passport program again joins the International Game Fish Association and the United Pier & Shore Anglers of California for their sixth Young Angler Tournament series event of the year at the Marin Rod and Gun Club Pier. Youth from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area attend this fun event. CDFW's California Fishing Passport program gives each participant a California Fishing Passport, and California Finfish and Shellfish Identification book, and stamps for each of the different species caught. Last year these included leopard sharks, sea perch and jacksmelt, among others. Trophies are awarded to the winning participants in each age group. In addition to a free hot dog lunch, donated prizes of rods and reels are distributed to each participant during this fun day of fishing on San Francisco Bay.

August 20, 2017
25th Annual California Kid's Fishing Derby
Seal Beach Pier, Seal Beach
The 26th Annual California Kid's Fishing Derby on the Seal Beach Pier is free and open to kids to 15 years old and under. Children may either bring their own rods and reels or ask for a loaner. This is a catch, weigh and release event with prizes for the largest fish caught. California Department of Fish and Wildlife reps will provide some loaner rods and bait, California Fishing Passports, passport stamps and California Finfish and Shellfish Identification books and will be available to answer any questions and help identify fish. Registration at the entrance to Seal Beach Pier runs 7-9am and fishing continues until 12pm. Free refreshments will be provided.

August 26-27, 2017
California Fishing Passport Workshop
Orange County
A fishing and ocean educational workshop designed for anglers and potential new anglers to develop fishing skills and techniques, and to learn about conservation, fish identification, regulations, safety and more. All ages and fishing skill levels welcome. Please check back for additional information and to sign up for a workshop.

SOUTH EL MONTE: Whittier Narrows Kids Fishing Club 3rd Saturday

WATSONVILLE: Monterey Bay Youth Outdoor Day 
Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds
mbyod.org
 

Rohnert Park Fishing Derby
clearlakeoaks.org/derby
fishing-derby.org

CLEARLAKE OAKS:  Catfish Derby 
Held annually for over thirty years, the Clearlake Oaks - Glenhaven Catfish Derby is the largest catfish tournament west of the Mississippi. Each May hundreds of of eager fishermen and women visit Clear Lake for a chance to land the BIG ONE and win one of many prizes.

OAKLEY: Oakley's Annual Kids Fishing Derby August 12, 2017, 9-11 a.m.
ci.oakley.ca.us
Up to age 15, awards in 3 age categories. Free bait available.
For more information, call (925) 625-7044 or email: coelho@ ci.oakley.ca.us

Dan Hernandez Sport Fishing Kids Events
sport-fishing.com

AVALON: Kid's Fishing Derby June 21 - August 30, 2017, 7-9 a.m. Wednesdays
Free activity! Bring your own rod & reel or dropline or purchase on the Green Pier and join the fishing guide! Prizes awarded every week following the derby. Bait & gear also available on the Pier. 7am-9am every Wednesday. City of Avalon Recreation Department. 310-510-0220 ext. 231,
CityofAvalon.com
Green Pier
Every Wednesday
Phone Number:
(310) 510-0220 x231

AVILA BEACH: Avila Pier Kids Derby August
Have you ever felt the excitement of watching your bobber suddenly jiggle, then dive out of sight? Or feeling the tap-tap-tap of a bass as it tastes the worm on the end of your line? Or having a salmon practically tear the rod out of your hands as it smashes your lure? What's that? You say you never learned to fish?

If you are new to the sport of fishing, and not sure if you will enjoy it, a great opportunity awaits you. CDFW offers two Free
Fishing Days each year. On these days, you can fish without a sport fishing license. Free Fishing Days provide a great, low-cost way to give fishing a try. Some CDFW Regions offer a Fishing in the City program where you can go fishing in the middle of major metropolitan areas perhaps just a few blocks from your home. Fishing in the City and free fishing day clinics are designed to educate novice anglers about fishing ethics, fish habits, effective methods for catching fish, and fishing tackle. You can even learn how to clean and prepare your catch so you can enjoy it for dinner that night.

While all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect, there are two days each year when anyone can fish without purchasing a fishing license.

On Free Fishing Days, every angler must have the appropriate report card if they are fishing for (if applicable):
abalone
steelhead
sturgeon
spiny lobster
or salmon in the Smith and Klamath-Trinity River Systems.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.