Department of Fish and Game

Fishing in the City

teaching child to fish

Learn-to-fish programs

Fishing Clinics

These 45 minute clinics offer instruction in the basics of fishing including knots, casting, rigging, safety, ethics and urban runoff. All equipment and tackle is available to participants and anglers are required to use rods provided. There is no charge for the clinics; however there may be a park entrance fee. Each adult may bring up to 2 children and a driver’s license is required for rod loan.

Most programs begin at 8 AM.  Clinics begin about every 10 minutes with the final clinic starting at 10 AM, or when we have reached the maximum capacity for the day which is usually 150 participants.

2008 Clinic Schedule:

Date Location City Time Contact
Sunday, Feb 10 Cottonwood Lake San Jose 8 - 10 AM 415-892-0460
erotman@dfg.ca.gov
Saturday Feb. 23 McInnis Park San Rafael 3 - 5 PM 415-507-4045
rruiz@co.marin.ca.us
Saturday, March 15
Paradise Park Sturgeon Derby
Paradise Park San Rafael 7:30 AM - Noon 415-507-4045
rruiz@co.marin.ca.us
Saturday, March 15 Lake Chabot Vallejo 8 AM - Noon 415-892-0460
Sunday, March 16 Lake Chabot Vallejo 8 AM - Noon 415-892-0460
Sunday, March 16 Campbell Perc Ponds Campbell 8 -10 AM 415-892-0460
erotman@dfg.ca.gov
Saturday, April 12 Lakeshore Park Newark 8 AM - Noon 510-578-4400
Bryan.cobb@newark.org
Saturday, April 19
Pre-registration
encouraged 415-899-8200
Scottsdale Pond Novato 8 - 10 AM 415-899-8200
erotman@dfg.ca.gov
Saturday, April 19 Lake Ralphine Santa Rosa 9 - 11 AM 707-543-3282
Saturday, April 26
Stafford Bass Day
Stafford Lake Novato 8 AM - Noon 415-507-4045
rruiz@co.marin.ca.us
Sunday, April 27 Cottonwood Lake San Jose 8 - 10 AM 415-892-0460
erotman@dfg.ca.gov

Free Fishing DAy

Fish without a license – Saturday, June 7 and  September 27, 2008

On Free Fishing Days, Californians can fish any freshwater lakes without a fishing license. All other regulations apply.

Fly-Fishing Programs

  • Novato
    • Saturday, April 19, 12:30 to 5 PM, Scottsdale Pond
      Sponsored by Trout Unlimited
      There will be hands-on learning of fly-tying, tying knots, fly-casting, and lake entomology. For more information, contact Larry Lack at larry.lack@comcast.net.
  • Santa Rosa
    • May 10, 2008, 9-1, Fly-casting instruction at the Casting Ponds at Dan Galvin Park
      & May 17, 2008, 9-1, Fishing at Lake Ralphine.
      Participants must attend both days. All equipment is provided.
      For information or to register -  villadellavita@comcast.net

Special Kids Events Sponsored by East Bay Regional Park District

Registration at these events is required (510) 544-2205

  • May 1, Special Kids Fishing Derby at Shadow Cliffs
  • May 15, San Leandro/EBRPD Special Kids Derby at Lake Chabot (Castro Valley)
  • May 22, Lake Temescal Special Kids Fishing Derby
  • Oct. 2, Special Kids Fishing Derby at Quarry Lakes
  • Oct. 23-25, Contra Loma, (Antioch), Special Kids Derby; Senior Derby and Striped Bass

Derbies

These events target people with prior fishing skills. Prizes may be awarded and a fee may be charged.

  • March 15, Lake Ralphine, Santa Rosa, (707) 543-3282
  • April 19, Kids Fishing Derby, Lafayette Reservoir, Lafayette, (925) 372-6622
  • April 26, Adventure Fair Fishing Derby at Shadow Cliffs
  • May 3, Pleasanton Fishing Derby, Shadow Cliffs registration required (925) 931-5353

Please contact Ethan Rotman at erotman@dfg.ca.gov or (415) 892-0460 if you have any questions.