What is Fishing in the City?
The Fishing in the City Program, established in 1993, serves Californians living in urban and suburban areas.
Anglers 16 years of age and older need to have a fishing license except on Free Fishing Days.
Learn to Fish Online
These 8 videos are a virtual fishing clinic designed to help you learn the basics of freshwater fishing before you go to the waters edge either on your own or as part of a "learn to fish" clinic.
This is a similiar series which serve as helpful reminders when you are at the waters edge. This series of "learn to fish" videos(opens in new tab) has captions only - no voice over but still contain information to help you learn to fish and is perfect when you are at the waters edge. These are designed for adults or for parents to help their children who want to learn the basics.
In-person Clinics in Your Area
Fishing in the City Clinics give city dwellers an opportunity to learn how to fish close to home. Ponds are stocked with trout in winter and catfish the rest of the year.
We will again offer in-person fishing clinics when conditions allow. Check the regional pages for events near you for updates.
Richard Louv is the author of seven books about family, nature, and community, including Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder. In his earlier book, Fly-fishing for Sharks, Mr. Louv touts California's urban fishing program (PDF)(opens in new tab).
More about CDFW's urban fishing program