Fishing in the City - Sacramento Metro Area

FIC-Sacramento Mission

The mission of Fishing in the City-Sacramento is to join communities in the critical work of creating a racially equitable outdoor movement to expand access for all to parks, open spaces, nature, and cultural amenities; and to ensure that fishing opportunities are accessible, safe, and welcoming to all people who've historically been prevented from enjoying them and the health benefits they afford.

Fishing Clinics

Pre-registration Required

July 2nd-Granite Regional Park, Beginner Clinic- All ages (Free Fishing Day!)

July 16th-Elk Grove Regional Park, Intermediate Fishing Skills-Next Level Clinic

(*Prerequisite: Recent participation in a FIC Beginner clinic or prior angling experience. All ages are welcome that meet pre-requisite. Fishing license required for anglers 16 and over.)

Hooked On Fishing Not On Violence (HOFNOV)

Two Saturdays a month 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at Southside Park

For more information, and to confirm your attendance, please contact HOFNOV at (916) 889-0105.

Virtual Gatherings

Interactive Virtual Fishing Programs-All experience levels encouraged to join. No Registration Needed

Click/tap links to join the virtual program

July 5, 5:00-5:40 p.m. - Knot Tying Basics
Want to tie the best fishing knot around? Would you like to learn how to tie a knot critical to connecting line to line? To help you learn bring two ~20 inches sections of string and a eye bolt, or some other type of closed ring. We'll cover the Palomar knot, and if there's time a Blood knot.

July 13, 5:00-5:40 p.m. - How to Catch...Catfish
We are stocking Channel catfish in all our ponds right now. So, we want to help you catch catfish. We'll learn a bit about catfish, mainly how they eat and find food. That will lead into a discussion about what kind of bait to use. We'll also throw in some rigging tips and tricks to help you to catch catfish. We want to hear your favorite ways to catch catfish too.

July 21, 7:00-7:40 p.m. - Skinning & Cleaning Catfish
Join us to learn how to skin and clean your catfish. This is an interactive virtual program. We'll watch a short pre-recorded demonstration video of FIC staff skinning and cleaning a catfish. Then we'll open up the conversation for Q and A. Bring your questions and curiosity.

Community Partnerships

Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

Hooked on Fishing Not On Violence (HOFNOV)

HOFNOV's mission is to use fishing clinics as a vehicle to mentor children and create real moments of truth between our angler mentors.

Hooked on Fishing Not On Violence (HOFNOV) program was founded in 2011. Through engagement of local children and teens HOFNOV has provided the opportunity to participate in our fishing derbies and camping trips that are held several times during the spring and summer fishing seasons. This program is uniquely designed to expose inner city at-promise children to the art and sport of fishing. HOFNOV is a nice fit for Sacramento because of the River City’s proximity to rivers, lakes and several streams, and creeks. We have found that fishing breaks down a multitude of barriers and assists in behavioral re-direction. Not only is this activity enjoyable to local youth, it is a physical activity that increases health and fitness.

Through our on-going partnership with HOFNOV we are collaborating to increase fishing access and opportunities for those that need it most. Check out HOFNOV calendar of events to find out what fishing opportunities are coming up.

Agency Partnerships

City of Sacramento-Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment

City of Sacramento Youth parks and Community Enrichment collaborates with FIC staff to provide quality fishing instruction at urban ponds within the city of Sacramento.

Fishing in City sites include Granite Regional Park and North Natomas Regional Park

Cordova Recreation and Parks District

Cordova Recreation and Parks District partner with FIC to provide community fishing events at Hagan Community Park.

Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District

FIC collaborates with FEC recreation and park district to provide fishing events at Howe Community Park.

Sacramento County Parks and Recreation

Mather Lake is a popular fishing spot that we regularly stock and provide fishing events as well.

Cosumnes Community Services District - Parks and Recreation

Elk Grove Regional Park is open for fishing March 1- November 30. Here is a full list of Elk Grove Regional Park specific regulations.

Southgate Recreation and Park District

Florin Creek Park pond is filled a stocked two times a year specifically for community events. Here is more information on the Florin Creek Community Center (PDF).