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Fishing in the City - Sacramento Metro Area

Fishing Clinics

Youth Beginner "Learn to Fish" Clinics

Ages 5-15, Pre-Registration Required.

These events are geared towards children ages 5-15 years old with little to no fishing experience. All participants must be accompanied by an adult and use Fishing in the City provided rods/reels and tackle (no personal fishing gear allowed).

When registering, choose an arrival time (8:00 a.m. OR 9:30 a.m.). This event has 2 rolling start times: (1) 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. OR (2) 9:30 a.m. to 10:00  a.m. Please arrive within the time slot you have chosen and note that both have the same end time of noon. Clinic instruction ends at 10:30. Participants must complete a 45-minute "Learn to Fish" clinic in order to borrow gear. As participants arrive, they will be put into small groups to go through a series of stations, during which they will learn about casting, knot-tying, fishing safety, conservation and ecology, and more. Once they have completed clinic instruction, they may fish until noon. On a clinic day, the pond is closed to the public until 12:30 p.m. After 12:30 p.m. the pond will be open to the public for fishing.

Events are held rain or shine, hot or cold—please dress appropriately. Family members are welcome to follow along in the learning stations, but only registered children may fish until the event ends. When registering, list the names and ages of youth participants, as well as the names and contact information of accompanying adults.

Note: All participants must use Fishing in the City fishing gear as provided, which helps to ensure equal opportunity.

Summer (Catfish) 2024 Clinic Dates

Date/Time Event Location Register
September 14, 2024
8:00 a.m. - Noon 		Youth Learn To Fish Clinic Mather Regional Park Choose your start time:
8:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.

Stocking and Pond Closures

Date Pond Closure
9/13/30/24 Mather Lake Closed till 12:30 p.m. on 9/14
  Granite RP Open to the public
  Hagan Community Park Open to the public
  Howe Park Open to the Public
  Elk Grove Regional Park Open to the Public 9/14

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Rod Loan Program

The Rod Loan Program is currently inactive while undergoing revisions.

Learn to Fish Videos

Learn fishing basics on your own with these instructional videos.

Event Photos

Sacramento Fishing in the City logo
Two boys fishing
group learning to fish
Group of Anglers on the shore
Group of youth learning to cast
Young anglers on a shore fishing
Young anglers on the shore
Boy holding trout close to face
Family holding fishing pole and fish

Community Partners

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

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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

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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 Logo with kite - link opens in new window

Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District

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

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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 logo - link opens in new window

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 logo - link opens in new window

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).

Contact

Contact the Sacramento area Fishing in the City program at r2fishinginthecity@wildlife.ca.gov.

Sport Fish Restoration

North Central Region (Region 2)
Regional Manager: Morgan Kilgour
Main Office: 1701 Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Sales Hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Email the North Central Region | (916) 358-2900 | FAX: (916) 358-2912