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Recreation
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- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Summer is in full swing and that means pool parties, barbecues, camping trips and Free Fishing Days.
This year you can catch an opportunity to fish throughout California without a fishing license on two Free Fishing Days — Saturday, July 5, and Saturday, Aug. 30 — and you might also catch a rainbow trout, largemouth bass or Kokanee salmon. It’s a great excuse to relax next to a beautiful lake or river and enjoy the great outdoors, and you might go home with tasty fish to throw on the grill.
For those new to fishing, this is a chance to explore a rewarding and exciting new hobby. For licensed anglers, this is a chance to introduce or reintroduce someone else to the joys of becoming an angler. Free fishing days are also a perfect time for former anglers to return and reconnect to the activity.
Children 15 and younger can fish for free every day of the year in California, but Free Fishing Days offer a time when families and friends can experience the hobby together.
Those interested in fishing California’s lakes, streams and rivers can find information about inland fishing locations and species on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, or CDFW, website.
Information is also available about year-round free fishing opportunities found on specific piers, jetties and breakwaters along the coast. Other helpful tools for anglers include the fish planting schedule, fishing guide and Recruit, Retain, Reactivate, or R3, Program resources.
A variety of offerings are also available from CDFW’s Fishing in the City program, which focuses on teaching Californians how and where to fish in metropolitan areas. General information about the Fishing in the City program can be found on the CDFW website.
Dozens of bodies of water across the Golden State await anglers with catchable-size trout recently stocked by CDFW hatcheries staff.
Some of those waters include Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, Stoney Creek in Tulare County, Shaver Lake in Fresno County, Silver Lake in Amador County, Lake Almanor in Plumas County and Burney Creek in Shasta County.
All fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect. CDFW encourages potential anglers to check rules and regulations for each water they plan to fish.
For new anglers who get “hooked” on fishing, be sure to purchase an annual sport fishing license. Revenue generated from license sales helps conserve fish populations and habitats while supporting California's longstanding angling opportunities for future generations. Annual sport fishing licenses are now valid for a full 365-days from purchase. More information on licenses, validations and fees can be found on CDFW’s sport fishing licenses web page.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. — Plaskett Meadows Campground, located in western Glenn County on Forest Hwy 7, has reopened.
The campground was damaged in the 2020 August Complex fire and suffered additional damage during winter storms in recent years.
Grindstone Ranger District staff have worked diligently to mitigate safety hazards, remove fallen trees and restore the campground for the public to enjoy.
Forest staff and contractors installed new fire rings, barriers and signs.
Two campsites, No. 7 and No. 18, do not yet have picnic tables, but new tables will be installed soon. Water is available at the campground.
Additionally, the forest has started a new scan and pay option through recreation.gov at several first come, first serve campgrounds, including Plaskett Meadows. Cash and checks are also accepted.
Information about recreation opportunities in Mendocino National Forest is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/mendocino.
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- Written by: Editor
On June 14 and June 19, the USDA Forest Service will waive standard amenity fees for all visitors to national forest and grassland day-use areas.
Saturday, June 14 celebrates National Get Outdoors Day, inviting everyone to connect with the great outdoors for healthy, active lifestyles.
Thursday, June 19 celebrates the historic Juneteenth holiday.
On these special fee-free days, standard amenity fees are waived for day use sites — like picnic areas, developed trailheads, and destination visitor centers. Some exceptions apply. To check if a site will be fee free and for safety alerts, contact your local national forest website.
About 95% of national forest land can be enjoyed fee-free, year-round. Where fees are assessed, at least 80% of these funds are reinvested at the collection site, to provide needed maintenance and services or pay for future improvements.
The Forest Service offers fee-free access a few times each year to encourage exploring national forests and grasslands. The remaining fee-free observances for 2025 are National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27 and Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
For more information about interagency passes, visit the Forest Service’s Passes and Permits page.
The Forest Service encourages everyone to take advantage of these fee-free opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Get outside and connect with nature to reflect, exercise and make memories.
For regional happenings, follow @YourPSWForests on Facebook, X and Instagram. Or search for individual national forests on Facebook and X.
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- Written by: Anderson Marsh State Historic Park
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park in bloom. Courtesy photo.
LOWER LAKE, Calif. — The final guided nature walk of the spring season will be held at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park on Saturday, June 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
With the exception of December, guided nature walks will be held on the second Saturday of each month of 2025.
Come and visit the park in full bloom before the summer heat arrives.
The June nature walk will be led by Henry Bornstein, a volunteer State Parks docent who has led walks at the park for over 16 years and serves on the board of directors of Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association.
The route taken on the walk will depend on the condition of the trails. The hike should last between 1½ and 2 hours.
Bring binoculars and meet in the parking lot at 8:15 a.m. for time to experience the early morning wildlife that can be found in the Ranch House and Barn complex yard — the walk will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Sturdy shoes, a hat and water are also suggested. Dogs are not allowed on the park trails.
There is no charge for the guided nature walk and parking is free for those attending.
Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake.
For more information about the guided walk, email