Free Fishing at City Lakes on September 28 in Observance of National Hunting and Fishing Day
California along with most other states waives its license requirement in observance of this day. The Water Department and The San Diego City Lakes will also waive fishing permit fees for this day at the lakes currently open for fishing, which include:
Bring your family and friends for a day of outdoor fun and activities!
As a part of the celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day this year there will be a celebration in the Lake Murray parking lot on Saturday, September 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Organized and coordinated by the California Department of Fish and Game, San Diego County Wildlife Federation, and San Diego City Lakes Program, with the support of a wide range of agencies, clubs, organizations, and individuals, the free day-long public event will be geared toward education, information, and public awareness in a wide range of areas.
A street fair atmosphere filled with informational displays and exhibits as well as hands-on activities, where you can learn to cast or tie a fly, climb into a state-of-the-art bass boat, get maps and brochures pertaining to outdoor resources, or watch a sporting dog being put though his paces. A place where you can find out about long-range sportfishing, talk to a Game Warden, find out about public campgrounds, learn to call a duck or turkey, or take your turn at a computerized hunting simulator.
Anyone with a fishing related problem will be able to obtain a free diagnosis and prescription for fishing success from "Doc" Ron Montoro, the San Diego City Lakes Program’s fishing instructor.
National Hunting and Fishing Day is designated to recognize the historic role that fishing and hunting have played in the lives of Americans, and to introduce others to the sports. This year, National Hunting and Fishing Day will be observed on September 28.
National Hunting and Fishing Day was first established in 1972 by a unanimous vote of Congress, resulting in a Presidential Proclamation signed by Richard M. Nixon designating the fourth Saturday of September as the annual observance and celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day.
For nearly a century, the Water Department’s San Diego City Lakes Program has been nationally recognized as a pioneer for the quality of the fishing opportunities provided on municipal water supply reservoirs.
The San Diego City Lakes are home to state records for blue catfish (101 pounds) and bluegill (3.5 pounds) as well as county records for largemouth bass (20 pounds, 15 ounces), channel catfish (35 pounds), white catfish (7.75 pounds) black crappie (3.75 pounds) and redear sunfish (3.70 pounds).
On a global scale, the progeny of Florida-strain largemouth black bass imported by the City in 1960 now account for 21 of the 25 largest bass in history. Anglers from around the world come to San Diego for no other purpose than to fish our municipal reservoirs.
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