Craving a fun, free family adventure? Free Fishing Days in 2025 delivers big fun with zero cost making it even easier to create lasting memories! On July 5 and August 30, 2025, families in the Conejo Valley, Malibu, and Calabasas can fish at public lakes and other non-pier locations without a license, while public piers are always license-free. Fishing is a perfect family outing for a few hours, the whole day or a weekend getaway. Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas has top spots and tips to Find Your Family Fun!
Here are a few nearby fishing events:
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When Are Free Fishing Days in 2025?
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife offer two Free Fishing Days each year. Adults 16 and up can fish at lakes and non-pier locations without a license cost on these days, and kids under 16 fish free year-round. Free Fishing Days are a perfect way for families to try fishing near your community! Check current license prices at the CDFW’s licensing page linked below. Public piers like Malibu Pier, Santa Monica Pier, and Redondo Beach Pier require no fishing license any day, making them a great option anytime!
Plan your family fishing trip for these license-free days:
- Saturday, July 5, 2025 – A great post-Fourth of July outing near Thousand Oaks or Malibu.
- Saturday, August 30, 2025 – End summer with fishing fun near Calabasas or Agoura Hills.
👉 California Sport Fishing Licenses, other items and fees
 microgen from Getty Images Signature via Canva |
Why Families Love Free Fishing Days
Fishing is a fun, low-cost way for families in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and Malibu to bond outdoors. Here’s why:
- No Cost! Skip the license fee and save for a treat in Thousand Oaks or Malibu.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids light up when they catch their first fish—a total win!
- Close to Home: Great fishing spots are just a short drive from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and Malibu.
- Learn Together: Families can learn fishing basics from local tackle shops, online guides or free clinics that teach families how to cast and more.
- 10 Tips to Catch All the Fun on Your Family Fishing Trip
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Top Fishing Spots in and around Los Angeles and Ventura Counties
Ready for a family fishing adventure? These public spots are a short drive or day trip from the Conejo Valley, Malibu, and Calabasas in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, with a few great getaways just beyond. Note: Some local lakes are private and resident-only, so we’re focusing on public spots open to all! Here are top picks for families:
- Malibu Pier - Los Angeles County: A local gem for families. Fish for bass, halibut or mackerel with no license needed year-round from the pier. Enjoy snacks, a nearby beach, and easy parking for a fun day out.
- Santa Monica Pier - Los Angeles County: About 45 minutes from Calabasas, this pier is perfect for perch and mackerel with no fishing license required, as with all California public piers. Enjoy snacks, dining, rides, an aquarium, nearby beach and more kid-friendly activities for a fun day out.
- Lake Balboa, Anthony C. Beilenson Park - San Fernando Valley: Roughly 25 minutes from Conejo Valley, this small lake allows fishing in designated areas you'll find bass and catfish. Picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking paths make it a family-friendly stop.
- Simi Hills Neighborhood Park - Simi Valley: Nearby Thousand Oak, the park's lagoon offers fishing for bluegill, bass and catfish - no license needed on Free Fishing Days. Picnic benches and open spaces, ducks and turtles makes it perfect for kids.
- Lake Casitas - Ventura County: A short drive from Conejo Valley, this public lake offers trout and bass, no license needed on Free Fishing Days. Shallow shores, picnic spots, camping and nearby trails make it great for families.
- Lake Piru - Ventura County: About 40 minutes from Conejo Valley, fish from the shore, float tube or a boat for bass, crappie, blue gill, catfish, or carp, no license needed on Free Fishing Days. Picnic areas, restrooms, camping and boating options add family fun.
- Cachuma Lake - Santa Barbara County: A 90-minute drive from Conejo Valley, this popular lake offers trout, bass, or catfish, no license needed on Free Fishing Days. Spacious shores, camping, and hiking make it ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway.
- Redondo Beach Pier - Redondo Beach, Los Angeles County: About 45 minutes from Conejo Valley, perfect for surf fishing mackerel or perch with no fishing license required, as with all California public piers. Nearby restaurants and shops make it a great family outing.
- Channel Islands National Park - Ventura County: About 90 minutes from Conejo Valley, this island spot is great for families with charter boat access. Fish for rockfish or lingcod, but check the National Park Service website for regulations and restrictions.
- California Beach Fishing: Planning a summer trip? Explore public piers and beaches across California, with piers requiring no license year-round and beaches license-free on Free Fishing Days. Note that some coastal areas are protected as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), where fishing may be restricted; check the CDFW’s MPA page for details. Find county-specific spots on the CDFW’s beach fishing page.
Additional Helpful information:
- Find more public spots: CDFW’s fishing map
- California Marine Protected Areas - MPAs
- California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations
- Guppies Fishing Adventures - Fishing guide for kids and adults - outings and classes
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Tips for a Great Fishing Day
Here’s how to make your fishing trip in Los Angeles or Ventura Counties easy and fun:
- Start Simple with Gear: Get kid-sized rods of 4–5 feet and pre-tied hooks at local sporting goods stores. Worms or dough bait are easy for kids to use and attract fish like bluegill or trout.
- Practice at Home: Have kids try casting in the backyard with a toy rod or string to build confidence before hitting the lake or pier.
- Check Rules Before You Go: No license is needed on Free Fishing Days for lakes or year-round for public piers, but bag limits and gear rules apply. Visit the CDFW regulations page for specifics.
- Pack for Fun: Bring sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, and a small net for kids to scoop fish and maybe a bucket too. Folding chairs makes waiting comfy for parents and kids.
- Make It a Game: Turn fishing into a family challenge—who can catch the first fish or spot the most wildlife? Keeps kids engaged at spots like Lake Casitas or Malibu Pier.
- Explore Free Clinics: If available, CDFW’s Fishing in the City clinics in Los Angeles or Ventura Counties, about 30 to 60 minutes from Conejo Valley, offer hands-on lessons for beginners or see the videos below and watch with your kids.
 phoonsawaengsap from Getty Images via Canva |
Fun Fishing Facts for Kids
- Malibu and nearby areas are part of California’s 1,100-mile coastline, packed with fish like perch or bass.
- Malibu Pier has been a fishing spot since the 1930s—your kids are casting where history was made!
- Free Fishing Days align with National Fishing and Boating Week, June 3 to 11, 2025, a nationwide outdoor celebration.
- Kids under 16 fish free all year, so you can practice at Malibu Pier anytime!
👉 More Fishing Videos:
▶️ Learn to Fish with Fishing in the City
▶️ Fishing in the City Virtual Clinic
Find Your Family Fun with Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas!
Free Fishing Days on July 5 and August 30, 2025, are a great way for families in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and Malibu to enjoy fishing spots like Malibu Pier or Lake Casitas.
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Disclaimer: This article was written with the assistance of AI/Grok to provide accurate and up-to-date information for our readers.
