Novato is surrounded by some of Marin County's best fishing options — Stafford Lake is five miles away with a dedicated kids' fishing program run by Marin Parks rangers, and McNear's Beach Pier in San Rafael offers pier fishing without a license on San Pablo Bay. If your kid hasn't tried fishing yet, the programs near Novato are designed with first-timers in mind.
1. Stafford Lake Park (Fishing) (Novato)
Location: 3549 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947
Novato👶 Best for ages 8+💲 Free🚗 4.6 mi
Marin Parks fishing programs turn a lake visit into a proper learning experience: Stafford Lake in Novato is where Marin Parks runs its youth fishing programs — rangers on site, gear provided, structured instruction for kids who have never fished before. The largemouth bass and catfish population is established enough that kids in the programs usually get bites, which is the whole point of a first fishing session.
Good to know: fishing, playground, zip line, trails, bike park, disc golf, picnic areas, restrooms, parking.
Parent tip: California fishing license required for anglers 16 and older — kids under 16 need no license. Marin Parks family fishing programs run seasonally; check parks.marincounty.gov for dates. No dogs allowed at Stafford Lake. Parking and park entry are free.
For current hours and seasonal closures, see the official Stafford Lake Park (Fishing) page.
2. McNear's Beach Park — Fishing Pier (San Rafael)
Out of Novato, plan for about 15 min in the car — makes San Rafael a realistic weekday-afternoon option from Novato.
Location: 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael, CA 94901
A 500-foot bay pier with no license required — best all-around fishing day trip from Mill Valley: McNear's Beach Park's substantial fishing pier extends into San Pablo Bay and consistently yields halibut, striped bass, sturgeon, and bat rays without requiring a fishing license. The sandy bay beach, seasonal swimming pool, volleyball courts, and snack bar make this a full family day rather than just a fishing stop. Views of the bay and East Bay hills are genuinely scenic from the pier end.
Good to know: fishing pier, beach, swimming pool, tennis courts, picnic areas, snack bar, restrooms, parking.
Parent tip: Beach and pier are free. Seasonal pool has separate admission. Park hours: 7am–7pm spring/fall, 7am–8pm summer. Snack bar is seasonal — confirm it's open before counting on food. Bring your own tackle; no rental equipment at the pier.
Hours and amenities shift with the season — confirm today's on the McNear's Beach Park — Fishing Pier city page.
3. China Camp State Park — Village Pier (San Rafael)
Out of Novato, plan for about 15 min in the car — makes San Rafael a realistic weekday-afternoon option from Novato.
Location: 1898 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael, CA 94901
No-license pier fishing at a preserved 19th-century shrimp village in San Rafael: China Camp State Park's village pier sits at the edge of a historic Chinese shrimp-fishing settlement on San Pablo Bay. California's pier fishing exemption applies here — no license required — and the setting adds genuine historical and natural context that transforms a fishing trip into something more memorable for kids.
Good to know: fishing pier, beach, trails, picnic areas, camping, restrooms, parking.
Parent tip: Day-use fee applies ($8–10 per vehicle). No license needed for pier fishing. Bring your own rods and bait. Arrive before 10am on summer weekends — parking fills fast, especially at the beach area.
How we picked these
We focused on publicly accessible spots with regular fish populations or stocking, appropriate for families with kids. We verified license requirements and current access for each location.Planning your visit
California requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older at Stafford Lake. McNear's Beach Pier and China Camp Village pier are license-exempt for pier fishing. Marin Parks runs family fishing programs at Stafford Lake — check parks.marincounty.gov for current dates. For more things to do near Novato, see the Novato events page.For more kids' events near Novato this week, see the Novato events page.
Novato Fishing Spots — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fishing spots for kids near Novato, CA?
Our 2026 guide picks 3 standout fishing spots within about 20 miles of Novato. The top picks include Stafford Lake Park (Fishing), McNear's Beach Park — Fishing Pier and China Camp State Park — Village Pier — each chosen for kid-friendly layout, parent reviews, and how well it holds up on a weekend visit.
Which fishing spots near Novato are free?
2 of the 3 fishing spots in this guide are free to visit, including Stafford Lake Park (Fishing) and McNear's Beach Park — Fishing Pier. The rest charge admission — check the individual cards above for prices.
What is the closest fishing spot to Novato?
Stafford Lake Park (Fishing) is the closest pick at about 4.6 miles from Novato. It's the easiest one to fit into a weekday afternoon — short drive, low commitment, easy to leave early if the kids melt down.