Fishing In California
Fishing Places in california that does not require a licenses?
Are there any places in northern California ( san jose area ) that does not require a licenses to fish?
As Golden Feather mentioned there are Pay Lakes, private ponds and Free Fishing Days. The only thing I could add, is what you bein' in San Jose there's the good old Pacific Ocean 
. One can fish without a license on "Public Fishing Piers" (link below from Calif., Department of Fish & Game will confirm that, just scroll 1/4 way down page).
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/sportfishingfaqs.html
This link be for Free Fishing Days ~ 2007. Once on page, click on more info., for free fishing days and there is Lake Cunningham (it's stocked with Rainbow Trout and Catfish) which is in San Jose, but September 22nd (Saturday) is the last free Fishing Day of the year, sooooo you still have ample time ta' make it ...
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/freefishdays.html
Only other thing I might suggest is ta' check with some of your local Fishing & Tackle stores. Hope this helps ...
Giant Squid Fishing California