California Fishing Regulations

Not legal advice. Compiled from official government summaries. Regulations change each year — always check the official source before relying.

General Rules (barbless hooks are the #1 cause of fines)

  • ⚠ No more than one daily bag limit of each kind of fish may be taken or possessed unless otherwise authorized.
  • ⚠ Steelhead Fishing Report and Restoration Card required when fishing for steelhead (rainbow trout >16 in in anadromous waters).
  • ⚠ Winter period (Nov 16 - last Friday in April) on inland streams: zero-trout bag limit, only artificial lures with barbless hooks allowed for all species.
  • ⚠ Hooks must be barbless in many special-regulation waters (check special regulations).

Species Limits

SpeciesLimitSize / Season
Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, redeye, spotted)5 per dayMin 12 in (lakes/reservoirs/Delta); no size in rivers/streams; Colorado River District 6 @ 13 in min
Trout (rainbow, golden, brown, cutthroat combined)5 per day, 10 possessionLakes all year; streams last Sat Apr - Nov 15; closed to retention Nov 16 - last Fri Apr
Striped bass2 per dayMin 18 in; Colorado River District & Southern District: 10, no minimum
Sunfish & crappie combined25 per dayNo minimum (Hodges/El Capitan crappie min 10 in; Barrett/Upper Otay zero)
American shad25Angling only
Sacramento splittail2Angling only
White bassNo limit (must be killed immediately; no live possession)
Inland white sturgeonZero (closed 2026)None - closed season statewide; >60 in fork length must be released
Amphibians (salamanders, newts, toads, treefrogs)4 each (leopard frogs, bullfrog: no limit)

Waterbody-Specific Rules

Albion River
  • Also see Section 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. Main stem below the conful ence of South Fork Albion. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks may be
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
Alder Creek
  • Also see subsection 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. Main stem below Tramway Gulch. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used from Nov. 1 thro
American River
  • |
  • (A) From Nimbus Dam to the U.S. Geological Survey gauging station cable crossing about 300 yards downstream from the Nimbus Hatchery fish rack site. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) From the U.S. Geological Survey gauging station cable crossing about 300 yards downstream from the Nimbus Hatchery fish rack site to the SMUD power line crossing at the southwest boundary of Ancil
  • | Jul. 16 through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession.
  • (C) From the SMUD power line crossing at the southwest boundary of Ancil Hoffman Park downstream to the Jibboom Street bridge. | Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 ha
  • | Jul. 16 through Dec. 31. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession.
  • (D) From the Jibboom Street bridge to the mouth. | Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
  • | Jul. 16 through Dec. 16. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession**.
Antelope Creek
  • |
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (A) From confluence with North Fork downstream to U.S. Geological Survey gauging station cable crossing at mouth of Antelope Creek Canyon. | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures wi
  • (B) From U.S. Geological Survey gauging station cable crossing at mouth of Antelope Creek Canyon downstream to mouth of Antelope Creek. | Jun. 16 through Sep. 30. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelh
Aptos Creek
  • from mouth to bridge on Aptos Creek Road (first bridge on Aptos Creek Road). Also see Low-Flow Restrictions, subsection 8.00(c). | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 h
Arroyo Grande Creek
  • from mouth to Lopez Canyon Dam. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Arroyo Leon
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Arroyo Seco River
  • Also see subsection 8.00(c) Low Flow Restrictions. The main stem Arroyo Seco and tributaries below the waterfall located approximately 3.5 miles upstream from the U.S. Forest Service Ranger Station. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal ho
  • Also see Section 8.00(c) Low-Flow Restrictions. The main stem Arroyo Seco and tributaries above the waterfall located approximately 3.5 miles upstream from the U.S. Forest Service Ranger Station. Note: See also 7.40(b)(9) below waterfall. | Sat. preceding Memori
Auburn Ravine Creek and tributaries
  • east of Nelson Lane. | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 15. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
  • (11) Battle Creek (Shasta and Tehama cos.). | |
  • (A) From mouth to Coleman Fish Hatchery weir. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) From 250 feet upstream from the Coleman Fish Hatchery upstream to Angel Falls (near Mineral) on the South Fork and to Ponderosa Way Bridge on the North Fork. | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. O
Bear River
  • downstream from County Road Bridge at Capetown, excluding tributaries. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
Bear River and tributaries
  • from Highway 65 to the South Sutter Irrigation District Diversion Dam. | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 15. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • From Highway 20 south (downstream) 2.5 miles to the abandoned concrete dam (the Boardman Diversion Dam). Note: See also 7.40(b)(13) from Hwy 65. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. | 5 trout
Big Chico Creek
  • |
  • (A) From mouth to Bear Hole, located approximately one mile downstream from the upper end of Bidwell Park. | Jun. 16 through Feb. 15. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from Oct. 16
  • (B) From Bear Hole to the upper boundary of the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. | Nov. 1 through Apr. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery stee
  • (C) From the upper boundary of the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve to Higgins Hole Falls, located about ½ mile upstream from Ponderosa Way. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Big Lagoon
  • For purposes of this subsection, the boundary between Big Lagoon and Maple Creek is the first private road bridge, located approximately 1/2 mile southeast of the Highway 101 bridge crossing. | All year. Only barbless hooks may be used. Cutthroat Trout minimum size li
Big River
  • Also see subsection 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. Main stem below the confluence of Two Log Creek. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used
Big Sur River
  • Big Sur River within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, east of the Highway 1 bridge, to its boundary within the Ventana Wilderness Area. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • Big Sur River and tributaries above the upstream end of the gorge pool at the boundary of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park within the Ventana Wilderness Area. Note: See also 7.40(b)(17) within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. On
Black Butte River and tributaries
  • except Cold Creek. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Bodfish Creek and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Bogus Creek
  • See Klamath River, subsection (b)(50). |
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
Brush Creek
  • Main stem below the Lawson bridge. Also see subsection 8.00(c) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used from Nov. 1
Butano Creek
  • From mouth to county bridge on Pescadero-Bean Hollow Road. Also see subsection 8.00(c), Low-Flow Restrictions. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or
  • (23) Butte Creek (Butte and Sutter cos.). | |
  • (A) From Oro-Chico Road bridge crossing south of Chico to the Centerville Head Dam, located 300 yards downstream from the DeSabla Powerhouse below DeSabla Reservoir. | Nov. 15 through Feb.15. Only art
  • (B) From the Oro-Chico Road bridge crossing south of Chico to the point that Butte Creek enters the Sacramento River both via Butte Slough outfall gates at Moon’s Bend and through Butte Slough, thence
  • (24) Calaveras River downstream from New Hogan Dam and the diverting canal (Mormon Slough) from Bellota Weir downstream to Interstate Highway 5 (Calaveras and San Joaquin cos.). | Fourth Sat. in May t
  • Above Butano Falls. Note: See also 7.40(b)(22) from mouth to county bridge. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Carmel River and tributaries above Los Padres Dam
  • Last Saturday in Apr. through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 5 Brown Trout, 0 Rainbow Trout.
Carmel River below Los Padres Dam.
  • |
  • (A) Carmel River tributaries below Los Padres Dam and main stem from Los Padres Dam to the bridge at Robles Del Rio/Esquiline Roads (Rosie’s Bridge). | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (B) Carmel River main stem below the bridge at Robles Del Rio/ Esquiline Roads (Rosie’s Bridge). Also see subsection 8.00 (c) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., We
Chorro Creek
  • from the mean high tide line upstream to the South Bay Boulevard Bridge. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery
Codornices Creek
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Coon Creek and tributaries
  • east of Highway 65. | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 15. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
Coon Creek
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Corralitos Creek
  • from mouth to Browns Valley Road. Also see subsection 8.00(c), Low-Flow Restrictions. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
Cosumnes River
  • from Highway 99 bridge upstream to the Latrobe vehicle bridge. | Jan. 1 through Oct. 15. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
Cottoneva Creek
  • Main stem below the confluence of South Fork Cottoneva Creek. Also see subsection 8.00(b), Low-Flow Restrictions. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Saturday in May through Oct. 31. Only ba
Coyote Creek
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
Deer Creek
  • |
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (A) From 250 feet below Upper Deer Creek Falls and fishway (located 1.5 miles upstream from Potato Patch Campground) downstream 31 miles to U.S. Geological Survey gauging station cable crossing at mou
  • (B) From U.S. Geological Survey gauging station cable crossing at mouth of Deer Creek Canyon downstream to mouth of Deer Creek. | Jun. 16 through Sep. 30. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4
  • (36) Deer Creek (Yuba and Nevada cos.) from mouth to Smartville-Englebright Dam road crossing. | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 15. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery
Dry Creek and tributaries
  • east of the Atkinson Street Bridge in Roseville. | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 15. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
  • (38) Dry Creek (Yuba and Nevada cos.) from mouth to Sid Smith Dam about one mile above junction of Scott Forbes and Peoria Roads. | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 15. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery s
Earl Lake/Talawa
  • All year. Only barbless hooks may be used. Cutthroat Trout minimum size limit: 10 inches. | 2 Cutthroat Trout. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
  • (40) Eel River (Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino and Trinity cos.) Subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions also apply. ALL WATERS OF THE EEL RIVER DRAINAGE EXCEPT THOSE LISTED BELOW ARE CLOSED TO ALL FISHIN
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • 1. From the mouth to Fulmor Road, at its paved junction with the south bank of the Eel River. Also see subsection 8.00(a), Low-Flow Restrictions. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks
  • 2. From Fulmor Road, at its paved junction with the south bank of the Eel River, to South Fork Eel River. Also see subsection 8.00(a), Low-Flow Restrictions. | All year. Only artificial lures with bar
  • 3. From South Fork Eel River to Cape Horn Dam. | Jan. 1 through Mar. 31 and fourth Sat. in May through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | Catch and release of Chinook Sa
  • | Apr. 1 through the fourth Fri. in May and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. | Closed to all fishing.
  • 1. Main stem from its junction with the Eel River to the end of Golden Gate Drive near Bridgeville (approximately 4,000 feet upstream from the Little Golden Gate Bridge). Also see Low-Flow Restriction
  • (C) South Fork Eel River from mouth to Rattlesnake Creek. Also see Low-Flow Restrictions, subsection 8.00(a). | Apr.1 to fourth Fri. in May. | Closed to all fishing.
  • | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Saturday in May through Sep. 30. Only barbless hooks may be used from Oct. 1 through Mar. 3
  • (D) Middle Fork Eel River. | |
  • 1. Middle Fork main stem from mouth to Bar Creek. Also see subsection 8.00(a), Low-Flow Restrictions. | Jan. 1 through May 31 and Jul. 16 through Sep. 30. At all times, only artificial lures with barb
  • | Jun. 1 through July 15 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. | Closed to all fishing.
Elk Creek
  • Also see subsection 8.00(b), Low-Flow Restrictions. Main stem below the confluence of South Fork Elk Creek. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks may
Elk River
  • downstream from Highway 101 bridge, excluding tributaries. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31.Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used from Nov. 1 through Mar. 31. | 2 hatchery t
  • (43) Feather River below Fish Barrier Dam (Butte, Sutter and Yuba cos.). | |
  • (A) From Fish Barrier Dam to Table Mountain bicycle bridge in Oroville. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) From Table Mountain bicycle bridge to Highway 70 bridge. | Jan. 1 through Jul. 15. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhea
  • (C) From Highway 70 bridge to the unimproved boat ramp above the Thermalito Afterbay Outfall. | All year. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possessi
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (D) From the unimproved boat ramp above the Thermalito Afterbay Outfall to 200 yards above the Live Oak boat ramp. | Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout
  • | Jul. 16 through Oct. 31. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession.
  • (E) From 200 yards above Live Oak boat ramp to the Highway 99 bridge. | Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
  • | Jul. 16 through Dec. 16. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession.
  • (F) From the Highway 99 bridge to the mouth. For purposes of this subsection, the lower boundary is defined as a straight line drawn from the peninsula point on the west bank to the Verona Marina boat
  • | Jul. 16 through Dec 16. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession.
Freshwater Creek
  • downstream from bridge at “3 Corners” on the Old Arcata Road, excluding tributaries. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used from Nov.
Garcia River
  • Also see Section 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. Main stem below the Eureka Hill Road bridge. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used fro
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
Greenwood Creek
  • Also see subsection 8.00(b), Low-Flow Restrictions. Main stem below the log bridge about 1-1/2 miles east of Highway 1. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31.Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only b
Guadalupe River below Guadalupe Reservoir
  • including Los Gatos Creek below Vasona Lake, and Alamitos Creek and Arroyo Calero below Calero Reservoir. | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov.15. Only artificial lures and barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhea
  • (48) Gualala River (Mendocino and Sonoma cos.). Also see subsection 8.00(b). Main stem below the confluence of Wheatfield and South Forks. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31.Only artificial lures wi
Islay Creek
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • Klamath River Basin Special Regulation Waters Creek Creek Klamath River Main Jenny Fall Scotch Stem & Tributaries (1-2c) Creek (Hilt Copco Rd. 2 b i i 2 b i Bridge 2a 2biii Secret Spring Mountain 2b K
  • | | | Open Season and Special Restrictions Daily B | |
  • (50) All anadromous Waters of the Klamath River Basin and Trinity River downstream of Lewiston Dam. (Del Norte, Humboldt, Siskiyou, and Trinity cos.). (See North Coast District Regulations, subsection
  • 1. Bogus Creek and tributaries. | | | All anadromous portions of Bogus Creek. Closed to all fishing all year. | |
  • 2. Klamath River main stem from the California-Oregon state line to the mouth. | | | | |
  • a. Klamath River from California-Ore Copco Road bridge at Copco. | | | gon state line to Nov. 1 through Feb. Close 28 and fourth Sat. in posses May through Aug. 31. Only artificial lures with 0 hatc
  • (i) Shovel Creek main stem downstre located approximately 2.75 miles up Beswick Road. | | | am of barrier All anadromous portions of tributaries. Closed to all fishing stream from Ager all year. |
  • b. Klamath River from Copco Road Lakeview Road bridge near Iron Ga | | | bridge at Copco to Closed to all fishing all year. te. | |
  • (i) Fall Creek downstream of barrier approximately 1 mile upstream from | | | located All anadromous portions of tributaries. Closed to all fishing Copco Road all year. | |
  • (ii) Jenny Creek downstream of barr approximately 2 miles upstream fro | | | ier located All anadromous portions of tributaries. Closed to all fishing m Copco Road all year. | |
  • (iii) Scotch Creek main stem downstream of barrier located approximately 3/4 mile upstream from Copco Road | All anadromous portions of tributaries. Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • c. Klamath River from Lakeview Road Bridge near Iron Gate to Interstate 5 bridge. | Jan. 1 to Aug. 14. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • | Fall-run Quota: 0 Chinook Salmon: Aug. 15 to Dec. 31, 2026. This is the cumulative quota for subsections 2.c. and 2.d. | Closed to the take and possession of Chinook Salmon. 2 hatchery trout or hat
  • d. Klamath River from Interstate 5 bridge to the Highway 96 bridge at Weitchpec. | Jan. 1 to Aug. 14. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • | Fall-run Quota: 552 Chinook Salmon Aug. 15 through Dec 31, 2026. This is the cumulative quota for subsections 2.c. and 2.d. Once the adult salmon quota for this area has been met, salmon fishing ma
  • e. Klamath River downstream of the Highway 96 bridge at Weitchpec to the mouth. | Jan. 1 through Jun. 30 | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • | Jul. 1 through Aug. 14. | 1 Chinook Salmon**. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • | Fall-run Quota: 1,624 Chinook Salmon Aug. 15-Dec 31, 2026. Once the adult salmon quota for this area has been met, salmon fishing may continue but only salmon less than or equal to 23 inches total
  • 3. Salmon River main stem, main stem of North Fork downstream of Sawyer’s Bar bridge, and main stem of South Fork downstream of the confluence of the East Fork of the South Fork. | Nov. 1 through Feb.
  • 4. Scott River main stem downstream of the Fort Jones- Greenview bridge to the confluence with the Klamath River. | Fourth Sat. in May through Feb. 28. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • 5. Shasta River main stem downstream of the Interstate Highway 5 bridge north of Yreka to the confluence with the Klamath River. | Fourth Sat. in May through Aug. 31 and Nov. 16 through Feb. 28. | 2 h
  • 6. Trinity River and tributaries. | |
  • a. Trinity River main stem from 250 feet downstream of Lewiston Dam to the Old Lewiston Bridge. | Apr. 1 through Sep. 15. Only artificial flies with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or h
  • b. Trinity River main stem downstream of the Old Lewiston Bridge to the Highway 299 West bridge at Cedar Flat. | Jan. 1 through Jun. 30. | 10 Brown Trout. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • | Jul. 1 through Aug. 31. | 1 Chinook Salmon. 10 Brown Trout. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • | Fall-run Quota: 536 Chinook Salmon Sep. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. Once the adult salmon quota for this area has been met, salmon fishing may continue but only salmon less than or equal to 23 inches
  • c. Trinity River main stem downstream of the Highway 299 West bridge at Cedar Flat to the Denny Road bridge at Hawkins Bar. | Jan. 1 through Jun. 30. | 10 Brown Trout. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery ste
  • | Sep. 1 through Dec. 31. | Closed to all fishing.
  • d. New River main stem downstream of the confluence of the East Fork to the confluence with the Trinity River. | Sep. 15 through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hat
  • e. Trinity River main stem downstream of the Denny Road bridge at Hawkins Bar to the mouth of the South Fork Trinity River. | Jan. 1 through Jun. 30. | 10 Brown Trout. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery ste
  • | Fall-run Quota: 536 Chinook Salmon Sep. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. This is the cumulative quota for subsections 6.e. and 6.f. of this table. Once the adult salmon quota for this area has been met, sa
  • f. Trinity River main stem downstream of the mouth of the South Fork Trinity River to the confluence with the Klamath River. | Jan. 1 through Aug. 31. | 10 Brown Trout. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery st
  • g. Hayfork Creek main stem downstream of the Highway 3 bridge in Hayfork to the confluence with the South Fork Trinity River. | Nov. 1 through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be
  • h. South Fork Trinity River downstream of the confluence with the East Fork of the South Fork Trinity River to the South Fork Trinity River bridge at Hyampom. | Nov. 1 through Mar. 31. Only artificial
  • i. South Fork Trinity River downstream of the South Fork Trinity River bridge at Hyampom to the confluence with the Trinity River. | Jan. 1 through Mar. 31. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • | Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. | Closed to the take and possession of Chinook Salmon. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • (52) Laguna de Santa Rosa (Sonoma Co. tributary to Russian River) upstream from Guerneville Road bridge. | Last Saturday in Apr. through Nov. 15. | Open to fishing for non-salmonids only. Closed to th
Lagunitas Creek and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Limekiln Creek and tributaries above Highway 1
  • Also see subsection 8.00(c), Low-Flow Restrictions. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 ha
Little River
  • downstream from the County Road bridge at Crannell, excluding tributaries. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Cutthroat Trout minimum size limit: 10 inches total length. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct.
Little Sur River and tributaries above Coast Road
  • Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
  • | Nov. 16 through the Fri. preceding the last Sat. in Apr. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout.
Llagas Creek
  • Also see subsection 8.00(c), Low-Flow Restrictions. | |
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (A) From mouth to Monterey Highway Bridge. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or ha
  • (B) From Monterey Highway bridge to Chesbro Dam. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Los Osos Creek
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Los Padres Reservoir
  • Last Saturday in Apr. through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 5 Brown Trout. 0 Rainbow Trout.
Mad River and tributaries
  • |
  • (A) Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream. | Jan. 1 through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatc
  • (B) Mad River main stem, from 200 yards above its mouth upstream to the confluence with Cowan Creek, excluding tributaries. Also see Section 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Fourth Sat. in May through
  • (C) Mad River main stem, from the confluence with Cowan Creek to the confluence with Deer Creek, excluding tributaries. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (D) Mad River main stem from the confluence with Deer Creek to Ruth Dam. | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery ste
Mattole River
  • Also see subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions. | |
  • (A) Mattole River main stem from mouth to 200 yards upstream. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) Mattole River main stem from 200 yards upstream of mouth to confluence with Stansberry Creek. | Jan. 1 through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (C) Mattole River main stem from confluence with Stansberry Creek to confluence with Honeydew Creek. | Jan. 1 through Mar. 31 and fourth Sat. in May through Aug. 31. Only artificial lures with barbles
McDonald Creek
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Merced River
  • |
  • (A) From Crocker-Huffman Dam downstream to the Schaffer Bridge on Oakdale Road. | Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhea
  • (B) From the Schaffer Bridge on Oakdale Road downstream to the mouth. | Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. Bait may be used from Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. However, from Apr. 1 through the Fri. preceding the fourth
Mill Creek
  • |
  • (A) From the Lassen National Park boundary downstream to the U.S. Geological Survey gauging station cable crossing at the mouth of Mill Creek Canyon. | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. Only artifici
  • (B) From U.S. Geological Survey gauging station cable crossing at mouth of Mill Creek Canyon downstream to the mouth of Mill Creek. | Jun. 16 through Sep. 30. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*
Mitchell Creek and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Mokelumne River
  • |
  • (A) From Camanche Dam to Elliot Road. | Jan. 1 through Mar. 31. | 1 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 15. | 1 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • | Jul.16 through Oct. 15. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession**.
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (B) From Elliot Road to the Woodbridge Irrigation District Dam including Lodi Lake. | Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. | 1 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*.
  • | Jul. 16 through Dec. 31. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession.
  • (C) Between the Woodbridge Irrigation District Dam and the Lower Sacramento Road bridge. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (D) From the Lower Sacramento Road bridge to the mouth. For purposes of this subsection, this river segment is defined as Mokelumne River and its tributary sloughs downstream of the Lower Sacramento R
  • | Jul. 16 through Dec. 16. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession.
  • (67) Nacimiento River (Monterey and San Luis Obispo cos.). Main stem below Nacimiento Dam, downstream to its confluence with the Salinas River. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Oct. 31. Only arti
Napa River and tributaries
  • Also see subsection 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. | |
  • (A) Main stem above the Oakville Cross Road Bridge near Yountville and all Napa River tributaries. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) From the Oakville Cross Road Bridge near Yountville to the Trancas Bridge. Note: The Napa River below the Trancas Bridge is tidewater, and is under the regulations for the Ocean and San Francisco
Navarro River
  • Also see subsection 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. Main stem below the Greenwood Road bridge. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used f
Noyo River
  • Also see subsection 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. | |
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (A) Noyo River main stem from the mouth to the Georgia-Pacific logging road bridge one mile east of Highway 1. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be us
  • (B) Noyo River main stem from the Georgia-Pacific logging road bridge one mile east of Highway 1 to the confluence with the South Fork Noyo River. | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 1. Only artificial
  • (C) Noyo River main stem from the confluence with the South Fork Noyo River to the Sonoma/Mendocino Boy Scout Council Camp. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless ho
  • (71) Pajaro River (Monterey, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Benito cos.) from mouth to Uvas Creek. Also see subsection 8.00(c) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun.,
Upper Penitencia Creek
  • , a tributary to Coyote Creek. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Pescadero Creek
  • from mouth to the Stage Road bridge at Pescadero. Also see Section 8.00(c) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery s
  • (74) Pescadero Creek tributaries and main stem above the Stage Road bridge at Pescadero (Santa Clara and San Mateo cos.). | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Pinole Creek
  • and tributaries. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Redwood Creek and tidewaters
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Redwood Creek
  • Also see subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions. | |
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (A) Redwood Creek main stem, within a radius of 200 yards of its mouth. | Jan. 1 through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 ha
  • (B) Redwood Creek main stem, from 200 yards above the mouth to the mouth of Prairie Creek. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhe
  • (C) Redwood Creek main stem, from the mouth of Prairie Creek to the mouth of Bond Creek. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout
  • (D) Redwood Creek and tributaries, above the mouth of Bond Creek. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • and tributaries above the mouth of Bond Creek. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Russian Gulch and tributaries
  • Main stem below the confluence of the East Branch. Also see subsection 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbles
  • (79) Russian River and tributaries (Sonoma and Mendocino cos.). Also see subsection 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. | |
  • (A) Russian River main stem below the confluence of the East Branch Russian River. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from Apr. 1 through Oct. 31 Only barbless hooks may
  • (B) Russian River main stem above the confluence of the East Branch and all River tributaries. (See Laguna de Santa Rosa subsection (b)(52) and Santa Rosa Creek subsection (b)(98) for non-salmonids on
  • (C) Russian River within 250 feet of the Healdsburg Memorial Dam. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (D) Russian River State Marine Recreational Management Area. See Title 14 Section 623(b)(37). | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (80) Sacramento River main stem below Keswick Dam (Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Glenn, Sacramento, Shasta, Solano, Sutter, Tehama and Yolo Cos.) | |
  • (A) Sacramento River from Keswick Dam to 650 feet below Keswick Dam. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) Sacramento River from 650 feet below Keswick Dam to the Deschutes Road bridge. | |
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • 1. Sacramento River from 650 feet below Keswick Dam to the Highway 44 bridge. | Jan. 1 through Mar. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or
  • | Closed to all fishing from Apr. 1 through Jul. 31. |
  • | Aug. 1 through Dec. 31. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession. 5 Brown Trout. 10 Brown Trout in possessio
  • 2. Sacramento River from the Highway 44 bridge to the Deschutes Road bridge. | All year. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelh
  • (C) Sacramento River from the Deschutes Road bridge to Woodson Bridge. | Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession. 5 Bro
  • | Aug. 1 through Oct. 31. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession.
  • | Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession.
  • (D) Sacramento River from Woodson Bridge to the Highway 113 bridge near Knights Landing. | Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in
  • | Jul. 16 through Dec. 16. | 2 Chinook Salmon. 4 Chinook Salmon in possession.
  • (E) Sacramento River from the Highway 113 bridge near Knights Landing to the Carquinez Bridge (includes Suisun Bay, Grizzly Bay and all tributary sloughs west of Highway 160). | Jan. 1 through Dec. 31
  • (81) Salinas River and tributaries (Monterey and San Luis Obispo cos.). Also see subsection 8.00(c) Low-Flow Restrictions. | |
  • (A) The main stem Salinas River. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery ste
  • (B) All Salinas River tributaries upstream of Arroyo Seco River confluence (including the San Antonio River below San Antonio Reservoir and Dam, Paso Robles Creek and tributaries, Atascadero Creek, an
Salmon Creek and tributaries
  • Also see subsection 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. | |
  • (A) Salmon Creek main stem below Highway 1. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks
  • (B) Salmon Creek main stem above Highway 1 and all Salmon Creek tributaries. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Salmon River
  • See Klamath River subsection (b)(50). |
San Benito River and tributaries
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
San Clemente Creek and tributaries
  • except for Trout Lake. | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15 Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
San Diego Creek
  • Downstream of the MacArthur Blvd. bridge only. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Nov. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | Open to fishing for non-salmonids only. Closed to the take of trout, and steelhead.
  • (87) San Francisquito Creek and tributaries (Santa Clara and San Mateo cos.) | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (88) San Gabriel River (Los Angeles and Orange cos.) Upstream of the Highway 22 bridge to the start of concrete-lined portion of the river channel. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Nov. 30. Only
San Gregorio Creek
  • from the mouth to the Stage Road bridge at San Gregorio. Also see Section 8.00(c) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or
  • (90) San Joaquin River (Fresno, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus cos.). | |
  • (A) From Friant Dam downstream to the Highway 140 bridge. | All year. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
  • (B) From the Highway 140 bridge downstream to the Interstate Highway 5 bridge at Mossdale. | All year. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
San Juan Creek main stem
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
San Lorenzo River
  • from the mouth to the Lomond Street bridge in the town of Boulder Creek. Also see subsection 8.00(c) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2
San Luis Obispo Creek
  • from mouth to the first and most southwestern Highway 1/101 bridge. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatch
San Luis Rey River
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (95) San Mateo Creek and tributaries downstream from the falls between the Tenaja Road crossing and Fisherman’s Camp (San Diego and Riverside cos.). | Closed to all fishing all year. |
San Simeon Creek
  • from mouth to the pedestrian bridge in San Simeon Beach State Park. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery t
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (97) Santa Margarita River and tributaries downstream from the Interstate Highway 15 bridge (San Diego and Riverside cos.). | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (98) Santa Rosa Creek (Sonoma Co. tributary to Russian River) from Laguna de Santa Rosa to Highway 12 bridge. | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | Open to fishing for non- salmonids only. Closed to
Santa Ynez River and tributaries downstream from Bradbury Dam
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Scott Creek
  • from mouth to confluence with Big Creek. Also see Section 8.00(c) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout.
Scott River
  • See Klamath River subsection (b)(50). |
See Canyon Creek
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Shasta River
  • See Klamath River subsection (b)(50). |
Sisquoc River and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Smith River
  • Yearly limits apply for entire river. Subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions also apply. | |
  • (A) Main stem from the mouth to confluence of Middle and South forks. Also see subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Fourth Sat. in May through Apr. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks
  • 1 Wild Chinook Salmon are those not showing a healed adipose fin clip and not showing a healed left ventral fin clip. | |
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (B) Middle Fork Smith River | |
  • 1. From mouth to Patrick Creek. Also see subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Fourth Sat. in May through Apr. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in M
  • 2. Above the mouth of Patrick Creek. Also see subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 Cutthroat Trout
  • (C) South Fork Smith River | |
  • 1. From the mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craigs Creek to Jones Creek. Also see subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Fourth Sat. in May th
  • 2. From the George Tryon bridge upstream to the mouth of Craigs Creek. Also see subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • 3. Above the mouth of Jones Creek. Also see subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 Cutthroat Trout,
  • (D) North Fork Smith River. | |
  • 1. From the mouth to Stony Creek. Also see subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in
  • 2. Above the mouth of Stony Creek. | Fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 Cutthroat Trout, minimum size limit: 10 inches total length. 2 hatch
Sonoma Creek and tributaries
  • Sonoma Creek and tributaries between the Sonoma Creek seasonal waterfall in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (located 0.2 miles upstream of the west end of the Canyon Trail) and the Highway 121 bridge. Note: Sonoma Creek below the Highway 121 bridge is tide
  • above the Sonoma Creek seasonal waterfall in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (located 0.2 miles upstream of the west end of the Canyon Trail). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Soquel Creek
  • from mouth to confluence of East and West branch. Also see Section 8.00(c) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks maybe used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery ste
  • (A) From Goodwin Dam down-stream to the Highway 120 bridge in Oakdale. | Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hat
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (B) From the Highway 120 bridge in Oakdale to the mouth. | Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. Bait may be used from Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. However, from Apr. 1 through the Fri. preceding the fourth Sat. in May,
Stevens Creek
  • downstream of Stevens Reservoir. | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
Stone Lagoon
  • All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Cutthroat Trout minimum size limit: 14 inches. | 2 Cutthroat Trout. 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
Ten Mile River
  • Also see subsection 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. Ten Mile River main stem below the confluence with the Ten Mile River North Fork, and the Ten Mile River North Fork below the confluence with Bald Hill Creek. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificia
Topanga Canyon Creek and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Trabuco Creek (a.k.a. Arroyo Trabuco Creek)
  • Downstream of the Interstate Highway 5 bridge to the confluence with San Juan Creek | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (114) Trinity River and tributaries downstream of Lewiston Dam. | See Klamath River subsection (b)(50). |
  • (115) Tuolumne River (Stanislaus and Tuolumne cos.). | |
  • (A) From La Grange Dam downstream to Hickman Bridge. | Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hat
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
  • (B) From Hickman Bridge to the mouth. | Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. Bait may be used from Jan. 1 through Oct. 31. However, from Apr. 1 through the Fri. preceding the fourth Sat. in May, bait may be used o
Usal Creek and tributaries
  • Also see subsection 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. Usal Creek main stem below the Usal-Shelter Cove Road. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only ba
Uvas or Carnadero Creek
  • Also see subsection 8.00(c) Low-Flow Restrictions. | |
  • (A) From Highway 152 bridge to Uvas Dam. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) From mouth to Highway 152 bridge. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only on Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatcher
Van Duzen River
  • See Eel River subsection (b)(40) and subsection 8.00(a) Low-Flow Restrictions. |
Waddell Creek
  • from mouth to Highway 1 bridge. Also see subsection 8.00(c) Low-Flow Restrictions. | Dec. 1 through Mar. 7, but only Sat., Sun., Wed., legal holidays and opening and closing days. Only barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatch
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
Walker Creek and tributaries
  • Also see subsection 8.00(b) Low-Flow Restrictions. | |
  • (A) Walker Creek main stem below Highway 1. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Oct. 31. Only barbless hooks
  • (B) Walker Creek main stem above Highway 1 and all Walker Creek tributaries. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Walnut Creek
  • |
  • (A) Upstream of the confluence with Grayson Creek. | Fourth Sat. in May through Mar. 31. Only artificial lure with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery tro
  • (B) Downstream of the confluence with Grayson Creek. | All year. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in possession.
Wildcat Creek and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (123) Yuba River (Yuba and Nevada cos.) from mouth to Englebright Dam. | |
  • (A) From mouth to the Highway 20 bridge. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead* in posses
  • (B) From Highway 20 bridge to Englebright Dam. | Dec. 1 through Aug. 31. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead*. 4 hatchery trout or hatchery
  • * Hatchery trout or steelhead in anadromous waters are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately rel
Alambique Creek
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (2) Alameda Creek and tributaries (Alameda and Santa Clara cos.). | |
  • (A) Alameda Creek mainstem and all tributaries downstream of San Antonio, Calaveras, and Del Valle Reservoirs except for Arroyo Del Valle between Bernal Ave. and the Thiessen St. intersection with Vin
  • 1. Arroyo Del Valle between Bernal Ave. and the Thiessen St. intersection with Vineyard Ave. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (B) Alameda Creek tributaries upstream of San Antonio, Calaveras, and Del Valle reservoirs. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 tr
  • (C) San Antonio and Calaveras reservoirs. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (3) Almanor Lake tributaries (Lassen, Plumas and Shasta cos.) upstream to the first lake. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
  • (4) American River, North Fork, Middle Fork, South Fork and their tributaries above Folsom Lake (Placer, El Dorado, Amador, and Alpine cos.), except Caples Creek (See Section 7.50(b)(24)). | Sat. prec
  • | Oct. 1 through the Fri. preceding Memorial Day. Only artificial lures with barbless hook may be used. | 0 trout
Antelope Lake tributaries
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
Bear Creek
  • from Big Bear Dam to confluence of Santa Ana River. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • (10) Berryessa Lake tributaries (Lake and Napa cos.). | Last Sat. in Apr. through Sep. 30. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
Big Tree Creek
  • Within Calaveras Big Trees State Park (upstream of the Highway 4 culvert crossing). | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Big Trees Creek
  • upstream from the confluence of Beaver Creek. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Boggy Creek
  • and tributaries (tributary to Thomas Edison Lake). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30 | 5 trout
Boulder Creek
  • upstream of El Capitan Reservoir, and all of its tributaries. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Bridgeport Reservoir and tributaries
  • except Swauger Creek from Bridgeport Reservoir upstream to Highway 395, and Swauger Creek from Bridgeport Reservoir upstream to the private property fence line above the Forest Service campground. | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
Bucks Lake tributaries
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
Burney Creek
  • From Burney Creek Falls downstream to Lake Britton. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Butt Creek and Butt Valley Reservoir Powerhouse Outfall
  • |
  • (A) Butt Creek. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
  • (B) Butt Valley Reservoir powerhouse outfall, from the powerhouse, downstream to a marker adjacent to Ponderosa Flat Campground. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. | 2 trout. 4
Butt Valley Reservoir
  • All year. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
By-Day Creek and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Cache Creek and tributaries
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
  • (24) Caples Creek from the confluence with the Silver Fork American River upstream to Caples Lake Dam (El Dorado and Alpine cos.) | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0
  • (25) Carson River, East Fork and tributaries (Alpine Co.). | |
  • (A) Carson River, East Fork and tributaries above Carson Falls. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) Carson River, East Fork from Hangman’s Bridge downstream to Nevada State Line. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. Minimum size limit: 14 inches total length. | 2 trout
Cedar Creek and tributaries upstream from Moon Lake access road
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Clear Lake tributaries
  • All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Cold Creek
  • and tributaries (tributary to Thomas Edison Lake). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
Convict Creek
  • |
  • (A) Convict Creek, including side channels and meanders, in the U.C. study area as posted. This area begins about 1/2 mile above the Highway 395 bridge and extends upstream about 1/2 mile. | Closed to
  • (B) Convict Creek downstream of the U.C. study area. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
  • Note: Convict Creek upstream of the U.C. study area. | Covered under Statewide regulation subsection 5.85(a)(2). |
Convict Lake
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
Corral Valley Creek and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (32) Cottonwood Creek and all tributaries upstream from the confluence of the main stem Cottonwood Creek and Little Cottonwood Creek, including the unnamed tributaries flowing through Horseshoe Meadow
Cottonwood Creek drainage lakes
  • |
  • (A) Cottonwood Lakes 1, 2, 3 and 4 and their tributaries (Inyo Co.). | Sep. 1 through Nov. 30. Only artificial lures may be used. Minimum size limit: 14 inches total length. | 2 trout
  • (B) All remaining Cottonwood Creek drainage lakes. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • (34) Cottonwood Creek, North Fork and tributaries (White Mountains, Mono Co.). | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Cow Creek and tributaries upstream from Forest Service Road 9S10
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Coyote Valley Creek and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Crooked Creek
  • |
  • (A) Crooked Creek below the City of Los Angeles gauging station. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) Crooked Creek and tributaries above the City of Los Angeles gauging station. | All year. Only artificial flies with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Crowley Lake
  • (See individual listings for regulations on tributary waters which include: Convict, Crooked, Hilton, Hot, McGee, and Whiskey creeks and the upper Owens River). | |
  • (A) Crowley Lake within 1,800 feet of the outlet dam (this area is marked with a series of buoys). | Closed to all fishing all year for safety purposes. |
  • (B) Crowley Lake, except for the closed area near the outlet dam (see above). | Last Sat. in Apr. through Jul. 31. | 5 trout
  • | Aug. 1 through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures may be used. Minimum size limit: 18 inches total length. | 2 trout
Davis Creek (Goose Lake tributary) and tributaries
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. | 5 trout
Davis Lake tributaries
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. | 5 trout
Deadman Creek
  • |
  • (A) Deadman Creek downstream from Highway 395. See Owens River subsection 7.50(b)(104). | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • Note: Deadman Creek upstream from Highway 395. | Covered under Statewide regulation subsection 5.85(a)(2) |
Deep Creek
  • from below Green Valley Lake Dam to the confluence of Willow Creek. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Dismal Creek
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Eagle Lake and tributaries
  • |
  • (A) Eagle Lake. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. | 2 trout per day. 4 trout in possession.
  • (B) Eagle Lake inside the break-water at the Gallatin Marina and Pine Creek Slough and Pine Creek below State Highway 44. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (C) Eagle Lake tributaries, including Pine Creek above State Highway 44. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. | 5 trout
  • (45) Eel River (Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino and Trinity cos.). Note: See also 7.40(b)(40) for anadromous segments. | |
  • (A) Eel River above Lake Pillsbury and tributaries to Lake Pillsbury (Lake Co.). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • (B) Van Duzen River. Main Stem and tributaries upstream of Eaton Falls, located about 1/2 mile upstream of the mouth of the South Fork (Little Van Duzen) and 2 1/2 miles downstream of Dinsmore (Humbol
  • (C) Eel River Middle Fork. | |
  • 1. Eel River Middle Fork tributaries (Hammerhorn Creek, Rattlesnake Creek, Beaver Creek, Fly Creek, and Bar Creek) upstream of USFS M1 Road crossing (Mendocino and Trinity cos). | Sat. preceding Memor
  • 2. Eel River Middle Fork and tributaries upstream of mouth of Uhl Creek (Trinity Co.) | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • 3. Balm of Gilead Creek upstream of falls located 1.2 miles from mouth and one mile downstream of Wright’s Valley Trail crossing (Trinity Co.). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Fe
  • 4. Eel River North Fork of the Middle Fork upstream of mouth of Willow Creek (Trinity Co.). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
El Estero Lake
  • portions of the lake south of the Pearl Street bridge known as Camino Aquajito Arm and Camino El Estero finger. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (47) Fall River Complex (Shasta and Siskiyou cos.). | |
  • (A) Fall River (from the confluence with Pit River upstream to origin at Thousand Springs). (B) Lava Creek (C) Little Tule River (D) Tule River (E) Horr Pond (F) Ja She Creek (G) Big Lake (H) Bear Cre
  • (48) Feather River North Fork from Belden Bridge downstream to Cresta Powerhouse (excluding reservoirs) (Butte and Plumas cos.). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artific
Fish Slough
  • |
  • (A) The portions of Fish Slough which lie within the BLM Springs. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) All other portions of Fish Slough. Also, see Section 5.00(b)(16) for black bass regulations. | All year | 5 trout
  • (50) George Lake (Lake George, Mono Co.) | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov.15. | 5 trout
Golden Trout Wilderness Area
  • , excluding the main stem Kern River (see subsection 7.50(b)(69), and the Tule River drainage (See subsection 7.50(b)(154)). | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Goose Lake and tributaries
  • , excluding Davis Creek (See subsection 7.50(b)(39), and Pine Creek (See subsection 7.50(b)(106)). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Grant Lake
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
Gull Lake
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
Hat Creek
  • from Lake Britton upstream to Baum Lake, exclusive of the concrete Hat No. 2 intake canal between Baum Lake and the Hat No. 2 Powerhouse. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Heenan Lake and tributaries
  • |
  • (A) Heenan Lake. | Sep. 1 through Nov. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Fishing hours are from sunrise to sunset. Night fishing is prohibited. | 0 trout
  • (B) Heenan Lake tributaries. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Hennessey Lake tributaries
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
Hilton Creek
  • Hilton Creek downstream from Crowley Lake Drive. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
Hobart Creek
  • , tributary to Spicer Meadows Reservoir. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Horseshoe Lake
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
Hot Creek
  • Hot Creek from the State hatchery property line to the confluence with the Owens River. | All year. Only artificial flies with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Illinois River and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (63) Independence Lake and tributaries (Nevada and Sierra cos.). | NOTE: ALL LAHONTAN CUTTHROAT TROUT TAKEN SHALL BE IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TO THE WATER. |
  • (A) Independence Lake tributaries and Independence Lake within 300 feet of the mouths of all tributaries. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) Independence Lake except Independence Lake within 300 feet of the mouths of all tributaries. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. |
Indian Tom Lake
  • All year. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
  • (65) Isabella Lake (Lake Isabella, Kern Co.) | All year. | 5 trout
Junction Lake and tributaries
  • including the lake’s outlet stream to Highway 108. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
June Lake
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
Kent Lake tributaries
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
  • (69) Kern River (Kern and Tulare cos.). | |
  • (A) From Lake Isabella upstream to the Johnsondale bridge. | All year. | 5 trout
  • (B) From Johnsondale bridge upstream to the Sequoia National Park boundary near the Kern Canyon Ranger Station. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • (C) Downstream of Lake Isabella. | All year. | 5 trout
Kings River
  • |
  • (A) Kings River, South Fork from its confluence with Copper Creek downstream to the Highway 180 crossing at Boyden Cave. | All year. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
  • (B) Kings River South Fork, from the Highway 180 crossing at Boyden Cave downstream to the main stem; Middle Fork, from the western boundary of Kings Canyon National Park downstream to the main stem;
  • (C) Kings River, from Garnet Dike Campground downstream to Pine Flat Lake. | All year. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
  • (D) Kings River from Pine Flat Dam downstream to U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Bridge on Pine Flat Road. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (E)1. Kings River from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bridge on Pine Flat Road downstream to Cobbles (Alta) Weir. | All year. | 5 trout
  • (E)2. Kings River Thorburn Spawning Channel, the 2,200 foot long channel located 5 miles downstream from Pine Flat Dam, and the reach of river within a 200-foot radius of the channel exit. | Closed to
  • (F) Kings River from Cobbles (Alta) Weir downstream to the Highway 180 crossing. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (G) Kings River from the Highway 180 crossing downstream. | All year. | 5 trout
Kirman (Carmen) Lake and all its tributaries
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov 15. Only artificial lures may be used. Minimum size limit: 18 inches total length. | 2 trout
Kitchen Creek
  • upstream of Lake Morena, and all its tributaries. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • (73) Non-anadromous tributaries of the Klamath River above Lakeview Road bridge. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
  • | Oct. 1 through the Fri. preceding Memorial Day. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks maybe used. | 0 trout
Klopp Lake
  • All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 2 trout
Lagunitas Lake
  • All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Lane Lake
  • All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Laurel Lakes and tributaries
  • All year. Only artificial lures may be used. Minimum size limit: 14 inches total length. | 2 trout
Lee Vining Creek from the Lee Vining conduit downstream to Mono Lake
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
  • | Oct. 1 through the Fri. preceding Memorial Day. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Little Butano Creek above the diversion dam at Butano State Park
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (80) Little Truckee River (Sierra and Nevada cos.) from Stampede Reservoir Dam downstream to Boca Reservoir. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Los Gatos Creek
  • upstream of Vasona Lake dam including Lexington Reservoir and all tributaries. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Lundy Lake
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
Lytle Creek and tributaries upstream of Interstate 15 bridge
  • All year. | 5 trout
Macklin Creek
  • , arising near Milton- Bowman Tunnel alignment, flowing northwesterly and having its junction with the Middle Fork Yuba River about 2-1/4 miles downstream from Milton Reservoir. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (85) Mamie Lake (Lake Mamie, Mono Co.). | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
  • (86) Mammoth Pool (Fresno and Madera cos.). | All year | 5 trout
Martis Creek from the Martis Lake dam downstream to the confluence with the Truckee River
  • All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (88) Martis Lake tributaries (Nevada and Placer cos.). | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (89) Mary Lake (Lake Mary, Mono Co.). | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
  • (90) McCloud River and tributaries (Shasta and Siskiyou cos.). | |
  • (A) Moosehead Creek and all tributaries. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) Edson Creek. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (C) Swamp Creek and all tributaries. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (D) Sheepheaven Creek. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (E) Bull Creek and tributaries. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (F) Dry Creek south of upper McCloud River. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (G) McCloud River from McCloud Dam downstream to confluence of Ladybug Creek. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • | Oct. 1 through the Fri. preceding Memorial Day. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (H) McCloud River from confluence of Ladybug Creek downstream to Shasta Lake. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
McGee Creek
  • McGee Creek downstream from Highway 395. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
McLeod Lake
  • All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Meiss Lake
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Milk Ranch Creek and tributaries
  • above the confluence with the North Fork Mokelumne River. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (95) Mill Creek (Mono Co. tributary to West Walker River) and tributaries upstream from confluence with Lost Cannon Creek. | All year. Only artificial flies with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Miller Canyon Creek from Silverwood Lake upstream
  • All year. | 5 trout
  • (97) Milton Lake and Middle Fork Yuba River between Milton Lake and Jackson Meadows Dam (Nevada and Sierra cos.). | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Mono Creek
  • and tributaries from Edison Lake upstream to the confluence with the North Fork Mono Creek. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
Murray Canyon Creek and tributaries
  • upstream from the falls located about 1/4 mile above the confluence with the East Fork Carson River. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Nelson Corral Reservoir and tributary
  • |
  • (A) Nelson Corral Reservoir. | All year. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
  • (B) Nelson Corral Reservoir tributary (the unnamed tributary entering the reservoir at the north end). | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Newlands Lake tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Nicasio Lake tributaries
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
  • (104) Owens River (Inyo and Mono cos.), except (A), (B), (C), and (D) below. | All year. | 5 trout
  • (A) Upper Owens River from Benton Bridge road crossing upstream to Big Springs. Above Big Springs, see Deadman Creek (subsection 7.50(b)(41)). | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may
  • (B) Upper Owens River from Benton Bridge road crossing to Crowley Lake. | Last Sat. in Apr. through Jul. 31. | 5 trout
  • | Aug. 1 through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures may be used. Minimum size limit: 18 inches total length. | 2 trout
  • (C) From Pleasant Valley Dam downstream to footbridge at lower end of Pleasant Valley Campground. | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
  • | Nov. 16 through the Fri. preceding the last Sat. in Apr. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (D) From footbridge at lower end of Pleasant Valley Campground east (downstream) to 5 Bridges Road. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Parker Creek
  • from Parker Lake to the confluence with Rush Creek. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Parker Lake
  • All year. Only artifical lures may be used. 14-inch minimum size limit. | 2 trout
Pine Creek (Goose Lake Tributary) and tributaries
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. | 5 trout
Pine Valley Creek
  • upstream of Barrett Lake and all its tributaries. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • (109) Piru Creek (Los Angeles and Ventura cos.). | |
  • (A) Piru Creek and tributaries upstream of Pyramid Lake. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • (B) From Pyramid Dam downstream to the bridge approximately 300 yards below Pyramid Lake. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (C) From the bridge approximately 300 yards below Pyramid Lake downstream to the falls about 1/2 mile above the old Highway 99 bridge. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used
  • (110) Pit River (Shasta and Modoc cos.). | |
  • (A) Pit River, South Fork (Modoc Co.) and tributaries upstream of the Highway 395 bridge in Likely. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. | 5 trout
  • (B) Pit River, North Fork (Modoc Co.) and tributaries from the confluence with the South Fork upstream to and including Franklin Creek. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only
  • (C) From Pit No. 3 (Britton Dam) downstream to the outlet of the Pit No. 3 Powerhouse. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (D) Pit River, from Pit No. 3 Powerhouse downstream to Shasta Lake. | All year. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
Pole Creek and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (112) Portuguese Creek, West Fork (Madera Co.) from headwaters downstream to confluence with the East Fork Portuguese Creek. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artificial
Prosser Creek from the Prosser Reservoir dam downstream to the confluence with the Truckee River
  • All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Purisima Creek
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (115) Putah Creek (Solano and Yolo cos.) from Solano Lake to Monticello Dam. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Redwood Creek and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Robinson Creek
  • |
  • (A) From the U.S. Forest Service boundary downstream to Upper Twin Lake. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
  • (B) Between Upper and Lower Twin Lakes. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
Rock Creek Diversion Channel
  • from its source below Tom’s Place to its confluence with Crooked Creek. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Rock Creek Lake
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
Rock Creek in the Hat Creek Drainage
  • from Rock Creek spring (origin) downstream to Baum Lake. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Rock Creek
  • from its confluence with Pit River to Rock Creek Falls (about one mile upstream). | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Roosevelt Lake
  • All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Rush Creek
  • |
  • (A) Rush Creek from Grant Lake Dam downstream to Mono Lake. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (B) Rush Creek (Mono Co.) between Silver Lake and Grant Lake | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
  • (125) Sabrina Lake (Lake Sabrina, Inyo Co.). | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
  • (126) Sacramento River and tributaries above Keswick Dam (Shasta and Siskiyou cos.). | |
  • (A) Sacramento River and tributaries from Box Canyon Dam downstream to the Scarlett Way bridge in Dunsmuir. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (B) Sacramento River and tributaries from Scarlett Way bridge downstream to the county bridge at Sweetbriar. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 5 trout
  • | Oct. 1 through the Fri. preceding Memorial Day. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • (C) Sacramento River and tributaries from the county bridge at Sweetbriar downstream to Shasta Lake. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Sagehen Creek
  • |
  • (A) From the stream gauging station (located about 1/8 mile below Sagehen Creek Station Headquarters) upstream to about 1/8 of a mile above the station headquarters at a point where the stream splits
  • (B) From the Highway 89 bridge upstream to the gauging station at the east boundary of Sagehen Creek Station. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Salmon Creek and tributaries above Highway 1
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (129) San Gabriel River, West fork and tributaries (Los Angeles Co.). | |
  • (A) Upstream of Cogswell Dam (including Cogswell reservoir and its tributaries). | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • (B) From Cogswell Dam downstream to the second bridge upstream from the Highway 39 bridge. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
San Luis Rey River West Fork
  • All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Santa Ana River and tributaries upstream above Seven Oaks Dam.
  • See subsection (b)(8), Bear Creek (San Bernardino Co.) for additional info. | All year. | 5 trout
Santa Ynez River and tributaries upstream of Gibraltar Dam
  • All year. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
Sausal Creek and tributaries
  • Closed to all fishing all year. |
Sespe Creek and tributaries above Alder Creek confluence
  • All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Silver Creek
  • tributary to West Walker River, and tributaries upstream from Silver Falls. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (136) Silver Creek and all other tributaries to Sworinger Lake (Modoc and Lassen cos.). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Silver King Creek and tributaries
  • upstream of the confluence with Snodgrass Creek. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Silver Lake
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
Slinkard Creek and tributaries
  • upstream from a department of Fish and Wildlife rock gabion barrier (38.606976°N, 119.567687°W). The barrier is located approximately 5-6 miles upstream from the Hwy 89 and Hwy 395 junction. | All year. Only artificial flies with barbless hooks may be
Solano Lake
  • All year. Only artificial lures and barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Sonoma Lake
  • All year. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
Sonoma Lake tributaries
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Soulajule Reservoir tributaries
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
South Lake
  • Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
  • (146) Yét Atwam Creek (Previously known as Sq. Valley Creek) and tributaries (Shasta Co.) | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (147) Stanislaus River, Middle Fork (Tuolumne Co.). | |
  • (A) From Beardsley Dam downstream to the U. S. Forest Service footbridge at Spring Gap (including the Beardsley Afterbay). | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • (B) From the U.S. Forest Service footbridge at Spring Gap to New Melones Reservoir. | All year. | 2 trout. 4 trout in possession.
Stevens Creek and all tributaries upstream of Stevens Creek Reservoir
  • All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (149) Stony Creek, and tributaries (including the North, South, and Middle forks) from the headwaters downstream to the diversion dam west of Stonyford in the center of Section 35, T18N, R7W (Colusa,
  • (150) Susan River (Lassen County). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. | 5 trout
Sweetwater River and tributaries upstream of the Sweetwater Reservoir
  • All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • (152) Tahoe Lake and tributaries (Placer and El Dorado cos.). | |
  • (A) Tahoe Lake tributaries upstream to the first lake. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (B) Tahoe Lake within 300 feet of the mouth of its tributaries. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (153) Trinity River, above Trinity Lake (Trinity Co.) from the confluence with Tangle Blue Creek (Hwy. 3), downstream (south) to the mouth of Trinity Lake, approximately 13.8 miles. | Sat. preceding M
  • | Oct. 1 through the Fri. preceding Memorial Day. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (154) Truckee River (Nevada, Placer, and Sierra cos.) | |
  • (A) Truckee River for 1,000 feet below the Lake Tahoe outlet dam. | Closed to all fishing all year. |
  • (B) Truckee River from the confluence of Trout Creek downstream to the mouth of Prosser Creek. | All year. Only artificial flies with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (C) Truckee River from the mouth of Prosser Creek downstream to the Nevada State Line. | Last Saturday in Apr. through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • | Nov. 16 through the Friday preceding the last Saturday in Apr. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Tule River and tributaries
  • Tule River, North Fork (Tulare Co.), only in the North Fork Tule River and all its forks and tributaries above the confluence with Pine Creek (about 50 yards upstream from the Blue Ridge Road bridge, about 12 ¼ miles north of Springville). | All year. O
  • (156) Tuolumne River (Stanislaus and Tuolumne cos.). from O’Shaughnessy Dam (Hetch Hetchy Reservoir) downstream to Clavey River Falls. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
Twelvemile Creek
  • Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (158) Twin Lakes (Mammoth, Mono Co.). | Last Sat. in Apr through Nov.15. | 5 trout
  • (159) Twin Lakes, Upper and Lower (Bridgeport, Mono Co). | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. | 5 trout
Upper Otay Lake
  • All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (161) Upper Truckee River and tributaries upstream from confluence with Showers Creek (Alpine and El Dorado cos.). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30. Only artificial lures with barbless ho
  • (162) Virginia Lakes, Upper and Lower (Mono Co.). | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15 | 5 trout
Walker Creek
  • from the private property line (fence) to the confluence with Rush Creek. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (164) Walker River, East Fork (Mono Co.) from Bridgeport Dam to Nevada State Line. | Last Sat. in Apr. through Nov. 15. Only artificial lures may be used. Minimum size limit: 18 inches total length. N
Whiskey Creek
  • downstream from Crowley Lake Drive (old Highway 395). | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through Sep. 30 | 5 trout
Willow Creek
  • upstream from the confluence with the West Fork Carson River to the main tributary of Willow Creek. | All year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
Wolf Creek and tributaries (tributary to West Walker River)
  • All year. Only artificial flies with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (168) Wolf Creek Lake (at the headwaters of Wolf Creek, tributary to the West Walker River) (Mono Co.). | Closed to all fishing all year. |
Yellow Creek
  • from Big Springs downstream to the marker at the lower end of Humbug Meadow. | Sat. preceding Memorial Day through the last day in Feb. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. | 0 trout
  • (170) Yuba River, Middle Fork (Nevada and Sierra cos.) from Jackson Meadows Dam downstream to Milton Lake. | See Milton Lake 7.50(b)(97). |
  • (171) Yuba River, North Fork (Sierra and Yuba cos.) from the western boundary of Sierra City to the confluence with Ladies Canyon Creek. | All year. Only artificial lures may be used. | 2 trout
  • Lake Chabot | oehha.ca.gov/fsi h/advisories/lake-chabot
  • Lake Del Valle | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/del-valle-reservoir
  • Lake Temescal | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/lake-temescal
  • Shadow Cliffs Lake | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/shadow-cliffs-lake
  • Camanche Reservoir | oehha.ca.gov/fsi h/advisories/camanche-reservoir
  • Feather River, Lower | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/feather-river-lower
  • Feather River, Upper | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/feather-river-upper
  • Lake Oroville | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/lake-oroville
  • Sacramento River and Northern Delta | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/sacramento-river-and-northern-delta
  • Thermalito Forebay and Afterbay | oehha.ca.gov/fsi h/advisories/thermalito-forebay-and-afterbay
  • New Hogan Lake | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/new-hogan-lake
  • New Melones Reservoir | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/new-melones-reservoir
  • Bear Creek | oehha.ca.gov/fsi h/advisories/bear-creek
  • Cache Creek | oehha.ca.gov/fsi h/advisories/cache-creek
  • East Park Reservoir | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/east-park-reservoir
  • Delta, Central and South | oehha.ca.gov/fsi h/advisories/delta-central-and-south-0
  • Lafayette Reservoir | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/lafayette-reservoir
  • Los Vaqueros Reservoir | oehha.ca.gov/fish/advisories/los-vaqueros-reservoir
  • San Pablo Reservoir | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/san-pablo-reservoir
  • Fallen Leaf Lake | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/fallen-leaf-lake
  • Folsom Lake | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/folsom-lake
  • Jenkinson Lake | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/jenkinson-lake
  • Millerton Lake | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/millerton-lake
  • San Joaquin River, Friant Dam - Port Stockton | oehha.ca.gov/advisories/san-joaquin-river-friant-dam-port-stockton

Seasons

Most waters open all year; trout streams close Nov 16 - last Sat Apr (0-bag, barbless artificials). District and special regulations apply (see special regs sections).

Licence Fees

California sport fishing license required (resident annual ~$58.46; non-resident higher). Steelhead and sturgeon report cards required.

Edition: 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (CDFW, updated 07/10/2026) · Effective: 2026 season (Mar 2026 - Feb 2027) · Source: California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife (wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations)

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