Unlawful Acts
California
Freshwater Fishing
It is unlawful to do the following |
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Attention Anglers!
Catch and Release Zero Limit Waters
In waters where the bag limit for trout is zero, fish for which the bag limit is zero must be released unharmed, and should not be removed from the water.
Angling Regulations in National Parks
Angling regulations in national parks may be more restrictive than State regulations. Anglers should check with the National Park Service to determine if seasons or bag limits differ from State regulations.
Coho Alert
Coho (silver) salmon may not be taken in any of the waters of the state, except in Lake Oroville, the Oroville-Thermalito Complex (Diversion Pool, Forebay, and Afterbay) and the Feather River from the Diversion Pool Dam to the Fish Barrier Dam. Incidentally hooked coho (silver) salmon, from all other waters must be immediately released unharmed to the waters where they are hooked.
Steelhead Anglers!
All wild steelhead caught must be released unharmed. Wild steelhead are identified by having an intact adipose fin.
Hatchery steelhead may be kept in selected waters. Hatchery steelhead are identified by a missing adipose fin and a healed scar in the location of the missing fin.

Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC) is an agreement between 26 states, which allows for the reciprocal recognition of hunting, fishing and trapping license suspensions. If your license privileges have been suspended by another state, the suspension may be recognized here in California. For example, if your sport fishing, hunting or trapping privileges have been suspended in Colorado for five years, your privileges may also be suspended for five years in California or any of the states participating in the IWVC.
The purchase of licenses or tags during the term of the suspension is a violation of the law and may result in prosecution. Licenses or tags purchased prior to or during a suspension are not refundable.
For further information contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Law Enforcement Division at 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, or (916) 653-4094.