California Outdoors Q&A

The story of why Lake Oroville is now planted with only coho salmon is fairly long and winding. Here's the account from DFG Associate Pathologist Tresa Veek: After a stocking program is started, DFG monitors its success through different data collection methods, such as creel surveys and disease monitoring. The rainbow trout that were planted in the 1970s weren't surviving because of a parasite...
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Yes. According to Assistant Chief Rob Allen, all fish (with size or weight limits) in an angler's possession or when brought ashore must be in a condition where they can be identified and the size and weight determined (Fish and Game Code, sections 5508 and 5509). Striped bass and sturgeon may not be filleted on a boat while in the water, nor can they be...
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Question: I live in an apartment complex that sits on Seal Slough in the San Francisco Bay Area. Do I need a fishing license to fish off of the shore while standing on the apartment property with my child, who is under 16? Answer: Yes, you will need a license but your child will not. Anyone 16 years or older must possess a valid California...
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Question: I read your answer regarding the loaded gun "on" cars issue and I was left wondering what the person should have done when approached by the game warden for inspection. Should she have told the warden to wait while she unloaded the gun? Should she have placed the gun on the ground? What is the proper protocol in this type of situation? Please advise....
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Question: I was traveling in my boat up Butte Creek (a public waterway) recently when I was prevented from continuing due to a tree that had fallen across the creek. I am wondering if I would be legally allowed to cut the tree or its branches so that I can pass through with my boat. I consulted two different friends who thought I could...
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Question: I am a resident of Northern California and have been an avid "crabber" for quite a while. For a new adventure I'd like to take up "shrimping" but need some information on where to go, when to go and how to catch shrimp. Is it legal to recreationally catch shrimp? If so, what are the seasons and bag limits? Is there still a...
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