It's Time to Go Fishing - Have Fun and Be Safe!
Spring is upon us and that means better weather, longer days and hungry fish. California has too many fishing adventures to choose from this time of year. Beach fishing, high mountain trout lakes, stripers in the Delta, Eastern Sierra lakes and rivers, and many more excellent fishing opportunities are waiting for you to go explore. Whichever California outdoor adventure you choose, CDFW reminds anglers to be safe when recreating on or near water this spring. Click Here To Get Your 2018 Fishing License
Opportunities Abound for Central Valley Trout Anglers, Despite Flooding of Moccasin Creek Hatchery
Central Valley anglers will find many local fishing opportunities despite the flooding of CDFW's Moccasin Creek Hatchery in Tuolumne County, which supplied many Central Valley and western Sierra Nevada waters with trout. More Info
Stillwater Trout
With snow melting in the high country, causing most rivers to be running much more swiftly than normal, now is a great time to fish mid- to high-elevation lakes for hungry trout. You'll find some of the finest scenery anywhere while you pursue trout in the lakes of California's mountains. Use the CDFW Fishing Guide to find a lake near you. CDFW Fish Guide
California Beach Fishing
May is a great time of year to get out and do some fishing from the many California beaches and piers. A few simple practices and gear choices can greatly enhance your enjoyment of year-round fishing for surfperch, croakers, California corbina and California halibut, among many others. CDFW offers a webpage with everything you need to know to get started. More Info
Help us Plan the Future of Your Trout and Hatchery Resources
CDFW is interested in gaining perspective from statewide stakeholders in order to draft guidelines for trout management. By providing input and offering comments, you are helping us ensure that we are drafting plans and regulations to meet your needs while providing for the protection and enhancement of trout resources. Questionnaire
Chico's 31st Annual Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs Event
On Saturday, May 19, the city of Chico will welcome kids to its annual "Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs!" free fishing day. This is one of the largest youth fishing events in the entire country. Kids 15 and under are invited to Horseshoe Lake for a chance at the 8,000 pounds of channel catfish that will be planted for the event. Admission is free, along with all tackle, bait and instruction by volunteer fishing coaches. More Info
Wanted: Nutria Sightings
The South American nutria has invaded California's Central Valley wetlands and poses a serious threat to fish and wildlife habitat, the state's water infrastructure and agricultural economy. California has launched an eradication effort to remove nutria from the landscape. Hunters and anglers can join the fight to protect California's natural resources by immediately reporting nutria sightings at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling (866) 440-9530. More Info
CDFW Fish Truck Tracker
CDFW raises and plants millions of trout each year for the enjoyment of anglers. To view trout planting schedules, please visit the fish planting website. The fish planting schedule is updated in real time, directly by CDFW hatchery staff. More Info
