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Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Published: 26 October 2019

Created: 26 October 2019

Last Updated: 26 October 2019

Ever wanted to catch a widow rockfish? The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is pleased to announce a new recreational fishing opportunity for groundfish north of Point Arena (38° 57.5’ N. lat.) from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2019.

For two decades, recreational fishing for groundfish species in deep waters off the California coast has been completely off limits, driven by the need to protect certain stocks that have been overfished.

This marks the first time anglers off the northern California coast will be allowed to fish for groundfish without needing to abide by fishing depth limit regulations.

The all-depth fishery will take place only in November and December 2019, and only north of Point Arena. The newly open areas will allow anglers to target groundfish species in the midwater column, such as widow and yellowtail rockfish, as well as species found on the bottom.

There are no special gear requirements, though unless otherwise specified, regulations require anglers to use not more than two hooks and one line to target groundfish. All other season dates, bag limits, size limits and other special area closures still apply.

“We’re hoping there will be calm weather windows on the north coast, so anglers can get out and try their luck with a different variety of rockfish and other groundfish species that are found in deeper depths these next two months,” said CDFW Federal Fisheries Program Manager Marci Yaremko.

While the all-depth fishery has been proposed since 2017, encounters with yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) in 2017 and 2018 exceeded the federal limit. In-season regulatory action in those years was needed to restrict depth limits in most areas of the state and also prevented the all-depth fishery from occurring.

Following the outcome of the most recent yelloweye stock assessment indicating the population is rebuilding much sooner than expected, the federal limit increased in 2019, allowing the all-depth fishery this year.

California’s rugged north coast offers many opportunities to fish for groundfish from vessels. Launch and harbor facilities for private vessels are available from Fort Bragg to Crescent City but may vary by port and time of year.

For those wishing to take a fishing trip on a party or charter vessel, there are multiple businesses offering fishing out of Fort Bragg, Shelter Cove, Eureka, Trinidad and Crescent City.

An internet search for a specific port and “rockfish fishing” can quickly provide business contact information, scheduling details and cost of trips and gear rentals.

Anglers who take advantage of the deeper depths during November and December may encounter yelloweye rockfish.

CDFW continues to recommend anglers avoid fishing in areas where yelloweye rockfish are known to occur. If encountered, yelloweye rockfish should be immediately returned to the water using best fish handling practices, and anglers should use a descending device in order to minimize injury and mortality.

CDFW also encourages anglers who encounter yelloweye rockfish to change fishing locations to prevent catch of the species.

For more information regarding groundfish regulations, management and fish identification tools, please visit the CDFW Marine Region Groundfish website.

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Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Published: 22 October 2019

Created: 22 October 2019

Last Updated: 22 October 2019

One hundred hunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Eden Landing Ecological Reserve, or ELER, in Hayward.

Access to ELER will be open to 100 hunters on a first-come, first-served basis on the following dates:

2019 hunts:

Saturday, Nov. 23: Check-in at 5 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 3: Check-in at 5 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7: Check-in at 5 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 12: Check-in at 5 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17: Check-in at 5 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21: Check-in at 5 a.m.

2020 hunts:

Saturday, Jan. 4: Check-in at 5:30 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 9: Check-in at 5:30 a.m.
Saturday, Jan.18: Check-in at 5:30 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 23: Check-in at 5:30 a.m.

"Eden Landing waterfowl hunts are unique in that there are no fees charged and hunting is offered on some Tuesdays and Thursdays when many public waterfowl hunting areas are closed," said ELER Manager John Krause. "These hunts produced a three-bird average last season, with northern shoveler and American wigeon being the most commonly taken."

Improvements have been made to ELER including a boat launch on Mount Eden Creek allowing access to tidal areas. Boaters are advised to consult local tide charts before launching as mud flats can subject vessels to hidden underwater hazards during low tides.

There is a 25-shell limit in the field and non-lead ammunition is required when taking wildlife anywhere in California. A small boat, canoe or other flotation device is highly recommended to access ponds and blinds. A hunting dog is recommended for retrieving birds. Hunters are responsible for avoiding closed areas.

To access ELER from Interstate 880: Exit at Alvarado Boulevard; continue west and turn right on Union City Boulevard; left on Bettencourt Road (look for Union Sanitary District sign); left on Whipple Road, right on Horner Street; right on Veasy Street. Enter at the yellow gate and proceed to the check station.

Adult hunters must have a valid California Hunting License, federal duck stamp, state duck stamp and Harvest Information Program validations. Junior hunters must have a junior license and, if 16 or older, also possess a federal duck stamp. Junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older (hunter or non-hunter).

Formal plans for public access opportunities at the reserve in addition to hunting are being developed as part of the South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project. More information is available at www.southbayrestoration.org.

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Written by: CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Published: 20 October 2019

Created: 20 October 2019

Last Updated: 20 October 2019

Do I need a HIP stamp to hunt dove?

Question: Is the Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation needed to hunt dove? I've heard that you don't need it if you're only buying a license to hunt ducks. (Paul)

Answer: Yes, you do need a HIP validation to hunt dove. It's required for any person hunting ducks, dove, gallinules, geese, band-tailed pigeon, black brant, coots or snipe. This validation is free to hunters who complete the HIP survey. The HIP validation is imprinted directly on your hunting license document after you answer the HIP survey questions.

The HIP survey provides wildlife biologists with data needed to make wildlife management decisions and formulate hunting seasons. You can learn more about it on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

Fish plants on the North Fork of the Feather River?

Question: I have been a diehard freshwater fisherman in California for over 40 years and am frustrated over the lack of planting on my home water. Why is there a lack of trout planting on the North Fork Feather River at Belden? I just don't understand. (Mike E.)

Answer: The North Fork Feather River at Belden is a plant that CDFW conducts for PG&E as a requirement of their Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license. CDFW grows and plants the fish and is reimbursed by PG&E.

The allotment of fish for the North Fork Feather River at Belden is based on that FERC license requirement, and it has been the same - 5,000 lbs. of catchable rainbow trout – for the last 25 years. We are not always able to meet that allotment, but that is the goal we are shooting to reach for that water every year. Last year, CDFW's North Central Region was short on fish, due in part to an unexpected disease outbreak, and the fact that Moccasin Creek Hatchery was damaged by flooding (other hatcheries picked up their planting allotments, which spread the resource more thin than usual).

So far in 2019, we are well on our way to meeting the 5,000 pound goal. In April we planted 1,520 fish, in June we planted 1,610 fish, and most recently on August 14 we planted 1,360 fish. That's a total of 4,490 catchable trout so far in 2019. There are more plants on the way this fall.

What's the difference between CDFW and the Commission?

Question: Can you explain the purpose of the California Fish and Game Commission? (Anonymous)

Answer: The California Fish and Game Commission was established by California's Constitution and is composed of five commissioners appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate.

Many Californians are not fully aware of the identity, function or responsibilities of the commission, and believe it to be the same as, or part of, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Actually, the commission is a separate entity from CDFW and does not oversee CDFW's day to day operations.

The commission has been involved in the management and wise use of California's fish and wildlife resources since 1870. Generally speaking, the commission's primary function is to promulgate regulations, in which it makes decisions involving topics such as seasons, bag limits, and methods of take for game animals and sport fish. CDFW then implements and enforces such regulations.

With the passage of the Marine Life Management Act (MLMA) in 1998, management authority for many commercial fisheries has been transferred from the State Legislature, and now resides with the commission.

Some have criticized the commission's regulatory actions as being nothing more than a rubber stamp for CDFW's recommendations. A review of the commission's actions on various CDFW recommendations indicates that this is not the case.

In many instances, the commission rejects or substantially modifies actions recommended by CDFW, but only where it is convinced that such action is in the best interest of the resource and truly reflects the wishes and needs of the people.

The commission often relies on CDFW's biological data and recommendations, since CDFW has the largest staff of experts for compiling data on California's wildlife.

You can learn more about the commission on its website. Meetings are held monthly and video coverage is both live-streamed and archived.

If you have a question for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. While they cannot answer every question, they will answer a few in each column.