California orders dozens of streams closed to fishing as drought worsens

[Sacramento Bee RSS Feed]

California wildlife officials have banned recreational fishing on dozens of streams across the state as a result of low water flows caused by the ongoing drought, and more such closures are expected in coming weeks.

Dire snowpack reports have led the state to curtail fishing on many streams as the drought intensifies.​

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Members of the media surround Department of Water Resources’ Chief of California Cooperative Snow Surveys Frank Gehrke as he measures snow levels at Phillips Station on Thursday, January 30, 2014. In part, the resulting outlook led state officials to halt fishing on numerous streams. Gehrke said the recent snowfall may likely be gone by next week, and that it is unlikely that California’s snow level will recover to normal levels by the end of the season.​

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[Live2hunt]

I find it hard to believe that closing these rivers to fishing is to preserve adult salmon and steelheads. They already spawned and dying. I think it's HSUS in the work.

 

[slanttop357]

Why are they all freaked out Feb/Mar might bring some good storms if not then they should start to worry. I am doing my part by pissing in my back yard at least 4 times a day saves a lot of water.

 

[bughalli]

Salmon have spawned by now, but steelhead spawn from Oct to March. Most wild steelhead migrate up rivers Jan and Feb. They'll wait for a good rain and increased water levels if they can, but will migrate in shallow water if rain isn't available...simply to sustain the species.

Also....steelhead migrate up rivers and then back out to sea depending on their age. They came back more than once and don't die on their first spawn like salmon do.

I'm an avid steelhead fisherman and hate to see them close rivers, but we need water badly. I would rather see fish spawn successfully with what water they have and skip fishing on those rivers this year...hoping this year doesn't have an impact on future fish returns.

 

[slanttop357]

Well all this rain should change the water conditions and let the anglers get back to business.