DFG seeks ban on fishing for sturgeon in Sacramento River
First, salmon were declared off limits to anglers in the Sacramento River.
Now, another fish native to Northern California - sturgeon - could be next.
As officials debate how to protect wildlife amid a water crisis, the Department of Fish and Game is proposing a ban on sturgeon fishing in more than 80 miles of the Sacramento River between Redding and Butte City. A public meeting was held Wednesday night in Chico to discuss the proposal.
Options under consideration range from a seasonal closure to complete closure. Bait and gear restrictions also may be implemented.
Officials say such measures are necessary to protect green sturgeon, which can live as long as 70 years and weigh up to 350 pounds. In 2006, green sturgeon living in the Sacramento River system were listed by the National Marine Fisheries Service as a threatened species.
Since then, anglers have been allowed to catch and release only green sturgeon. There have been no such restrictions on white sturgeon, an even larger relative that's not imperiled.
Because anglers use similar gear and tactics for both species, the DFG now proposes to ban all sturgeon fishing on a stretch of the Sacramento River that is an important habitat for green sturgeon.
Public comments will be accepted until Nov. 5. Submit them to Steve Baumgartner, Department of Fish and Game, 601 Locust St., Redding, CA, 96001; or send them via e-mail to sbaumgartner@dfg.ca.gov.
News & notes
Trophy-sized trout weighing up to 5 pounds apiece will be released into the San Joaquin River near Lost Lake Park starting Wednesday and again Sept. 10. The trophy plants will be in addition to the regular allotments of half-pound fish. Details: (559) 822-2374.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are seeking public input on future management of Crystal Cave. A free cave tour has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday., followed by an informational meeting at 11:30. Space on the tour is limited. Call (559) 565-3102 to RSVP. The public comment period ends Sept. 25.
Learn from a ranger about how to plan and execute a wilderness trip in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks during a free seminar at 7 p.m. Wednesday at REI in Fresno.
Lakeridge Camping & Boating Resort at Pine Flat Lake is among 100 private campgrounds throughout the state offering two nights of camping for $50 on the weekend of Oct. 3-4. Details: (559) 787-2260 or www.CampCalifornia.com.
Largemouth or spotted bass is the most targeted freshwater fish in the U.S., according to a survey on the AnglerSurvey.com. Largemouth received 59.3% of the votes, followed by panfish (36.8%), smallmouth bass (25.3%), trout (20.1%) and catfish (17.4%).
The fourth annual Smile Train Bike Ride returns Sept. 12 to the Three Rivers area. Options include road rides of 25 and 50 miles as well as a 25-mile mountain bike ride. Details: www.kfccc.org.
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