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Steelhead Report and Restoration Card

CDFW uses Steelhead Report and Restoration Card data to track angling trends over time. The data is used in making fisheries management and regulatory decisions. The information submitted by steelhead anglers directly influences the way your steelhead rivers are managed. Funds generated from the Steelhead Report and Restoration Card sales are dedicated to managing steelhead fisheries and supporting the Steelhead Report and Restoration Card program.

New! Interactive Data Dashboard

screenshot of dashboard - link opens dashboard in new tab
Steelhead Report Card Interactive Data Dashboard. View catch and effort data reported by steelhead anglers via the CDFW Steelhead Report Card.

Purchasing a Steelhead Report Card

Where to Purchase:

Online License Agents CDFW Offices

A Steelhead Report is required for anglers fishing for steelhead/rainbow trout in anadromous waters.

Prior to purchasing your steelhead report card you must have a valid sport fishing license.

Reporting Your Steelhead Harvest

Reporting Period: January 1-31

Returing your Report Card is MANDATORY.

Report Harvest Online (preferred)

Report harvest by mail:

Steelhead Report Card
PO BOX 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244

Report Card Location Codes
(Santa Maria River to the Mexican border (location code 14) is CLOSED to steelhead fishing.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Filling Out Your Steelhead Report Card

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Steelhead Report Card Data and Funds

Steelhead Report Cards generate valuable insight into angling trends over time, and funds generated from Report Card sales are dedicated to supporting the program. These funds also support habitat restoration projects that help conserve, monitor, and recover steelhead populations statewide. View the information your Steelhead Report Card provides, and your Steelhead Report Card funds work at Data and Funds web page.

Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations For Steelhead

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* It is important to note the waters where you intend to fish can have further take, method, gear and closure provisions for various freshwater species. Therefore, it is each angler’s responsibility to verify the regulations for all species in their chosen location(s) and water(s), prior to sport fishing in California waters.

Origin of Your Catch

All wild steelhead must be released UNHARMED.

Hatchery steelhead may be kept in selected waters.

hatchery fish has no secondary top fin; wild steelhead has fin
Hatchery vs. Wild Steelhead.

For the purpose of this regulation steelhead are defined as any rainbow trout greater than 16 inches in length found in anadromous waters.

Reports and Publications

Contact

Email Program Staff: SHcard@wildlife.ca.gov

Fisheries Branch
Branch Chief: Jay Rowan
1010 Riverside Parkway, West Sacramento, CA 95605
Fisheries@wildlife.ca.gov