CDFW News

White Sturgeon Opener Kicks Off with a No-Fee Report Card for This Season

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:10:11 GMT

The white sturgeon sport fishing season opens October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, for catch-and-release fishing in the ocean, San Francisco Bay, Delta and lower Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers (consult the current regulations to verify open areas and times). Catch-and-release fishing for white sturgeon will continue to be available for anglers under new regulations enacted by the California Fish and Game Commission in August 2025. Previously, catch-and-release fishing was permitted by emergency regulations that were set to expire in September 2025.

Though recent results from white sturgeon monitoring surveys by CDFW suggest the white sturgeon population has continued to decline, science indicates that non-lethal take via a catch-and-release fishery will not harm the long-term viability of the white sturgeon population. Factors such as harmful algal blooms, poaching, poor river and Delta conditions and historical overharvest have been shown to have significant negative impacts on the population.

“With responsible catch-and-release angling and other conservation efforts, we can have world-class white sturgeon sport fisheries in California,” said Jay Rowan, Chief of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fisheries Branch.

The enacted regulations also include changes to the sturgeon fishing report card. Changes include shifting from a calendar-year approach to aligning with the sturgeon fishing season. Other changes to the card include the kinds of data anglers are asked to record. Anglers will be able to get a sturgeon report card at no fee this new season to help accommodate this change. Starting with the 2026-27 season, sturgeon report cards will be $8.13, reduced from the previous fee of $11.06.

“Since there is no fee for this year’s report card, this is a great opportunity for new and returning anglers to experience the thrill of catch-and-release fishing for this prehistoric giant,” said John Kelly, Statewide Sturgeon Coordinator for CDFW.

Report cards for the 2025 calendar year that have already been purchased will remain valid until December 31, 2025, or anglers may choose to switch to the new card immediately. The old report cards may either be returned by mail to the address printed on the card prior to January 31, 2026, or reported online between January 1 and January 31, 2026. Anglers may get the new 2025-26 card from a fishing license vendor or online at any time starting September 27. (Note that cards ordered online may take two weeks to arrive by mail.)

While there is no fee for this season’s report card, card holders are still responsible for knowing and complying with all applicable regulations when fishing under the authority of the report card. For the complete regulations, including the summarized items above, and open and closed areas, see the 2025-26 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations and the 2025 California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations available at CDFW's Fishing and Hunting Regulations page.

The data gathered from Sturgeon Fishing Report Cards supports fisheries management efforts that benefit sturgeon and sturgeon anglers in California. Anglers are required by regulation to return the new report cards or submit a report online by July 31, 2026, (CCR - Title 14, Section 1.74).

Helpful Resources on White Sturgeon

To find helpful resources on white sturgeon fishing, visit CDFW's white sturgeon page. To learn how to fish for white sturgeon, you can view the How To Fish For White Sturgeon (video). To find Information on white sturgeon conservation efforts, visit Conserve The Sturg.

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Media Contacts:
Jay Rowan, CDFW Fisheries Branch, (916) 212-3164
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

Scientific Surveys Show Continued Decline in White Sturgeon Population

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:11:28 GMT

Recent results from white sturgeon monitoring surveys by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) suggest the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) population has continued to decline. CDFW fisheries biologists now estimate there are approximately 6,500 white sturgeon between 40-60 inches long in California — down sharply from the previous estimate of approximately 30,000 fish in that size range, based on the 2016-2021 survey average.

There may be many reasons for the downward trend, including mortality from harmful algal blooms, poaching, past sport fishing harvest and poor river and Delta conditions.

In 2024, CDFW implemented a new method for surveying the white sturgeon population in collaboration with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and local sturgeon fishing guides. Surveys take place in the spring and fall from San Pablo Bay to Rio Vista and surrounding areas. The methods are based off white sturgeon surveys conducted in Oregon and Washington and modified for use in California. The study design has been peer-reviewed and is the most robust and comprehensive white sturgeon population monitoring survey ever conducted in California.

While CDFW’s efforts in 2024 established a new baseline of data, multiple years of this new survey approach are needed to confirm the findings and accurately track population trends.

The surveys utilize a “mark-recapture” technique combined with statistical analyses to estimate population size. Each spring, baited setlines (lines with multiple baited hooks) are used to capture sturgeon. The fish are then measured, scanned for existing tags, tagged if necessary, and then released. In the fall, the number of tagged sturgeon that are recaptured is compared to the number of untagged sturgeon caught, allowing scientists to estimate the overall population size.

In addition to providing an estimate of fish between 40-60 inches, the new survey method caught a greater size range of fish, allowing CDFW to estimate the abundance of a broader segment of the population than in the past. Based on the new methods, 19,000 white sturgeon between 10-87 inches fork length (the length from the tip of the snout to the fork in the tail) are estimated to be in California.

Based on historical surveys conducted by CDFW between 1954–2022, the number of white sturgeon in California has been in decline for many years. The species is currently a candidate for listing as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and receives full CESA protection while its status is reviewed. Sturgeon fishing is now limited to catch-and-release only with protective seasons, fishing areas and handling restrictions.

At its Aug. 13 meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission is expected to consider whether to continue recreational catch-and-release regulations for white sturgeon. These regulations have been discussed in public meetings with opportunity for public comment.

To read the full sturgeon survey report download the document. To learn more about conservation efforts for this prehistoric species, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Conserve-the-Sturg.

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Media Contacts:
Jay Rowan, CDFW Fisheries Branch, (916) 212-3164
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

CDFW Seeks Public Comment Related to White Sturgeon

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:13:55 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has initiated a status review for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) and hereby solicits data and comments on the petitioned action to list this species as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Fish and Game Code section 2074.4).

White sturgeon are found in coastal and anadromous waters in California ranging from the Sacramento and San Joaquin river basins north to the Oregon border. White sturgeon are the largest fish that can be found in freshwater in North America and can live as long as 100 years. They spawn in the large rivers of the Central Valley and mostly reside in the Delta and San Francisco Bay, although they sometimes range along the coast and enter bays and rivers. Threats include man-made changes to river flows, toxic harmful algal blooms, overfishing, poaching, collisions with large vessels and climate change.

On Nov. 29, 2023, the San Francisco Baykeeper, The Bay Institute, Restore the Delta and California Sportfishing Protection Alliance submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission to list the white sturgeon as a threatened species under CESA. The Commission published findings of its decision to make the species a candidate for listing as a threatened species on July 12, 2024, and as such, the white sturgeon now receives the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species (Fish and Game Code sections 2074.2 and 2085).

As of July 12, 2024, CDFW has 12 months to conduct a status review that will inform the Commission’s final decision on whether to list white sturgeon as threatened under CESA. As part of the status review process, CDFW is soliciting information regarding the species’ ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival, adequacy of existing management and recommendations for management of the species.

CDFW respectfully requests that data and comments be submitted before Oct. 31, 2024, to allow sufficient time to evaluate this information during the status review period. Please submit data and comments to CDFW by email at sturgeon@wildlife.ca.gov and include “white sturgeon CESA” in the subject line. Data or comments may also be submitted by mail to California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Anadromous Fish Conservation and Management Program, Attn: White Sturgeon, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090.

CDFW will produce a peer reviewed report based upon the best scientific information available, which will include a recommendation as to whether the petitioned action to list white sturgeon as threatened under CESA is warranted (Fish and Game Code section 2074.6). The report will be made publicly available on CDFW’s website at least 30 days before the Commission considers acting on the petition. Please note, the Commission — which is a legally separate entity from CDFW — is charged with making the final determination on whether to list a species as endangered or threatened under CESA (Fish and Game Code section 2075.5). CDFW serves in a scientific advisory role to the Commission during this process. See the California Fish and Game Commission webpage for details on submitting comments to the Commission and receiving email alerts for upcoming Commission meetings.

The listing petition, CDFW’s petition evaluation report and updates on the listing process are available on the Commission’s website.

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Media Contacts:
Jay Rowan, CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief, Fisheries@wildlife.ca.gov
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

Fish and Game Commission Approves Catch-and-Release Sport Fishing for White Sturgeon; Currently Closed Season Expected to Reopen Oct. 1

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 09:41:53 GMT

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) has adopted regulations to reopen sport fishing for white sturgeon on a catch-and-release basis while the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) conducts a status review to determine if listing the species as “threatened” under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) is warranted.

The white sturgeon sport fishing season is expected to reopen Oct. 1, pending approval of the new regulations by the state Office of Administrative Law. All fishing for white sturgeon was closed in June when the Commission approved the species as a candidate for listing. Candidate species are afforded full protection under CESA while the candidacy review process plays out.

California Fish and Game Code Section 2084 allows the Commission to authorize take by hook and line for any sport fish that is listed as endangered, threatened or a candidate species under CESA. At its Aug. 14-15 meeting, the Commission adopted regulations proposed by CDFW to reopen the fishery on a catch-and-release basis.

“We’re pleased the Commission has agreed to return a sport fishing opportunity for this amazing fish,” said Jay Rowan, Chief of CDFW’s Fisheries Branch. “Sturgeon were swimming in the waters of what is now California 100 million years before Tyrannosaurus rex roamed the planet. They’re living dinosaurs. Catching a sturgeon, being able to see one up close, and watching it swim away to contribute to future generations is a really unique and humbling experience.”

In submitting the proposed new regulations to the Commission, CDFW stated that a complete fishing closure represented a “financial crisis to Californians who rely on this fishery as part of their business. This includes boat captains, fishing guides and businesses that rely on anglers such as bait and tackle store and suppliers, marinas and other boat services.”

CDFW also stated: “The best available science suggests that non-lethal take via a catch-and-release fishery would not harm the long-term viability of white sturgeon in California.” Catch-and-release fishing for white sturgeon has proven popular and lucrative elsewhere, including in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia, Canada, where catch and release fisheries were implemented decades ago to protect declining populations.

The new white sturgeon sport fishing regulations specify two seasons to protect spawning and migrating fish and to reduce stress during warmer times of the year.

(1) From Oct. 1 through June 30: For ocean waters and San Francisco Bay east to downstream of the confluence of the Feather River on the Sacramento River and downstream of the I-5 bridge on the San Joaquin River.

(2) From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31: upstream of the confluence of the Feather River to the Highway 162 Bridge on the Sacramento River and upstream of the I-5 bridge on the San Joaquin River.

Anglers are still required to have a valid Sturgeon Fishing Report Card in their possession.

The new regulations also specify expanded handling requirements: Any sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately. Previously this requirement was set at any sturgeon greater than 68 inches. Additionally, sturgeon of any size shall not be held out of the water suspended by the gills, gill plates, mouth or solely by the tail, and shall not be dragged across the ground, boat decks or piers.

The regulations approved by the Commission are available online as part of a staff summary at the staff summary (PDF).

As part of the candidacy process, CDFW is tasked with developing a comprehensive status report of the species and is collecting scientific data and public comments on the listing proposal to help inform the Commission’s ultimate decision. Public comments and outside scientific data are due to CDFW by Oct. 31, 2024, and should be submitted to sturgeon@willidfe.ca.gov and include “White Sturgeon CESA” in the subject line.

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Media Contacts: 
Jay Rowan, CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief, (916) 212-3164 
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-385

California Fish and Game Commission Holds Hybrid Meeting

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 13:10:00 GMT

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) acted on a variety of issues affecting California’s natural resources at its August 14-15 meeting in Fortuna, Humboldt County. The public was also able to participate via webinar and by phone.

The Commission adopted proposed regulations related to commercial California halibut and white seabass set gill nets to address potential bycatch concerns. New regulations will require a maximum service interval, or soak time, of 48 hours, require orange-colored gear marking and establish a maximum net height limit.

Emergency regulations were adopted for the recreational catch-and-release of white sturgeon pursuant to California Fish and Game Code Section 2084. The approval defines seasons, closed areas, gear and handling restrictions, and report card requirements for catch-and-release fishing of white sturgeon in both inland and ocean waters. The decision opens catch-and-release sport fishing opportunities for anglers and mitigates adverse economic impacts to sturgeon-related businesses. The anticipated opening date for sturgeon fishing under these emergency regulations is Oct. 1, 2024, pending the review of California’s Office of Administrative Law. Until then, recreational fishing for white sturgeon is closed. More information can be found on the Commission’s New and Proposed Regulations – 2024 web page.

The Commission adopted proposed amendments to regulations for freshwater sport fishing bag limits, gear and low-flow information.

Under consent, the Commission adopted proposed regulations to update and define areas of commercial marine fishing activity and associated forms and logbooks. Such improvements aim to better document fishing locations and reported catch to support effective fishery management decisions.

Commission President Samantha Murray, Vice President Erika Zavaleta, and commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin, Eric Sklar and Darius Anderson participated in person with Commission and department staff throughout the meeting.

The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next California Fish and Game Commission meeting is scheduled to occur in Sacramento on Oct. 9-10, 2024. Participants can attend in person, via Zoom or phone. The location will be determined and updated on the Commission’s website soon.

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Media Contact:
Taylor Williams, CDFW R3 Manager, (916) 203-1362
Jen Benedet, CDFW Communications, (916) 903-9270

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The California Fish and Game Commission was one of the first wildlife conservation agencies in the United States, predating even the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. There is often confusion about the distinction between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Commission. In the most basic terms, CDFW implements and enforces the policies and regulations set by the Commission, as well as provides biological data and expertise to inform the Commission’s decision-making process.