CDFW News

Reminder of the Importance of Cold Water to Restore and Protect Salmon

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:20:25 GMT

CDFW Scientists Keeping an Eye on River Conditions to Protect Winter-and-Fall-Run Salmon

As California continues to feel the impacts of a heat dome that is bringing higher than normal temperatures to large portions of the state, it’s a good time to remember that fish and wildlife — especially salmon — need cold water, too. River temperature management is critical for salmon’s survival and spawning.

Earlier this year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that commercial ocean salmon fishing was back after being closed for three straight years. To avoid salmon impacts that could result in a return to salmon season closures, we need to ensure cold water pools are preserved, when possible, to help preserve and protect California’s salmon populations.

CDFW and federal and state partners are working to monitor river conditions to give endangered Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon eggs a chance for survival after their spawning was observed several weeks later than usual. The eggs of late-season spawning fish can be at risk due to decreases in river flows and warmer water temperatures.

CDFW and partners are also closely monitoring flow and temperature conditions for Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon spawning that will follow winter-run spawning.

In July, during peak winter-run Chinook salmon spawning, water releases from Shasta Dam were elevated to meet downstream water demand for municipal and agricultural uses, and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta water quality requirements, but those flows will drop significantly heading into fall. At the same time, Shasta Reservoir has below-average cold-water reserves despite high overall storage volume, making it harder to keep river temperatures cool through November and beyond when eggs are still developing.

Monitoring by CDFW, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) will provide fisheries information and recommendations to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) to inform adjustments to Shasta Dam operations to protect these salmon that have deep cultural significance for Native American tribes and play a critical role in California’s biodiversity and commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries.

“CDFW and our partners are using a number of tools to help inform Reclamation operations to maximize survival of the next generation of Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon — one of the state’s most endangered fish — and for fall-run Chinook,” said CDFW Northern Region Manager Jason Roberts. “We are committed to providing data and technical input to Reclamation with the goal of maximizing the survival of these salmon eggs through an unfavorable situation.”

Fall-run Chinook salmon begin spawning in the Sacramento River when eggs from winter-run Chinook salmon that spawned in late July and early August may still be in their gravel egg nests, called redds. Great care must be taken to simultaneously ensure winter-run Chinook salmon redds are protected, establish suitable flow conditions prior to the onset of fall-run Chinook salmon spawning and refill Shasta Reservoir for the next season.

CDFW, USFWS and PSMFC teams are surveying 26 miles of river from Keswick Dam northwest of Redding to Balls Ferry east of Anderson. Using boat and aerial surveys, scientists map locations of salmon egg nests and measure water depths to understand which redds may face higher risks as river flows and temperatures change.

CDFW and PSMFC staff are closely monitoring 103 winter-run Chinook salmon redds that were constructed by salmon in shallow water this year when flow releases from Shasta were greatest. Crews will monitor these redds repeatedly as flow conditions change until the fry have emerged from the gravel.

Since May, field crews have also collected data from more than 6,300 winter-run Chinook salmon carcasses. Chinook salmon die after they spawn, and their bodies provide fisheries biologists with information to understand when they were born, where they’ve been and the health of the population.

Temperature loggers placed in the river help scientists estimate when eggs will finish hatching. This data informs Reclamation operations at Shasta Dam as they make flow decisions aimed at supplying enough water for redds to support successful hatching. Dam operators are also able to pull water from different reservoir depths, but cooling the river only works if enough cold water remains in the system.

CDFW scientists monitoring Sacramento River winter-run Chinook Salmon in the upper Sacramento River estimate that approximately 20 percent of the eggs spawned this year may not survive the rising temperatures, based on modeling from UC Santa Cruz and the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center.

Winter-run salmon are so-named for the winter season in which they leave the ocean and enter the Sacramento River. They spawn in the summertime, building redds in the cool, clean gravel beds near Redding. Their eggs remain in the river for about three months, relying on steady, cold water flowing from Shasta Dam to survive the Central Valley heat. Fall-run Chinook salmon are traditionally the river’s largest run of Chinook salmon, and CDFW expects a robust return of fall-run Chinook salmon to the Sacramento River this fall. Critically important economically and environmentally, CDFW and partners are working to advocate for suitable river conditions this year for both winter-run and fall-run Chinook salmon.

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Media Contact
Alicia de la Garza, CDFW Communications

CDFW Publishes Guidance on Conserving CESA Candidate Bumble Bees

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:41:14 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has published a document intended to assist CDFW staff, project proponents and others in understanding where and when four bumble bee species that are candidates for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) may be present on the landscape and provide examples of measures that may help avoid or minimize impacts to them.

The document, Considerations for Conserving Crotch’s Bumble Bee (Bombus crotchii), Franklin’s Bumble Bee (Bombus franklini), Western Bumble Bee (Bombus occidentalis) and Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus suckleyi) (PDF), provides an overview of life history, seasonal ecology and species-specific information for the four bumble bee species.

As of September 2022, Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Franklin’s bumble bee (Bombus franklini) and Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus suckleyi) became the first insect species to become candidates for listing under CESA. They are protected by the same take prohibitions given to species listed as endangered and threatened under CESA.

Because information on species distribution, ecology, conservation needs and legal status continues to evolve, this document is intended to be a flexible, science-based resource that may be updated as new information becomes available or as species status changes through future California Fish and Game Commission determinations under CESA.

This document is non-regulatory and provided for informational purposes only. It does not establish legal requirements, CDFW policy or mandatory avoidance and minimization measures, nor does it replace project-specific review or applicable federal, state or local laws and regulations.

If project proponents believe their project may result in incidental take, CDFW recommends contacting the CDFW regional office closest to the project’s location to discuss specific project-related concerns and options to comply with CESA, if necessary, based on proposed project activities.

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Media Contacts:
Ashley Kammet, CDFW CESA Permitting Program
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

California Fish and Game Commission Finds Common Ground for Western Spadefoot Conservation, Clean-Energy Construction

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:46:30 GMT

Morro Manzanita Gets CESA Listing; New MPA Petition Recommendations Guide Commission Toward Decisions Expected in October

Out of a collaboration between conservation advocates and the solar energy industry, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) at its August 12-13 meeting adopted regulations that allow qualifying solar projects to move forward while also protecting the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) candidate species western spadefoot frog.

Last week, commissioners found that listing western spadefoot as a CESA-protected species may be warranted, giving it CESA candidacy and protections, and initiating a one-year scientific study of the species. In the months leading up to the candidacy decision, the Center for Biological Diversity, which submitted the petition to list the northern population of western spadefoot as threatened and the southern population as endangered under CESA, worked with the Large-scale Solar Association to propose exceptions to CESA protections that could be allowed under Fish and Game Code Section 2084.

“This is an opportunity for California to demonstrate collaborative work to achieve clean-energy goals and environmental and conservation benefits that are compatible,” said Commission President Eric Sklar. “Everyone — the petitioner, the industry, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Commission staff — came to the table and took on terrific work to find a tailored solution that balances protecting our natural resources and keeping up with a growing California.”

Common ground for clean energy and species conservation was found for solar energy projects as they are in a position to leave some western spadefoot habitat intact. These projects will be required to take extensive measures to avoid impacts to the species while also mitigating for impacts with the construction of new habitat, such as ponds and reestablishing native grasslands.

Current abundance estimates are needed for the tiny, 1-to-3-inch-long western spadefoot that is experiencing population decline and may no longer be present in some of its historical range. The species faces threats such as loss and fragmentation of its habitat in California’s foothills, Central Valley and central and southern coast, largely due to urban and agricultural development.

Morro Manzanita

The Commission voted unanimously to list Morro manzanita as a threatened species under CESA. Morro manzanita is found only in San Luis Obispo County and faces present and potential future threats, including the loss of habitat to development, a geographically restricted distribution, changes in fire frequency and severity, fire fuels reduction activities and disease.

Recommended management and recovery actions for the species include, but are not limited to, protecting remaining Morro manzanita habitat, removing eucalyptus trees, seed collection and fire impact research.

Marine Protected Area Petitions

Commissioners received and heard presentations on new evaluations, initial assessments and recommendations from California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Ocean Protection Council (OPC) staff regarding 15 marine protected area (MPA) petitions the Commission is expected to consider at its October 2026 meeting. Five of the 15 petitions are tribally led or co-led.

The petitions include 67 proposed regulatory and non-regulatory changes to the MPA Network that include adding a tribal take exemption, renaming an MPA, creating new MPAs, expanding boundaries of existing MPAs and changes to take allowances for recreational and/or commercial fisheries in specific MPAs.

The Commission held a series of regional meetings April and May to hear public input on the petitions. All petitions, evaluations and recommendations from CDFW, OPC policy recommendations and the initial assessment related to advancing the Commission Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy and addressing equitable access are available online through the MPA Management Program Petition StoryMap.

Comments, questions and supplemental information on the petitions should be submitted to the Commission.

Sport Fishing Regulations

The Commission adopted amendments to sport fishing regulations related to fishing gear, measuring and sampling restrictions, low-flow conditions, and steelhead fishing report and restoration cards. The amendments also increase fishing opportunities and protective changes for vulnerable fish populations.

Details on the sport fishing regulation amendments can be found in the August staff summary and exhibits (PDF).

Meeting Participation and Next Meeting

Commission Vice President Darius Anderson and commissioners Samantha Murray and Erica Zavaleta were in attendance for both days of the June Commission meeting. Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was in attendance for the first day; Commission President Eric Sklar was in attendance the first day and part of the morning portion of the second day. The meeting was held in Sacramento.

The complete agenda for the meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission is scheduled for October 13-16, 2026, at the California Natural Resources Agency building in Sacramento. Participants are encouraged to attend in person, with options available for Zoom or phone; for more information visit the Commission meetings page.

The Commission authorized public notice of upcoming potential regulation changes related to:

Use of Native Rattlesnakes (PDF): A discussion hearing is scheduled for the October 13-16 Commission meeting and an adoption hearing is scheduled for the December 15-16 meeting on amendments to regulations regarding use and possession of native rattlesnakes.

Mammal Trapping Consistency with Statute (PDF): A discussion hearing is scheduled for the October 13-16 Commission meeting and an adoption hearing at the December 15-16 meeting regarding amendments to regulations related to mammal trapping to align regulations with California Fish and Game Code, and to clarify existing mammal trapping provisions.

Process to Conform State Recreational Fishing Regulations to Federal Regulations (PDF): An adoption hearing is scheduled for the October 13-16 Commission meeting on amendments to regulations related to the process to conform state ocean salmon and Pacific halibut recreational fishing regulations to federal regulations. The amendments would also add federal groundfish to the list of species where an automatic process to conform regulations can be used.

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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Alicia de la Garza, CDFW Communications, (916) 754-7237

CDFW Announces First Capture and GPS Collar of Sierra Nevada Red Fox in the Southern Sierra Nevada

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:05:46 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has reached a significant goal in conservation science by gaining the ability to study more closely the behavioral patterns of the Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) in the southern Sierra Nevada. The Department’s capacity to closely track the fox’s movements is a critical step toward understanding and protecting one of California’s rarest and most elusive native carnivores.

Due to their rarity, Sierra Nevada red foxes in California are protected as a Threatened Species under the California Endangered Species Act. The population in the Sierra Nevada has additional federal protection, considered an Endangered Species under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The January capture, which occurred near Mammoth Lakes and was conducted by biologists from the CDFW Bishop Field Office, marks the first time the Department has captured, fitted with a GPS-tracking collar and released a Sierra Nevada red fox in the Sierra Nevada.

The foxes in the Sierra Nevada are isolated from their relatives in the Cascade Range, and the movements and behavior of this collared fox will offer scientists a rare opportunity to better understand the ecology and conservation needs of this remote group.

The Sierra Nevada population is estimated to be fewer than 50 individuals. The species is typically extremely wary of humans and inhabits barren, rugged terrain at high elevations. Cautious behavior, remote habitat and low-density populations make them extremely difficult to find and capture, making this a noteworthy event.

“This represents the culmination of 10 years of remote camera and scat surveys to determine the range of the fox in the southern Sierra, and three years of intensive trapping efforts,” said CDFW Environmental Scientist Julia Lawson. “Everyone on the team was thrilled to see our hard work pay off. Our goal is to use what we learn from this collared animal to work toward recovering the population in the long term.”

Location data from the GPS collar and biological samples obtained during the capture of this animal are important management and research tools to help increase CDFW’s understanding of the species, directly support its protection and aid in increasing the efficiency of future capture and survey efforts.

In 2018, a team of scientists led by CDFW Wildlife Biologist Jennifer Carlson attached GPS satellite collars to several Sierra Nevada red foxes in the Lassen Peak region of northern California. That effort helped biologists subsequently locate several dens, leading to a much better understanding of the patterns of reproduction, movement and habitat use in this little-studied species.

Although red foxes are common and widespread throughout North America and Eurasia, the Sierra Nevada red fox is a distinct lineage found only in the high elevation regions of California and Oregon. According to historical accounts, these alpine red foxes have always been exceedingly rare and elusive.

The factors causing the population decline of Sierra Nevada red fox are not fully known, but unregulated hunting and trapping in the early 20th century likely played a major role, and low genetic diversity has continued to weaken the subspecies over time. The population in California’s Sierra Nevada was thought to have disappeared, until an automatic trail camera detected one near Sonora Pass in 2010. Since then, researchers have documented Sierra Nevada red foxes as far south as Cottonwood Pass, west of Lone Pine.

Conservation of the rare Sierra Nevada red fox reflects California’s commitment to biodiversity and the 30x30 Initiative, which seeks to conserve 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030. Protecting rare species and their habitats strengthens ecosystems, ensuring healthy wildlife populations that support sustainable outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Science-driven efforts, such as GPS tracking and habitat conservation, help maintain balanced ecosystems where game species and other wildlife can thrive, for the benefit of all Californians.

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CDFW Captures and Collars 5 Gray Wolves in Northern California

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:08:46 GMT

Media Note: Download Capture Photos and Video

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recently completed helicopter capture operations resulting in the satellite collaring of five gray wolves in northern California.

Operations occurred between Jan. 12 and 20 in Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties. The wolves collared were associated with the Whaleback and Harvey packs.

Immediately after capture, each wolf was flown to a nearby field processing site and fitted with a satellite/VHF collar. CDFW veterinary and biological staff also collected standard biological data, including body measurements, DNA and blood samples. These data allow CDFW to monitor wolf health, screen for disease and assess genetic relatedness among individuals and packs. After collaring, each wolf was released on public land as close as practical to its capture location.

The five wolves collared during the operation included:

An adult male captured in northern Lassen County that was born into the Whaleback pack. Following release, collar data showed that the wolf returned to its natal Whaleback pack.
A previously collared, dispersing adult male from the Harvey pack that was captured in Modoc County. Its collar was replaced.
A Harvey pack female born in 2024 and captured in northwestern Lassen County.
Two Harvey pack females born in 2025 and captured in northeastern Shasta County.

Wildlife capture operations inherently carry risk to captured animals. During this operation a sixth wolf – an adult female from the Harvey pack – died after capture. Factors contributing to its death are being investigated.

Satellite collaring is a critical management and research tool that helps CDFW monitor wolf populations, better understand landscape use and movement patterns and reduce the risk of wolf–livestock conflict. The collars do not provide real-time data; instead, they collect multiple location points per day and generally transmit those stored locations to CDFW once a day. Each collar has an expected battery life of approximately two to three years and is programmed to drop off the animal before the battery is depleted.

Over the past decade, CDFW has successfully captured 38 gray wolves statewide for the purpose of collaring. Presently, there are 13 wolves carrying active collars. Within days of capture, the approximate locations of the newly collared wolves began showing on CDFW’s Wolf Tracker mapping tool. More information about California’s wolves can be found at CDFW’s gray wolf web pages.

Photo: A yearling female gray wolf from the Whaleback pack is released after capture and collaring in Siskiyou County in November. Photo courtesy of Malia Brytus/California Wolf Project

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Media Contacts:
Axel Hunnicutt, CDFW State Gray Wolf Coordinator, (916) 628-3543
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3848