News Archive

CDFW has cited five individuals in separate incidents for unlawful possession and use of suction dredge equipment in state waterways, in violation of Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 5653(e). Suction dredging is harmful to native fish and wildlife habitat, making it difficult for native species to thrive and creating favorable conditions for invasive species.

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.

The species for the 2025-26 contest will be the band-tailed pigeon.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced the award of $2.5 million in grants for five projects to support public recreational boating access to state waterways. These projects will help prevent the spread of invasive golden mussels, improve public access to California’s waterways, expand recreational boating opportunities, and promote stewardship of aquatic resources.

During July and August, a specialized law enforcement team at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) conducted raids on six illegal cannabis grow sites hidden within sensitive habitats and watersheds in five California counties.