How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Recreation
- Details
- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
In the Fort Bragg and San Francisco management areas, between Horse Mountain (40° 05’ 00” N. latitude) and Pigeon Point, the recreational salmon fishery will open on Saturday, April 11 rather than April 4.
The Klamath Management Zone (Horse Mountain to the Oregon state line) will remain closed for the month of April. The remaining 2020 season dates will be finalized next month.
At its meeting this week in Rohnert Park, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, or PFMC, made the decision to open sections of the California coast on April 4 and April 11.
The delayed opening will help managers achieve conservation goals for Klamath River fall Chinook, which are projected to return in low numbers this year while providing anglers with the opportunity to catch Sacramento River fall Chinook.
Traditionally, fishing in the Monterey area is better early in the season, prompting recreational fishing representatives to prioritize opening this area ahead of others on the California coast. Delaying the opener in areas to the north should allow for more fishing opportunity there later in the year, when catch rates are typically better.
Final season dates will be decided during the April 4 to 10 PFMC meeting in Vancouver, Washington. The public is invited to comment on the PFMC’s season proposals at that meeting or at a hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24 at the Red Lion Hotel, 1929 Fourth St. in Eureka. Comments can also be submitted through the PFMC website at www.pcouncil.org .
In April, the minimum size limit in the Fort Bragg management area is 20 inches in total length. In the San Francisco and Monterey management areas, the minimum size limit is 24 inches total length.
Anglers are advised to check for updated information when planning a salmon fishing trip. Season dates, bag/possession limit information and gear restrictions can be found on CDFW’s ocean salmon web page at www.wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon .
Public notification of any in-season change to conform state regulations to federal regulations is made through the National Marine Fisheries Service ocean salmon hotline at 800-662-9825.
- Details
- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Question: I was under the assumption that there are no longer corvina in the Salton Sea. Opening weekend of duck season, I caught a small corvina stuck in the shallows around my duck blind. Are they making a comeback? (Robert)
Answer: The last time corvina was observed in the Salton Sea was in the spring of 2003 during a routine gill netting operation conducted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). What you saw was very likely a tilapia, which looks very similar to a small corvina. Both have elongated bodies and a dorsal fin that spans the length of the body.
Corvina, croaker and sargo were successfully introduced into the Salton Sea between 1950 and 1956. These planted fish produced successful populations and supported a vibrant recreational fishing industry for several decades. Their demise likely came from a combination of poor water quality characteristics, such as high salinity coupled with high temperatures and low oxygen concentrations. Once corvina, croaker and sargo were no longer in the Salton Sea, the tilapia population took off as they were released from predation and competition pressures. But they overshot the sea’s carrying capacity, which led to historic die-offs in the 2010s.
Declining water quality has contributed to die-offs of tilapia and other remaining Salton Sea fishes, such as sailfin molly and the desert pupfish. Currently, the Salton Sea supports a small population of reproducing tilapia that tolerates these poor conditions, but it’s hard to determine how long the population will be sustained.
Foraging in tidepools?
Question: I would like to know if foraging in tidepools, specifically in the Bay Area and surrounding coastal counties, is legal. I’d like to forage for invertebrates – mussels, goose neck barnacles and the like. Do I need a special fishing license to harvest? (Jerry)
Answer: There is a specific list of “tidepool” or “tidal” invertebrates that can be taken between the high tide mark and 1000 feet seaward. This list is described in California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, section 29.05(b)(1). Animals that are not included on this list — including barnacles — may not be harvested.
In order to forage for any of the invertebrates on this list, you will need a fishing license, and you may need a measuring device if the species you’re after has a size limit (see CCR Title 14, section 29.05(c)).
Be aware that there are additional regulations that apply in specific foraging areas. Most notably, the take of invertebrates is prohibited in state marine reserves and may be prohibited in areas described in CCR Title 14, section 632(b).
Importing stingrays?
Question: My company imports tropical fish. I have a client who wants me to sell freshwater stingray from South America. I would like to know if the State of California has any prohibition on these fish. (Jonas)
Answer: California’s restricted species laws and regulations are very clear. According to the CCR Title 14, section 671, it is unlawful to import, transport or possess certain live animals not normally domesticated in this state without a permit from CDFW. Cartilaginous fishes in class Elasmobranchiomorphi, family Potamotrygonidae (river stingrays) are specifically listed in section 671, (c)(6)(B), with a note that the Fish and Game Commission has deemed them to be potentially detrimental to native wildlife, the agriculture interests of the state, or to public health and safety.
Individuals and organizations that meet certain specified conditions (the animal is for public exhibition or research, for instance) may apply for a restricted species permit, but importing stingrays for sale to private collectors would not be allowed.
Night driving with flashlights
Question: My wife and I are outdoors lovers and we don’t want to break the law. We often drive back roads or dirt roads in and around Butte County armed with only a flashlight and no weapons to view and enjoy wildlife that wouldn’t be possible to enjoy in the daylight. Is this legal? (Dan)
Answer: Yes, as long as you do not have a method of take (weapon intended for hunting) with you. You may, however, attract the attention of wildlife officers that are on the lookout for poachers using spotlights to find game. These officers may pull you over and detain you to inspect your vehicle to ensure you do not have a method of take. There are also some vehicle code provisions that prohibit the use of a flashlight or headlight on a public highway if it is shone into oncoming traffic or prevents other vehicles from seeing traffic control devices.
Shooting a white tail?
Question: If white-tailed deer were to migrate into California from Oregon or Idaho, could they be shot here on sight since there is no season or provision for that species? (Scott H.)
Answer: No. Since Fish and Game Code, section 3950(a) defines deer as genus Odocoileus, which includes white-tailed deer, white-tailed deer can only be taken under the normal deer hunting provisions for the area in which it wandered.
If you have a question for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, email
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News Reports
UNION CITY AND ALBANY, Calif. – On Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22, the Clear Lake Cardinals ended up qualifying 12 wrestlers to compete at the North Coast Section Championships.
The 12 qualifying wrestlers included eight boys, among them two alternates, and four girls.
In the end, two Cardinals wrestlers would make the second day, Elijah Alvarez (138 lbs.) for the boys and Mavis Pyorre (116 lbs.) for the girls.
Alvarez, a sophomore, was 3-2 with two pins against opponents from Las Lomas, Eureka and an injury default from California. His only losses were against the fourth-place medalist from Casa Grande and the eighth-place medalist from Petaluma.
Pyorre, a senior, went 2-2. Her wins included beating the fifth-seeded wrestler from Newark Memorial and a strong wrestler from Fortuna. Her losses were close battles against the eventual silver medalist from Castro Valley, along with another top 12 wrestler from Heritage (Brentwood).
Three Cardinal wrestlers finished 1-2: Ashley Pyorre (106 lbs.) for the girls, and Mohammad Akbari (120 lbs.) along with Hayden Fowler (132 lbs.) for the boys.
Freshman Ashley Pyorre pinned her first opponent from San Leandro and had hard-fought losses against the eventual silver medalist from James Logan, along with a top 12 wrestler from Benicia.
Sophomore Mohammad Akbari lost his first match to the eventual silver medalist from Heritage then pinned his opponent from Pittsburg and lost to an Amador Valley opponent.
Freshman Hayden Fowler won his first match against an opponent from Elsie Allen, then lost to a top 12 finisher from Newark Memorial and an opponent from San Ramon.
Also wrestling some close hard fought matches for the cardinals but going two and out was:
For the boys, Freshmen Nathan “Bubba” Pyorre (106 lbs.), also was battling that nasty cold but still showed up and gave it his all, coming up two points shy of moving on.
Vicente Ortega (152 lbs.), giving up almost 14 pounds to his competitors, fought valiantly and Anthony Gersalia (170 lbs.) came out strong but fell to the eventual fourth-place medalist, along with alternate’s freshman Asher Reese (113 lbs.) who battled to the end of each match. Senior Dominic Legendre (285 lbs.) had two close points matches that could have gone either way.
For the girls, it was Sophomore Tara Wong (101 lbs.) who dominated her Fort Bragg opponent until getting caught right at the end of the match. Her other loss was to the seventh-place medalist.
Junior Ximena Soto (121 lbs.) went out scrapping and gave her opponents a run, but fell to the eventual sixth-place medalist and a top 12 finisher.
“It was great watching this young team have so much success, with the challenges they each faced on and off the mat. Keep up the hard work – do great things!” said Coach Rick Pyorre.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News Reports
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Clear Lake Cardinals ended their regular season as exciting as it began, bringing home one more Tournament Team Trophy.
The Cardinals were able to fill 12 of the 14 available weight classes to compete at the Coastal Mountain Conference Finals Championship Wrestling Tournament.
The top three placers qualify to advance to the North Coast Sections Championships.
As the Cardinals’ final regular season tournament came to an end, they finished with 11 in the top four places and seven medalists: two seconds, five thirds and the third-place team trophy, just behind Willits (2nd), Lower Lake (1st) and over teams Upper Lake (4th) Cloverdale (5th ).
“Just like that! CMC third place! Two second-place finalists, five third-place medalists. Amazing to see the growth commitment and dedication make! With the Cardinals sending seven section qualifiers and four alternates headed down to Union City to represent CLHS in the North Coast Section Championships,” said Head Coach Nathan Powers.
Powers said it was an intense day with a lot of great matches. “No tournament has the same feel as CMC because all of our hard work and focus is dedicated to our performance on this day. With only the top three securing a spot at the next level the cardinals showed great strength in some tough matches,” he said.
Out of 12 wrestlers, seven made the cut. Five freshmen and two sophomore qualifiers are headed to the section finals, with another four given a potential opportunity as alternates, Power said.
“This young team is excited for the new experience that lies ahead as it is a great step in their evolution as they look to dominate the next level of competition. You can only expect us to get stronger from here,” Powers said.
The Cardinals had two freshmen in the finals: at the 106 lbs. division Nathan Pyorre and Hayden Fowler at 132 lbs.
Powers said it was awesome to see Pyorre back on the mat and doing his thing. “Wrestling smart he marched his way to the finals where he battled it out and just fell short. Despite a good amount of time off for an injury this tough little freshman properly rehabilitated himself while fixated on his return to the wrestling arena. Back in action, he was looking great in form as though he never skipped a beat.”
Fellow freshman and birthday boy Hayden Fowler had an epic and fast-paced showdown in the finals that came down to the final seconds.
“Although Hayden is a freshman his time and dedication to the sport shows as he is a true wrestler. He contends fiercely with the older & more skilled competitors that all their jaws drop to learn he is in his first year of high school,” Powers said.
Third place medalists also securing the right to wrestle at sections include the following.
Freshman Anthony Gersalia, 170 lbs., is coming into the sport beautifully with great natural strength speed and balance, Powers said. Gersalia’s education in the sport continues to make him a lethal weapon. “He has heaps of potential left to tap into and when he does no one will stand in his way!”
First year wrestler and freshman Vicente Ortega, 152 lbs., has shocked us all. A combination of extreme flexibility and cardio with a great aptitude for accelerated learning he has made leaps in performance and will continue to do so, Powers said.
Freshman Chris Krack, 195 lbs., who Powers called “the gentle giant,” has come a long way this year. “By the time this youngster completes his quest in becoming the young man he seeks to be no one will want to face him.”
Sophomore Elijah Alvarez, 138 lbs., is on the cusp of becoming an elite wrestler. “His drive and motivation to absorb everything the sport has to offer and compete past high school are evident. While continuing to learn from mistakes he is always growing,” said Powers.
Sophomore Mustafa Akbari, 120 lbs., has developed a great passion for the sport and art of wrestling, said Powers. “It’s in his blood. This young man has high aspirations for the sport and I know if he commits he can achieve them. A fierce wrestler so keep an eye on him.”
Alternates for the Cards are freshman Liam Davis, Asher Reese, Hernan Romero and Senior Dominic Legendre.
Senior Dominic Legendre had a great day in his first and final CMC appearance. “This young man has come so far physically emotionally and spiritually since first committing to the team and himself. He has been an excellent team captain and role model for the younger kids. His fun loving, hardworking and caring attitude will be greatly missed next year,” said Powers.
“It’s been one awesome journey for Dom and I know this is just the start for him as he leaves high school in pursuit of his dreams and passions!” Powers added.
Other finishers are as follows.
Silver medalists: Nathan “Bubba” Pyorre (106 lbs.) was 1-1 with 1 pin. Hayden Fowler (132 lbs.) went 1-1.
Bronze medalists: Mohammad Akbari (120 lbs.) and Elijah Alvarez (138 lbs.) each went 3-1 with a pin and Tech Fall. Vicente Ortega wrestling up a weight class at (152 lbs.) was 3-1 with three pins. Anthony Gersalia (170 lbs.) was 1-1 with one pin and Christopher Krack wrestled at 197 lbs.
Fourth place: Boys – Asher Reese (113 lbs.) and Hernan Romero (126 lbs.) each went 2-2. Liam Davis (145 lbs.) and Dominic Legendre (285 lbs.) each went 1-2 with one pin.
Also wrestling for the Cardinals, but just missing the consolation finals was Raymond Gonzales-Shoaf (220 lbs.) who went 1-2 with one pin.
While the boys are headed off to James Logan High School for their NCS Wrestling Championship Tournament, the Cardinals will also be sending four girls to compete at the Girls NCS Wrestling Championship Tournament at Albany High School. Competing for CLHS will be Tara Wong (101 lbs.), Ashley Pyorre (106 lbs.), Mavis Pyorre (116 lbs.) and Ximena Soto (121 lbs.).
