California · Fish and Game Code - FGC

FGC §5514: (a) It is unlawful to kill or retain in possession any chinook, coho, or kokanee salmon or any steelhead that has not taken the bait or lure in its mouth, in inland waters.

Infraction

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to kill or possess chinook, coho, kokanee salmon, or steelhead that were not hooked in the mouth in inland waters. Fish hooked elsewhere must be released unharmed.

Read the full statutory text

(a) It is unlawful to kill or retain in possession any chinook, coho, or kokanee salmon or any steelhead that has not taken the bait or lure in its mouth, in inland waters. (b) Any chinook, coho, or kokanee salmon or any steelhead hooked other than in its mouth in inland waters shall be released unharmed.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.