Fishing Regulations

State, federal, and park-specific regulations apply to fishing at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

NPS photo

California state regulations as well as CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) and the Superintendent’s Compendium (park-specific determinations per CFR) apply to fishing in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Fish versus Other Wildlife

Fishing regulations apply to all “finfish” found in the park. Other taxa, including amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans (e.g. waterdogs, crayfish) are not considered “fish” for the purpose of NPS fishing regulations and addressed by NPS regulations governing wildlife.

 

 

Fishing License Required

A valid California fishing license is required to fish in the park. Children under 16 years of age do not require a license. CA Fish & Wildlife offers short-term licenses and free fishing days per year, please check their website for more information.

State Fishing Regulations Apply

Please review all California fishing regulations (scroll to “Freshwater Sport Fishing” for updated regulations booklet and resources). State regulations apply to all areas in the park.

Hook & Line Only

Fishing is only allowed using hook and line. Closely attend your rod or line.

Areas Closed to Fishing

In general, it is not allowed to fish from motor road bridges, from or within 200 feet of a public raft or float designated for water sports, or within the limits of locations designated as swimming beaches, surfing areas, or public boat docks, except in designated areas. The following areas are also closed to fishing:

• Manzanita Creek above Manzanita Lake
• Manzanita Lake boat launch
• Manzanita Lake shoreline from the boat launch northwest to 150 feet west of the present inlet and 150 feet at the apex of a radius from the center of the inlet
• Butte Lake boat launch
• Juniper Lake boat launch

Additional Manzanita Lake Restrictions

• Manzanita Lake is catch and release only.
• Artificial lures with a single barbless hook only. Artificial lures are defined as any manufactured or man-made non-scented/flavored device, complete with hooks, intended to attract fish. Artificial lures include, but are not limited to: spoons, spinners, artificial flies, and plugs, made of metal, plastic, wood, or other non-edible materials.

Natural Bait

Natural bait is defined as live or dead minnows or other bait fish, amphibians, nonpreserved fish eggs or fish roe. Possessing and/or using living natural bait is not allowed in the park. Possessing and/or using non-living bait is not allowed in the park, except for the following designated waterways:

• Kings Creek
• Mill Creek
• Hat Creek

Additional Prohibited Practices

• Chumming or placing preserved or fresh fish eggs, fish roe, food, fish parts, chemicals, or other foreign substances in fresh waters for the purpose of feeding or attracting fish in order that they may be taken.
• Fishing by use of drugs, poisons, explosives, or electricity.
• Commercial fishing, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law.
• Digging for bait, except in privately owned lands.
• Failing to return carefully and immediately to the water from which it was taken a fish that does not meet size or species restrictions or that the person chooses not to keep. Fish so released shall not be included in the catch or possession limit: Provided, that at the time of catching the person did not possess the legal limit of fish.
• Introducing wildlife, fish or plants, including their reproductive bodies, into a park area ecosystem. This includes the discarding and/or dumping of bait and bait buckets.
• The use or possession of fish, wildlife or plants for ceremonial or religious purposes, except where specifically authorized by Federal statutory law, or treaty rights.

 

Related Information

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  Rules & Regs

  Superintendent's Compendium

  All visitors are expected to know and follow park rules and regulations during their visit.

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  Hook, Line, & Sinker

  Fishing

  Numerous lakes and streams provide plentiful opportunities for fishing.

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  Gone Fishin'

  NPS Fish & Fishing Subject Site

  Everything you want to know about fish and fishing in National Park Service units across the country.

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  Fish

  Lassen is home to nine species of fish. Learn more about these species and their habitat.

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  Boating

  Rent or bring your own non-motorized boat.