‘Hoot Owl’ Recommendations Aim to Protect California’s Fish During Drought

The ongoing drought in California is taking a severe toll on the state’s fish populations, particularly coldwater species such as trout and salmon. Elevated water temperatures and lower oxygen levels are causing significant stress, increasing mortality rates, and limiting the ability of fish to migrate and spawn.

In response, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued “Hoot Owl” recommendations to help mitigate these impacts.

The CDFW is urging anglers to voluntarily avoid fishing after 12:00 PM in select waters throughout California. This initiative encourages fishing during the cooler “hoot owl” periods of the day, when water temperatures are at their lowest. The recommendations are based on ongoing monitoring of fisheries across the state. When sustained afternoon water temperatures exceed 67°F, the affected waters are added to a “Hoot Owl” watchlist.

As of now, the following waters are included in the Hoot Owl watchlist:

• Bridgeport Reservoir in Mono County
• Crowley Lake in Mono County
• Deep Creek in San Bernardino County
• Hot Creek in Mono County
• Lower Owens River (Pleasant Valley Dam downstream to Five Bridges) in Mono County
• Lower Rush Creek (Grant Lake to Mono Lake) in Mono County
• Middle Piru Creek (Frenchman’s Flat Area)
• Mill Creek (Walker Basin) in Mono County
• Truckee River (Lake Tahoe to the Nevada state line) in Nevada, Placer, and Sierra counties
• Upper Truckee River in El Dorado County

These recommendations are not legally enforced closures, but CDFW strongly advises anglers to adhere to them until conditions improve.

Anglers can play a crucial role in protecting fish populations during this challenging time by following these tips:

• Avoid Fishing in Refuge Areas: Many fish seek out cold water refuges during elevated temperatures. Avoid fishing in these areas if it means moving fish across a temperature gradient greater than 10°F, as this can increase mortality rates.
• Minimize Fish Stress: Reduce the time spent “fighting” the fish and handle them as little as possible. Use rubber or coated nylon nets, quickly remove hooks with forceps or pliers, and keep hands wet when handling fish.
• Release Fish Properly: If a fish is deeply hooked, cut the line close to the hook rather than pulling on it. Allow the fish to recover in the net before releasing it and gently move it back and forth if it does not stay upright.
• Target Stable Fisheries: Focus on fisheries with stable water levels or species that are more resilient to elevated temperatures.

By following these guidelines, anglers can help protect California’s vulnerable fish populations during the drought and contribute to the preservation of these essential ecosystems. For more information and updates on the Hoot Owl recommendations, visit the CDFW website.