Chumming

November 3, 2022

Question: When I fish in lakes in California, can I “chum”? I’d like to use corn or other food to help attract fish.

Answer: Whether you can chum will depend on where in California you’re fishing. Chumming is defined in California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, section 1.32 as follows:
“Placing any material in the water, other than on a hook while angling, for the purpose of attracting fish to a particular area in order that they may be taken.”

There are a few waterways in California where chumming is legal as outlined in CCR, Title 14, section 2.40. Chumming is only permitted in:

1.  The Colorado River District, but only approved bait fishes may be used as chum (see section 4.15) except in the Salton Sea where corn may also be used.

2.  Carquinez Strait and Suisun Bay and their tributaries and saltwater tributaries.

3.  Sacramento River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from Interstate 80 bridge.

4.  San Joaquin River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from Interstate 5 bridge.