Legal to Use a Throw Net to Catch Baitfish in a Private Lake

February 17, 2011

Question:Can I use a throw net to catch baitfish (threadfin shad) in a private lake? Since it is private, it should be fine, right? (Dennis B.)

Answer: DFG regulations generally do not apply in any water that is self-contained without any hydrological connection to state waters, or to any fish that are planted by the owner or person in control of the property. In these waters fishing methods are not governed by DFG regulations. However, it would be a violation of the law to transport fish alive from the water where they were taken (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 1.63).