Can I Keep a Jumping Fish?

December 20,  2018

Question: If a salmon jumps out of a river, do you need a license to collect it? (Jon)

Answer: It would not be legal to retain a salmon under these circumstances. There are two issues here – the method of take, and possession.

Fishing and hunting regulations define specific, allowable “methods of take.” The salmon (or any fish, for that matter) would need to be taken by a legal method such as hook and line, in legal waters, in order for you to lawfully possess it. You can’t collect and keep a fish you find, as you did not take it by permissible means.

Also, if you are over the age of 15, you would need a current California fishing license to be in possession of any wild fish (unless you are pier fishing, it’s a free fishing day or the fish was legally taken by a licensed angler and then gifted to you).