Can I Use a Homemade Bottle Trap in Lakes?

December 31, 2020

Question: Is it legal to use a homemade plastic bottle trap in lakes and other freshwater bodies? (Anonymous)

Answer: The 2020-2021 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations state “Except as otherwise authorized, all fish may be taken only by angling with one closely attended rod and line (or with two rods if the angler is in possession of a valid two-rod stamp).”

However, there are two exceptions: 1) Traps can be used to catch bait fish, but only certain kinds of bait fish can be taken or used in particular bodies of water in the different fishing districts (see sections 4.05 – 4.30 of the Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations for bait fish capture methods and bait fish use). 2) California also allows the taking of crayfish with traps that are not over three feet long. Homemade traps made from soda bottles can be very effective.
Soda bottle trapping for crawdads at a slough near Sacramento. CDFW photo by Kirsten Macintyre

Additionally, several closures designed to protect Shasta Crayfish are mentioned in California’s Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations in Title 14 section 5.35. Fall River upstream of Spring Creek Bridge, Lava Creek, Tule River and all connected waters upstream of Little Tule River, Sucker Springs Creek, Crystal Lake, Rising River and Rising River Lake are closed to take and possession of crayfish. (See Title 14 section 4.30 for prohibition against crayfish use for bait in sections of the Pit River).