Sacramento Pikeminnow are not native to the Eel River. They were introduced via Pillsbury Reservoir in the late 1970s and have since spread to all forks of the river. Prolific and wide-ranging, they make seasonal freshwater migrations and have been found to prey on native salmonids and lamprey. On top of longstanding stressors such as historic overfishing, damaging logging practices, habitat loss, and the accelerating impacts of climate change, pikeminnow present an additional challenge to the recovery of native fish populations through both predation and competition. Therefore, by fishing for Sacramento pikeminnow in the Eel River, YOU can help support conservation of our native fishes.
How You Can Participate:
To enter into the contest you must provide a valid email address and upload a photo of your fish. Thanks for participating and helping protect native fishes in the Eel River! Here are the prize categories:
- Most pikeminnow (greater than 6 inches) caught over the duration of the contest. (1st-$550, 2nd-$450, 3rd-$400)
- Most pikeminnow (greater than 12 inches) caught over the duration of the contest. MUST include tape measure in photo. (1st-$800, 2nd-$700, 3rd-$600)
- Biggest fish (length). MUST include tape measure in photo. (1st-$500, 2nd-$400, 3rd-$300)
- Drawing for kids (under 18) that entered a pikeminnow in the contest. (6 winners – $50/each)
Location
- All waters open to angling on the South Fork Eel River downstream of the Humboldt County line to the confluence with the mainstem.
- The mainstem Eel from Dos Rios to the mouth of the Van Duzen.
- The Van Duzen from Grizzly Creek to the mouth of the Van Duzen.
Contest Rules:
- Online form- submit entries using one email address. All entries at the end of the contest for the “most pikeminnow…” will be tallied by participant email address.
- Mail in Form- mail in forms must be postmarked on or before September 3. Send a copy of your photo(s), minimum size 3”x5” each, along with completed entry form to: CalTrout, 1380 9th St., Arcata, CA 95521
- Individual contestants can win no more than one prize category. In the case of multiple wins, the largest prize amount will be awarded.
- Photos must be geotagged. Here is a link to turn that on for your iphone or android.
- Cheating or falsification of entries will result in automatic disqualification.
Fishing Regulations & Rules:
- Eel River regulations currently state there is no bag limit on pikeminnow. Retention of salmonids is strictly prohibited.
- Strict compliance with Fish and Game Code Section 1.87: WASTE OF FISH; it is unlawful to cause or permit any deterioration or waste of any fish taken in the waters of this state.
- Prohibited actions: Throwing fish on the bank or into the river, any blatant waste of fish.
- Any violation of Fish and Game Code Section 1.87 will be subject to law enforcement prosecution.
- Photos from poor angles or of bad quality are subject to disqualification.
- Suggestions for fish use: consumption, gardening fertilizer, crab bait, or research. Fish to be donated for research purposes can be dropped off at the Table Bluff Reservation during business hours (M-F, 9am-4pm).
For more information: Click here or email Matt Metheny mmetheny @ www.caltrout.org.
Learn more about CalTrout’s efforts to restore the Eel River watershed here.