Bass Fishing Forum - Westernbass.com

Drought conditions across California, including warm and low inland waters, are stressing fish populations, especially trout and salmon. To help combat this and increase fish survival rates, CDFW is asking inland anglers to volunteer to fish when temperatures are lower and dissolved oxygen is higher.

Early morning periods from sunrise until the day starts to warm up are prime. Fishing exclusively during these periods of the day are often referred to as “Hoot Owl” fishing restrictions, a term that refers to the time of day when one can often hear owls hooting.

The voluntary -- but highly encouraged -- Hoot Owl restriction helps to ensure that fish are caught and released or lost off lines when water temperatures are at their coolest, giving them a break and limiting stress in the afternoon and evening when the water is at its warmest.

CDFW encourages anglers to adopt this conservation-minded practice to help aid in fish survival rates and ensure future fishing opportunities.

See the list of waters and learn more about Hoot Owl restrictions and other tips for fishing during a drought at wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland/Hoot-Owl

I guess Bass don't qualify for this. It's ok by fish and wildlife to fish for bass in tournaments when the temp. is hovering at 100 degrees, water temp is 84 and no telling what the temp. in the live well is

Like the way they spin this cr@p, deflect and make it sound like we can make a difference here and even come up with a catchy slogan for it. They need to stand up to the politicians and demand 'NO" to more water, they are killing the environment! The water they are taking is what's causing these low water conditions.....

Good luck!