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Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

Our national forests provide an endless number of fishing opportunities for the experienced and beginning angler. Beautiful rivers and streams, high mountain lakes or reservoirs and small ponds offer just about every setting one could ask for to relax and fish or just enjoy the magnificent scenery.

State laws apply to fishing laws and regulations on all national forests and grasslands. Some states prohibit putting fish remains into the waters, lakes, streams or rivers after you have cleaned and gutted your catch. Some states set limits on the number of fish you can catch and when. Other rules are imposed by the national forest and grassland, such as not fishing during derbies or in areas posted as closed. Know the rules before you angle to your favorite fishing spot.

Lake and Pond Fishing

State laws apply to fishing laws and regulations on all national forests and grasslands. Some states prohibit putting fish remains into the waters, lakes, streams or rivers after you have cleaned and gutted your catch. Some states set limits on the number of fish you can catch and when. Other rules are imposed by the national forest and grassland, such as not fishing during derbies or in areas posted as closed. Know the rules before you angle to your favorite fishing spot.

Ice Fishing

Don’t fish in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared “off limits” to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.

When choosing a site for fishing, always consider safety factors. Because fishing is practiced in a variety of environments, evaluate factors specific to safety in each environment.

River and Stream Fishing

Don’t fish in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared “off limits” to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety. When choosing a site for fishing, always consider safety factors. Because fishing is practiced in a variety of environments, evaluate factors specific to safety in each environment. Use caution when baiting and removing hooks.

Hunting

Hunting activities are regulated by the corresponding state’s forest service office. Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing. For licenses, regulations and detailed game unit information, visit the corresponding state’s fish and game department.

While the Forest Service does not sell hunting licenses, a license is required to hunt in various states. Visit the corresponding state’s wildlife website for more hunting information.

Recreational and Target Shooting

According to the Code of Federal Regulations (title 36), recreational shooting can take place on the National Forests and Grasslands under these conditions:

  • You are at least 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area
  • You are not shooting across or on a National Forest System Road or an adjacent body of water.
  • You are not shooting into or within a cave
  • You are not shooting in any manner or place where any person, property or resource is exposed to injury or damage due to such discharge
  • You are not firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition.

Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities

Showing: 11 - 20 of 77 results

Bootleg Campground

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Bootleg Campground, located just off U.S. Highway 395 south of Walker, California, offers solitude and chance to get away from crowds in shaded Jeffrey pines. The West Walker River is located on the…

Buckeye Campground

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Biking
Buckeye Campground provides a quiet camping experience along Buckeye Creek and is shaded by Jeffrey and Lodgepole pines. Popular activities include hiking along Buckeye Creek into the nearby Hoover…

Centerville Flat Dispersed Campground

Winter Sports Biking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Horse Riding and Camping
Small, dispersed camping area located at the intersection of CA Highway 4 and Wolf Creek Road, near Markleeville, Calif. Site has existing dispersed spots for camping (tent, trailer, RVs) and a horse…

Charity Valley East Trailhead

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Biking Horse Riding and Camping
The Charity Valley East Trailhead is located approximately 3 miles west of Markleeville, California off Hot Springs Road, about a mile before you reach Grover Hot Spring State Park. Provides access…

Chris Flat Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Biking
Chris Flat Campground is located just off U.S. Highway 395 in Walker Canyon which is a National Scenic Byway. The West Walker River is located directly adjacent to this campground, providing ample…

Columbine Campground

Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Biking
Columbine is a small, rustic campground in an open setting located along Steward Creek on the west side of the Toiyabe Range. This campground is located adjacent to the Columbine Trailhead, which…

Cow Canyon Trailhead

Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Cow Canyon Trailhead is located on the west side of the Toiaybe Range in central Nevada. It provides direct access to the Arc Dome Wilderness and the Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail via the…

Crags Campground

Site Open
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Biking
Crags Campground, located 10 miles from Bridgeport, California in the Twin Lakes area along Robinson Creek. The campground offers views of the rugged Sawtooth Ridge, with craggy peaks topping out at…

Crystal Springs Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Biking
Crystal Springs Campground is a small campground located just off CA Highway 88 and adjacent to the West Fork Carson River near Woodfords, California. This facility provides quiet sites amidst the…

Last updated March 24th, 2025