Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Hunting is a seasonal activity, and the rules are simple: Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing. Forests and grasslands may place some areas as off limits to hunting. So check in with your local Forest Service office to be sure you are following all the rules.
- Hunting is permitted during hunting seasons designated by the California State Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Licenses are available online, at any CDFW License Sales Office or License Agent.
- Almost all public land within the Mendocino National Forest is open to hunting. Please note, the Red Bluff Recreation Area and the State Game Refuge, which straddles the boundary line of the Stonyford and Upper Lake Districts in the southern part of the forest, are not open to hunting.
- Forest visitors may use firearms if they carry and use them in a safe manner, and if the users comply with state and county laws. Do not use trees, signs, cans, or glass objects for targets.
- Firearms must not be discharged from a road, across a road, across a body of water, or within 150 yards of a campground or inhabited area. Always exercise proper caution when handling firearms: keep in mind that other visitors, loggers, private landowners, or others with business in the forest could be nearby, even if they aren't visible.
- The white sections on the Forest Visitor Map that are within forest boundaries represent private land holdings at the time of publication. Many of these owners often post their lands against hunting, fishing, or trespass.
- Before hunting of any type on the forest, you will need to have the proper state license. Check with the California Department of Fish and Game for season regulations.
- Please remember that fireworks are never allowed in the Forest!
The Mendocino National Forest supports an extensive resident trout fishery as well as anadromous and warm-water fisheries. Rainbow trout are found in over 300 miles of streams and 2,000 acres of lakes and ponds.
- The Eel River below Lake Pillsbury and the Middle Fork of the Eel from where it joins the Eel upstream to Bar Creek are known for their steelhead fishing. Please note that because of low steelhead runs, the Middle Fork Eel River is currently closed to fishing from the confluence of Bar Creek upstream to the confluence of the North Fork of the Middle Eel River. Letts Lake, Plaskett Lakes and Lake Pillsbury are popular bass and trout fishing areas.
- The Forest Service works closely with other agencies and universities in conducting fish surveys on lakes and rivers throughout the forest. The purpose of surveys is to monitor the effects of management activities on the fisheries.
- Please note: If accessing the Sacramento River from the Red Bluff Recreation Area, a boat launch pass is required.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Fishing on all lakes or ponds in the Mendocino National Forest is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. A current valid California fishing license is required for all anglers over 16 years of age. Contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife for fishing seasons, limits and bag limits.
River and Stream Fishing
Fishing on all rivers and streams in the Mendocino National Forest is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. A current valid California fishing license is required for all anglers over 16 years of age. Contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife for fishing seasons, limits and bag limits.
Hunting
Hunting in the Mendocino National Forest is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Contact CDFW for hunting licenses and seasons.
Recreational and Target Shooting
Several locations in the forest are open to target shooting. Forest visitors may use firearms if they carry and use them in a safe manner, and if the users comply with state and county laws. Be aware of fire restrictions when using firearms. Firearms must not be discharged from a road, across a road or trail, across a body of water, or within 150 yards of a campground, facility, or inhabited area. Always exercise proper caution when handling firearms and note that other users and private landowners could be nearby, even if they are not visible. Do not use trees, signs, cans or glass objects for targets.
The following are prohibited in the Mendocino National Forest:
- Firing any tracer bullet or incendiary, ammunition.
- Mutilating, defacing, removing, disturbing, injuring, or destroying any natural feature, including trees, or any property of the United States.
- Discharging a firearm or any other equipment capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property: (1) in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or (2) across or on a Forest development road or body of water adjacent to where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
- Failing to dispose of all garbage including target material, paper, can, bottle, sewage, wastewater, material, or rubbish, either by removal from the site or area, or depositing it into or at places provided for such purposes.
Special Note: County ordinances prohibit the discharge of firearms within 220 yards of most paved roads within the Forest.
You should be aware of and comply with state and county laws pertaining to the possession and transportation of firearms. For further information and regulations contact the Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Game or local County Sheriff’s departments.
Please pick up and carry out all trash.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Bear Creek Campground
Camp Discovery Group Campground
Fuller Grove Campground
Fuller Grove Group Campground
General Campgrounds & Trailheads
Gray Pine Group Campground
Hammerhorn Campground
Howard Lake Campground
Howard Meadows Campground
Kingsley Glade Campground