Fishing Banned On Parts Of American And Russian Rivers Because Of Drought

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) — California fishing regulators have closed down recreational angling on portions of two of drought-starved rivers due to concerns about salmon and steelhead trout.

The state Fish and Game Commission on Wednesday voted unanimously on the fishing restrictions for parts of the American and Russian rivers.

Fishing is prohibited on the American River from Nimbus Dam to the SMUD power line crossing of Ancil Hoffman Park. On the Russian River, fishing is banned from the main stem below the confluence of the east branch.

The move comes after California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials earlier this month closed dozens of other waterways on the state's central and northern coasts.

The commission found that dangerously low stream flows and dwindling reservoir storage presented a danger to both species' habitat.

The closures on both rivers will extend through April 30.

Of the closures, Rep. Ami Bera offered the following statement:

"The temporary closure of the American River to fishing is yet another unfortunate, but necessary consequence of the drought crisis we face in Sacramento County. This drought is hurting families, small businesses and farmers, and we must find real solutions to this crisis in the short-term, and a comprehensive plan for securing water access and storage throughout the state."

Numerous fishing groups voiced support for the closures.

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