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Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

Fishing on all rivers, streams and lakes in the Six Rivers 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 licenses.

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 ranger 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.

Hunting on the Six Rivers National Forest is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hunters must have in their possession all required licenses and tags. For information on permits, licenses, seasons and bag limits, contact the California Fish and Game Department.

Forest visitors may use firearms if they carry and use them in a safe manner, and if the users comply with state and federal 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 land owners, or others with business in the Forest could be nearby, even if they aren't visible.

The white sections on the Forest Visitor's Map that are within Forest boundaries represent private land holdings at the time of publication. Through its land exchange program, the Forest Service continually works with landowners to negotiate exchanges of their holdings for federally owned lands of equal value. However, many of these holdings are still scattered throughout the Mendocino, and their owners often post their lands against hunting, fishing, or trespass.

Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 32 results

Big Bar River Access

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Located approximately 8 miles downstream from Orleans, Big Bar offers a gravel dirt road to an excellent boat launch for drift and jet boats. There is an information kiosk, ample parking, and…

Big Rock Day Use Area & River Access

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Picnicking
Located approximately 1/4 mile on Highway 96 from the Highway 299 intersection in the town of Willow Creek, Big Rock offers day use for those who want to spend the day on the Trinity River. It is…

Blue Lake

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Blue Lake lies in a beautiful mountain setting in the Orleans Ranger District. Surrounded mature trees and ferns, the lake is approximately 2.5 acres. Blue Lake is connected to Fish Lake via a 3.7…

Dillon Creek River Access

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This access is located approximately 24 miles upstream from Orleans, directly across the highway from Dillon Creek Campground. The access consists of a short foot trail down to the confluence of…

Dolan's Bar River Access

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Located approximately 1.5 miles upriver from Orleans, this site offers river access for motorized and non-motorized boaters and anglers. From highway 96, river access is less than a mile away: down…

Dry Lake

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Dry Lake, encompassing 3.25 acres, lies in a quiet setting of willow, alder, oaks, firs, and myrtles (bay). The lake is currently stocked with rainbow trout. Maximum depth is nine feet. Dry lake is…

Eel River

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Eel River makes its 100-mile long stretch through some of the most pristine redwood groves in the state. The mouth of the mighty river opens up 15 miles south of Eureka after weaving its path…

Fish Lake

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Fish Lake is located in the southwestern portion of the Orleans Ranger District. As one of the most popular recreational areas on the District, Fish Lake offers camping, fishing and hiking on over 5…

Fish Lake Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking
Fish Lake Campground is located approximately 1,780 feet above sea level in a mixed hardwood and conifer forest with many fir and Port-Orford-cedar trees. There are five vault type unisex accessible…

Forks River Access and Boat Ramp

Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Launch your boat or enjoy the fishing, swimming, and sunbathing opportunities at this Smith River access. Restroom facilities available at boat-trailer parking lot.

Last updated April 16th, 2025