The Fish Sniffer

Fishing Season: The Mokelumne River from Peltier Road to Camanche Dam, including Lodi Lake, is open January 1 through March 31, with a limit of 1 hatchery trout or steelhead (16 inches or over). The river reopens from the 4th Saturday in May through October 15, again with a limit of 1 hatchery trout or steelhead. All anglers must purchase a steelhead punch card along with their fishing license.

The river between the Woodbridge vehicle bridge and the Woodbridge Irrigation District Dam is closed to all fishing all year. The salmon spawning season takes place from October through December. Salmon fishing seasons for Central Valley rivers including the Mokelumne will be set in April.

The Mokelumne River Day Use Area – This is the most popular access point to the Mokelumne River and for visitors to the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery.  Located 15 miles east of Lodi off Highway 12 at the base of Camanche Dam, this nearly mile long stretch of the river awaits visitors in a natural setting. Besides fishing, popular activities include picnicking, strolling along trails wading and swimming. Additionally, this park affords rafting access to a beautiful stretch of river downstream.

Picnic Sites: The day use area is open from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year and offers 14 picnic sites with tables and barbeques, as well as undeveloped riverside access. Special consideration has been given to visitors with disabilities by providing an ADA accessible vaulted restroom, trail, picnic site and fishing pier. For more information, e-mail recreate@ebmud.comor call (209) 772-8204.

Public access is also available at Stillman McGhee County Park and Lodi Lake.

Salmon Spawning: In November, at the peak of spawning season, hatchery visitors have the opportunity to watch hatchery staff collect eggs. The Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery is open seven days a week, from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

For more information: Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery, 25800 North McIntire Rd.., P.O. Box 158 o Clements, CA 95227, (209) 759-3383 or Fax (209) 759-3148, http://www.dfg.ca.gov/hatcheries/mokelumne/