Section 8226 Of Article 4. Salmon From California Fish And Game Code >> Division 6. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 2. >> Article 4.
8226
. (a) Notwithstanding any measurement requirements under this
code, and to implement the department's salmon tagging program, any
person in possession of a salmon with a missing adipose fin, the
small, fleshy fin on the back of the fish between the back fin and
the tail, upon request by an authorized agent or employee of the
department, shall immediately relinquish the head of the salmon to
the state, at no charge, for recovery of any coded-wire tag. The head
may be removed by the fish owner or, if removed by the official
department representative, the head shall be removed in a manner to
minimize loss of salmon flesh and the salmon shall immediately be
returned to the rightful owner.
(b) It is unlawful to intentionally conceal, cull, or release into
the waters, a salmon with a missing adipose fin that it is otherwise
legal to possess.