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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the launch of a web-based platform called the California Inland Recreational Angler Survey (CIRAS), designed to provide the public with valuable fishing information based on data submitted by anglers. The platform is accessible at CIRAS.wildlife.ca.gov.

Powered by angler participation, CIRAS enables users to submit data about their fishing trips and offers instant access to aggregated sport fishing information through an interactive “Ready to Fish” dashboard. As a crowdsourcing platform, CIRAS relies on widespread engagement from California’s inland angling community to ensure the quality and accuracy of the fishing data it provides.

CIRAS significantly expands the reach of CDFW’s Angler Survey Boxes (ASB), a system of over 200 physical survey boxes where anglers have traditionally recorded their fishing experiences on paper. While the ASB system primarily evaluates trout fisheries, CIRAS broadens the scope by allowing anglers to submit data about any sport fish from any inland or anadromous water in the state. Additionally, historic data from the ASB system will be uploaded into CIRAS, offering immediate utility for fisheries while anglers contribute new data on various species and locations.

Initially launched for waters within CDFW’s North Central Region, CIRAS will eventually be expanded statewide. While anglers can access the platform on mobile devices, it currently requires an internet connection for data submission. Future updates will include offline functionality to enhance usability.

Jay Rowan, CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief, highlighted the significance of CIRAS, stating, “The CIRAS project represents a new opportunity for CDFW to better understand angler preferences and performance of fisheries, while also allowing anglers to access information to plan their next fishing trip. By giving access to information that other anglers have entered into CIRAS, people will be able to see what species are present, catch rates, size distributions, and the time of year others are out catching fish. CIRAS also provides an opportunity for anglers to contribute directly to scientific work at CDFW, which will help us better manage the lakes and streams and improve fishing opportunities.”

CDFW utilizes fishing survey data submitted by anglers to guide management actions that protect fisheries and enhance angling experiences. These surveys collect data about fish species caught (or not caught), general fishing locations, and overall angling experiences from individual trips. The information can alert CDFW scientists to conduct more detailed surveys when needed. CIRAS complements, rather than replaces, comprehensive assessments conducted by trained staff.

Anglers fishing within CDFW’s North Central Region are encouraged to share their catch information through the platform. This region encompasses all or parts of 17 counties, including Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lake, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento (east of Interstate 5), San Joaquin, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo (north of Interstate 80), and Yuba. Additional resources about CIRAS can be found under the “Resources” section of the CIRAS website.

CDFW maintains a strong commitment to safeguarding the privacy of personal information in accordance with Article 1 of the California Constitution, the Information Practices Act of 1977, and other applicable state and federal laws.

For questions or comments about CIRAS, individuals can contact CIRAS@wildlife.ca.gov.