LivewellCalifornia · Imperial County · Lake
Ferguson Lake
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Ferguson Lake, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
4 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury, Selenium
California also has statewide guidance
California publishes rules that apply to lakes across the state — 42 recommendations covering 18 species — in addition to anything listed for Ferguson Lake below.
Strictest statewide rule: Black Bass — For women 18–49 and children 1–17: do not eat due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Ferguson Lake
Black Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | Women 50 and older and men 18 and older | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Selenium. |
| Women 18–49 and children 1–17 | For women 18–49 and children 1–17: limit to one meal per week due to elevated Selenium. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
Common Carp
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | Women 50 and older and men 18 and older | Limit to four meals per week. |
| Women 18–49 and children 1–17 | For women 18–49 and children 1–17: limit to four meals per week. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
Striped Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | Women 50 and older and men 18 and older | Limit to three meals per week due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women 18–49 and children 1–17 | For women 18–49 and children 1–17: limit to one meal per week due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
Sunfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | Women 50 and older and men 18 and older | Limit to one meal per week due to elevated Selenium. |
| Women 18–49 and children 1–17 | For women 18–49 and children 1–17: limit to one meal per week due to elevated Selenium. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-11-06
Is it legal to keep?
These are California's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Striped Bass | 18" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Rainbow Trout | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 25 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: California — California DFW