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HomeHarbors and Navigation CodeDiv. 1.5Ch. 2§ 103 Public Navigable Waterways List

§ 103 Public Navigable Waterways List

Harbors and Navigation Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 103 Public Navigable Waterways List

This law says that several named streams and rivers are public waterways that anyone can use, but it does not take away existing mining rights on the Klamath River.

Key Takeaways

  • •Johnson’s Creek, Keys Creek, Klamath River, Arroyo del Medo, Mission Creek, Mokelumne River, and Moro Cojo Slough are all declared public waterways.
  • •People can travel, fish, or boat on these waters just like on any public road.
  • •Existing mining claims on the Klamath River stay valid; the law does not cancel those rights.

Example

A family wants to take a small boat from the mouth of Johnson’s Creek up to Simpson’s Landing for a day trip.

Because Johnson’s Creek is listed as a public way, the family can use the creek without needing special permission, just like any other public river.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 103 Public Navigable Waterways List

The following streams and waters are also navigable and are public ways: Johnson’s Creek, from its mouth at San Francisco Bay to Simpson’s Landing. Keys Creek, also known as the Arroyo de San Antonio, in Marin County, from its mouth at Tomales Bay to the warehouses on the point at Keys embarcadero. Klamath River, from its mouth in Del Norte County to its confluence with the Shasta River in the county of Siskiyou; but this shall not abrogate or infringe upon mining rights or the rights of locating or operating mining claims on the Klamath River, existing on August 21, 1933, otherwise than by being made subject to the public rights of way herein declared. Arroyo del Medo, in the county of Santa Clara, from its mouth to the upper line of the town of New Haven. Mission Creek, in the county of San Francisco. Mokelumne River, between its mouth and the first falls. Moro Cojo Slough, in Monterey County, from Salinas River to tidewater. (Enacted by Stats. 1937, Ch. 368.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

navigablepublic waysmining rightsAugust 21, 1933

Related Statutes

  • § 101 Navigable California Waters List
  • § 102 California Navigable Waters List
  • § 104 Navigable Waterways Public Access
  • § 105 Navigable California Waterways
  • § 106 Public Navigable Waterways List

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 103.
View Official Source