California Anglers Celebrate Successful Return of Ocean Salmon Season

California’s much-anticipated ocean salmon season opened June 7–8 with a bang, delivering some of the best fishing action in recent memory. After a two-year hiatus, anglers up and down the coast jumped at the chance to hit the water—many returning with quick limits and big smiles.

Thanks to excellent ocean conditions from Crescent City to Avila Beach, more than 10,500 anglers ventured out during the weekend, landing an estimated 9,165 Chinook salmon. The catch surpassed the summer harvest guideline of 7,000 Chinook, prompting the National Marine Fisheries Service to close the remaining summer salmon dates.

“The weekend was a huge success,” said CDFW Director Charlton Bonham. “We’ve seen so many pictures and heard so many stories of people enjoying their time on the water with family and friends.”

Most of the salmon action came from popular fishing ports in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas. Nearly 100 biologists and agency staff conducted dockside surveys, collecting critical data and hatchery tag samples that help shape future salmon seasons.

The recreational fishery will reopen September 4–7 between Point Reyes and Point Sur, with a new fall harvest guideline of 7,500 Chinook. If the quota isn’t reached, additional fishing dates may open in late September and October.

This year’s season is managed under new in-season monitoring rules designed to protect vulnerable Chinook populations and ensure sustainable fishing into the future.

For updates, visit wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon.