Chinook Salmon Fishing Returns to Three Northern California Rivers After Two-Year Ban

Due to continued low Chinook salmon counts, the California Fish and Game Commission has voted to keep the Klamath River Basin and mainstem Sacramento River closed to Chinook fishing through the 2025 season. The unanimous decision, made during the Commission’s May 14 meeting, aims to support struggling salmon populations impacted by drought, climate change, and other environmental challenges.

However, in a glimmer of positive news, limited Chinook fishing will return to three Central Valley rivers—the Mokelumne, Feather, and American—for the first time in two years. Beginning July 15, 2025, anglers will be allowed to fish in designated sections of those rivers, with a daily limit of one Chinook.

“I’m happy to see some Chinook salmon fishing opportunity brought back in Central Valley rivers,” said Jay Rowan, Fisheries Branch Chief. “Increased hatchery production and a few good water years have led to a rebound in some of the key Central Valley salmon tributaries.”

The closures remain in effect for the Klamath and Sacramento to protect the most vulnerable salmon runs. Meanwhile, environmental conditions like poor in-river migration, ocean forage shifts, and thiamine deficiency continue to threaten salmon survival across the state.

The Commission also extended emergency restrictions on white sturgeon fishing, limiting the recreational take to catch-and-release while the species is under review for potential listing under the California Endangered Species Act.