‘This is a Critical Moment’: California Recreational Salmon Fishing Returns in 2025 with Strict Limits

California’s recreational ocean salmon fisheries will see limited reopening in 2025, marking the first opportunity for recreational salmon fishing in the state since 2022. The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) announced the decision on April 15, allowing carefully monitored recreational fishing while maintaining closure for commercial fisheries for the third consecutive year.

Salmon populations remain challenged by drought and climate disruptions, including poor spawning conditions, severe wildfires, algal blooms, and habitat degradation.

“After years of full closure, limited recreational fishing brings hope,” said Charlton H. Bonham, Director of California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). However, commercial fisheries remain severely impacted.

Despite the beneift to the salmon populations, the ongoing commercial closures are economically devastating.

“Three years without a salmon season is devastating, as is the prospect of California losing its iconic salmon runs. However, it’s not the end of the story,” said Regina Chichizola, Executive Director of SCS. “We know that salmon come back when we give rivers a chance to recover. Just last fall, we saw an unexpectedly strong response from spawning salmon just weeks after the completion of Klamath dam removal. Governor Newsom must act now to protect flows and support Tribal and fishing communities, jobs, and drinking water quality. This is a critical moment for real change.”

The 2025 recreational salmon fishing dates are narrowly defined:

• Statewide: June 7-8, with a 7,000 Chinook limit. If unmet, additional fishing occurs July 5-6 and potentially late July and August.

• Point Reyes to Point Sur: September 4-7, with a 7,500 Chinook limit. Possible additional openings on September 29-30 and into October if quotas remain.

Strict regulations include a minimum size of 20 inches and a daily bag limit of two Chinook salmon.

“The limited openings ensure minimal impacts on vulnerable Klamath River Chinook salmon,” stated PFMC member Marc Gorelnik.

Anglers should verify updated regulations and details through the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429 or the NMFS ocean salmon hotline at (800) 662-9825.