Wildlife Officials Revamp Salmon Release Plan to Boost Sacramento River Runs

In a historic move to boost declining salmon populations, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has released approximately 3.5 million juvenile fall-run Chinook salmon directly into the main stem of the Sacramento River. This unprecedented release, conducted near Redding and Butte City in mid-April, marks a strategic shift aimed at improving survival rates for salmon, whose numbers have fallen to crisis levels.

Previously, CDFW hatcheries primarily supported salmon populations in their home rivers. However, due to historically low adult returns—caused by drought and challenging spawning conditions—the department changed tactics. The goal is to maximize salmon survival by releasing juvenile fish into the Sacramento River during optimal river conditions and increased water flows.

The Golden State Salmon Association strongly supports the strategy. “This historic first gives juvenile fish a fighting chance at survival,” said Scott Artis, the group’s executive director. “It’s exactly the kind of action we need.”

California’s salmon populations have severely impacted commercial and recreational fishing. For the third consecutive year, the federal Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended closing commercial salmon fishing due to low numbers.

In total, CDFW will raise and release over 28 million fall-run Chinook salmon this year, supported by ocean and inland fishing groups, alongside state and federal agencies.

The juvenile salmon released are expected to imprint on the Sacramento River, significantly increasing future adult returns and helping rebuild critical spawning populations. This innovative strategy represents CDFW’s commitment to revitalizing California’s iconic salmon fisheries.