Commercial season resumes; recreational anglers to see more open days in 2026
California’s ocean salmon fishery is making a comeback.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced this week that commercial ocean salmon fishing will resume this year after three consecutive years of closure, and recreational anglers will see significantly more open days on the water in 2026 — a sharp turnaround from the near-total shutdowns that defined the past several seasons.
The rebound is being driven by improved population numbers in two key runs: Sacramento River fall-run Chinook and Klamath River fall-run Chinook salmon, both of which have shown enough recovery to prompt regulators to ease restrictions.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized its recommendations for California’s 2026 recreational and commercial ocean seasons and harvest limits at its April 7–12 meeting in Portland, Oregon. Those recommendations now go to the National Marine Fisheries Service, which will translate them into federal regulations. CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information web page will carry updated season dates, location restrictions and harvest guidelines once they are finalized.
The turnaround follows an extended period of restricted access. Recreational ocean salmon fishing was completely closed in 2023 and 2024, and anglers had only six open days in 2025. Commercial operators fared no better, sitting out three straight seasons entirely.
“Seeing our salmon populations recover is incredibly heartening,” CDFW Director Meghan Hertel said in the announcement, crediting collaboration among state and federal agencies, tribes, sport anglers, commercial fishing interests and conservation organizations.
State officials were careful to temper optimism with caution. CDFW will implement in-season management of both commercial and recreational fisheries this year — the first time vessel-based trip limits and seasonal harvest guidelines have been applied to California’s commercial salmon fishery. If catch approaches seasonal limits, managers have authority to close seasons early. A similar in-season framework was piloted during the limited 2025 recreational season.
The recovery comes amid broader concerns about the long-term health of California salmon runs. State Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot pointed to drought, shifting river conditions and warming waters as ongoing threats. While noting that California’s Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future — put into action in 2024 — is funding habitat restoration, barrier removal and improved water flows across the state’s river systems.
Anglers planning trips are advised to verify season status before heading out, as in-season closures could be implemented with limited notice. Current regulations and any changes can be found on CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information page or by calling the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429. The NMFS ocean salmon hotline is available at (800) 662-9825.
