California Salmon Fishing Season to Reopen After 3-Year Closure

Rebounding salmon populations lead to limited commercial and recreational fishing opportunities along the coast.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:36pm

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A close-up photograph of a shiny, chrome-plated salmon fillet resting on a clean, white background, conveying the premium quality and importance of the California salmon industry.The return of commercial salmon fishing off the California coast signals a rebound in the iconic species' population after years of decline.Today in Sacramento

Federal fishery managers have voted to open waters off the coast of California to commercial salmon fishing for the first time since 2022, as salmon populations have rebounded following wet winters that ended a long drought. The decision by the Pacific Fishery Management Council will allow limited commercial and recreational salmon fishing along the California coast, a win for the state's salmon fishing industry which has grappled with years of season closures due to dwindling fish stocks.

Why it matters

The reopening of salmon fishing season is a positive sign for the health of California's salmon populations, which had declined dramatically in recent years due to drought conditions and water management policies that harmed the fish's migration and spawning. Preserving a healthy salmon population is crucial for the state's environment and economy, supporting tribal communities, commercial fishermen, and related industries.

The details

The Pacific Fishery Management Council voted to allow commercial salmon fishing to resume in May, with some restrictions on the number of days and quotas on the catch. Recreational fishing along parts of the coast has already begun this month, with more areas opening in June. Biologists say the Chinook and coho salmon populations have rebounded thanks to recent wet winters that brought in more cold water needed for spawning. Salmon populations have also bounced back in areas where they were long absent due to river restoration efforts, including the removal of dams on the Klamath River and the opening of passage on other waterways.

  • The Pacific Fishery Management Council voted on Sunday, April 13, 2026 to open commercial salmon fishing.
  • Commercial fishing along the California coast will begin in May 2026.
  • Recreational fishing in waters south of San Francisco began in April 2026, with more areas opening in June 2026.

The players

Pacific Fishery Management Council

An advisory group to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce that manages fisheries off the West Coast. The council voted to allow limited commercial and recreational salmon fishing off the California coast.

Wade Crowfoot

California Natural Resources Secretary, who said the reopening of salmon fishing is "great news for everyone" as it indicates salmon populations have rebounded to a healthier state.

Vance Staplin

Executive director of the Golden State Salmon Association, who blamed state and federal water management policies for the low salmon stocks in recent years that led to fishing season closures.

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What they’re saying

“It is great news for everyone — for the fishermen, for seafood lovers and the environment because it means that salmon populations are back to a much healthier state.”

— Wade Crowfoot, California Natural Resources Secretary

“People don't understand how big of an industry salmon is to California.”

— Vance Staplin, Executive Director, Golden State Salmon Association

What’s next

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce will make the final decision on the commercial salmon fishing season in the coming days, but is expected to follow the council's ruling.

The takeaway

The reopening of California's salmon fishing season is a positive sign for the state's environment and economy, as it indicates salmon populations have rebounded from recent declines. This recovery was aided by wet winters and river restoration efforts, underscoring the importance of sustainable water management policies to support iconic species like salmon.