California Salmon Fishing Season Reopens After 3-Year Closure

Federal regulators vote to allow limited commercial and recreational salmon fishing off the California coast for the first time since 2022.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a polished, chrome sculpture of a salmon resting on a clean, white background, conveying the comeback of California's salmon population through abstract, minimalist symbolism.The return of commercial salmon fishing off the California coast symbolizes the resilience of the state's iconic fish species.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 the salmon population has rebounded after wet winters ended a long drought. The decision by the Pacific Fishery Management Council will allow limited commercial and recreational salmon fishing along the California coast, which has been closed for the past three years due to dwindling fish stocks.

Why it matters

The reopening of the salmon fishing season is a major win for California's salmon fishing industry, which has struggled with years of closures due to declining salmon populations. Salmon are an iconic species in California and critical to the state's tribal communities and fishing economy, so the rebound in salmon stocks is an important environmental and economic development.

The details

The Pacific Fishery Management Council, an advisory group to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, voted to allow limited commercial and recreational salmon fishing off the California coast starting in May 2026. The council cited forecasts for healthier Chinook and coho salmon populations this year, though the season will open with some restrictions on catch limits and fishing days. Recreational fishing has already begun in some areas, while commercial fishing will start in May. Biologists say the salmon population declined dramatically after years of drought, but recent wet winters have helped the fish rebound, and river restoration efforts have also aided their recovery in some areas.

  • The Pacific Fishery Management Council voted on Sunday, April 12, 2026 to open the commercial salmon fishing season.
  • Recreational fishing along a stretch of the coast spanning about 50 miles south of San Francisco to the Mexican border began in April 2026.
  • Sportfishing to the north, including in waters off San Francisco, will begin in June 2026.
  • Commercial fishing along the coast will begin in May 2026.

The players

Pacific Fishery Management Council

An advisory group to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce that manages fisheries off the West Coast.

Wade Crowfoot

California Natural Resources Secretary.

Vance Staplin

Executive director of the Golden State Salmon Association.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 of the Golden State Salmon Association

What’s next

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce will make the final decision on the salmon fishing season opening, which is expected to be posted in the Federal Register within days.

The takeaway

The reopening of the commercial salmon fishing season in California is a significant environmental and economic milestone, signaling a rebound in the state's iconic salmon populations after years of drought-related declines. This development will provide a boost to the state's fishing industry and communities that rely on salmon, while also highlighting the importance of sustainable water management and river restoration efforts in supporting healthy salmon populations.