California Salmon Fishing Season to Reopen After 3-Year Closure

Federal regulators vote to allow limited commercial and recreational salmon fishing off the California coast.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:12am

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A photorealistic studio still-life image of a polished metal sculpture of a salmon, dramatically lit to highlight the fish's sleek, streamlined form against a clean, white background, conceptually representing the recovery of California's salmon population.The return of commercial salmon fishing along 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 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, 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 the commercial salmon fishing season is a significant development for California's coastal communities and fishing industry, which have faced major economic impacts from the multi-year closures. Salmon are an iconic species in the state and crucial to the environment and economy, supporting tribal communities, commercial fishermen, bait shops, and equipment manufacturers.

The details

The Pacific Fishery Management Council, which manages fisheries off the West Coast, voted to allow limited commercial and recreational salmon fishing off the California coast starting in May 2026. The council had barred commercial salmon fishing off California for the past three years due to dwindling fish stocks, but forecasts now show Chinook and coho salmon populations have rebounded. The commercial fishing season will open with some restrictions, including limits on the number of days and quotas on the catch. Recreational fishing has already begun in some areas and will expand further in June.

  • The Pacific Fishery Management Council voted on Sunday, April 14, 2026 to open the commercial salmon fishing season.
  • Commercial fishing along the California coast will begin in May 2026.
  • Recreational fishing in some areas of the California coast 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 starting in 2026.

Wade Crowfoot

California Natural Resources Secretary, who said the reopening of the salmon fishing season 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 the 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 recommendation.

The takeaway

The reopening of the commercial salmon fishing season in California is a significant milestone for the state's coastal communities and fishing industry, which have endured years of economic hardship due to fishing closures. It signals that salmon populations have rebounded, thanks to improved environmental conditions and restoration efforts, and underscores the importance of this iconic species to California's ecology and economy.