CALIFORNIA — Following a year of closures and conservation concerns, limited recreational ocean salmon fishing will return to California’s coast under tightly controlled conditions. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published the 2025 West Coast salmon fishing regulations on May 16, reinstating a shortened season with set quotas and gear restrictions that now carry the force of federal law.
California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has confirmed that the state will conform to the newly issued federal guidelines, in accordance with Title 14, Section 1.95 of the California Code of Regulations. The full text of the federal regulations is available in the Federal Register under reference 90 FR 20810.
The first opportunity was a two-day window earlier this month on June 7 and 8. Spanning all ocean waters between the California–Oregon border and the U.S.–Mexico line, the opener operated under a summer harvest guideline of 7,000 Chinook salmon. Additional openers may be scheduled in July and August — but only if the June quota has not been reached. A second chance to target Chinook will take place from September 4 through 7 in the central coast region between Point Reyes and Point Sur. This fall fishery carries a separate 7,500-Chinook harvest guideline.
The 2025 regulations also reinforce long-standing protections for coho salmon, also known as silver salmon, which remain off-limits throughout California’s ocean fisheries. Additionally, all salmon caught during openers must be landed before the closure date of each respective window.
Anglers are limited to two Chinook salmon per day, with a minimum size requirement of 20 inches in total length. On land, no more than two daily bag limits may be in possession per individual. At sea, however, anglers may not possess or bring ashore more than one daily limit per person, a rule designed to curb overharvest and ensure fair opportunity across user groups.
The CDFW urges anglers to check for updated opener dates, harvest tallies, and regulatory details through its Ocean Salmon Fishery Information page or the 24-hour Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429.
This year’s return of ocean salmon fishing — though brief — has been a cautiously optimistic sign following past seasons plagued by poor river returns, drought effects, and habitat challenges. With a sharpened focus on responsible harvest and science-based management, both federal and state agencies are hoping for a sustainable path forward for California’s iconic Chinook runs.
