2025 California Ocean Salmon
Simplified regulations for recreational ocean salmon fishing in California waters
💡 Disclaimer: This page is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The information presented here is a simplified interpretation of the official California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations and should not be considered as legal advice or a substitute for the official regulations.
Always consult the official CDFW regulations and contact CDFW directly before fishing. Regulations may change, and in-season closures may occur. It is the angler's responsibility to ensure compliance with all current regulations.
Loading season information...
summer Season Harvest
Chinook salmon harvested statewide
fall Season Harvest
Chinook salmon harvested statewide
⚠️ Important Notice
CDFW will take in-season action to close remaining fishing days when harvest reaches the statewide limits of 7,000 Chinook (summer) or 7,500 Chinook (fall). Always check current regulations before your trip by calling the hotline: (707) 576-3429
🌞 Summer Season (June - August)
Scheduled to Open
- June 7-8(Scheduled to open)
- July 5-6(T.B.D.)
- July 31-Aug 3(T.B.D.)
- August 25-31(T.B.D.)
Key Details
- Area: OR/CA Border to U.S./Mexico Border (Statewide)
- Size Limit: 20 inches total length minimum
- Daily Bag Limit: 2 salmon (any species except coho)
- Harvest Limit: 7,000 Chinook statewide
Summer Season Fishing Area
Oregon/California Border to U.S./Mexico Border - All California Ocean Waters
🍂 Fall Season (September - October)
Fall season is divided into two specific fishing areas with different schedules:
San Francisco Subarea
Scheduled to Open
- September 4-7(Scheduled to open)
- September 29-30(T.B.D.)
- October 1-5(T.B.D.)
- October 27-31(T.B.D.)
Area & Limits
- Area: Point Reyes to Pigeon Point
- Size Limit: 20 inches total length minimum
- Daily Bag Limit: 2 salmon (any species except coho)
San Francisco Subarea
Point Reyes to Pigeon Point
Monterey Subarea
Scheduled to Open
- September 4-7(Scheduled to open)
- September 29-30(T.B.D.)
Area & Limits
- Area: Pigeon Point to Point Sur
- Size Limit: 20 inches total length minimum
- Daily Bag Limit: 2 salmon (any species except coho)
Monterey Subarea
Pigeon Point to Point Sur
📋 General Regulations
🎣 Bag & Possession Limits
- Daily bag limit: 2 salmon (any species except coho)
- Size limit: 20 inches total length minimum
- On land: Up to 4 salmon (2 daily bag limits)
- On vessel: Cannot bring ashore more than 1 daily bag limit (2 salmon)
- Coho (silver) salmon & steelhead: Retention prohibited
🎣 Gear Restrictions
- North of Pt. Conception: Max 2 single-point, single-shank barbless hooks; 1 rod per angler (when fishing for salmon or on boats with salmon)
- 40°10' to Pt. Conception (non-trolling with bait): Max 2 circle hooks*, barbless, hard tied, ≤5" apart
- Sinkers/weights: 4 lbs max, except unlimited if on separate line with automatic release device
- Filleting: Prohibited on boats or before landing
- Coded-wire tags: Must surrender salmon heads with missing adipose fins to CDFW upon request
*Circle hook: Generally circular shape, point turns inward at 90° to shank
*Trolling: Angling from powered, moving vessel (not drifting)
🚫 Special Closures
- Smith River mouth: Closed year-round
- Klamath River mouth: Closed year-round (expands in August)
- Eel River mouth: Closed August-September only
📞 Important Contacts
CDFW Hotline
(707) 576-3429
National Marine Fisheries
(800) 662-9825
📄 Official Regulations
For the complete official regulations document, visit:
View Official CDFW PDF →💡 Disclaimer
This page is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The information presented here is a simplified interpretation of the official California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations and should not be considered as legal advice or a substitute for the official regulations.
Always consult the official CDFW regulations and contact CDFW directly before fishing. Regulations may change, and in-season closures may occur. It is the angler's responsibility to ensure compliance with all current regulations.