Ocean Salmon 2025
Interactive maps and real-time data for California's ocean salmon fishing
2025 Season Closed
Summer season closed June 23 • Fall season closed September 17
Check back in 2026 for next season information
summer Season Harvest
9,165 Chinook • 10,505 anglers • Closed June 23
fall Season Harvest
12,000 Chinook • 12,400 anglers • Closed Sept 17
Get notified when the 2026 season opens
About California Ocean Salmon Fishing
The 2025 California ocean salmon season has concluded. Both summer and fall harvest guidelines were met early, resulting in inseason closures. This page preserves the 2025 season information for reference and planning future trips.
California's ocean salmon fishing is managed through specific subareas along the coast, each with unique regulations, seasons, and fishing opportunities. Our interactive maps help you explore these areas and find the best spots for your next salmon fishing adventure.
⚠️ 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)
Proposed Dates
- June 7-8(Opened - 9,165 Chinook, 10,505 anglers)
- July 5-6(Did not open)
- July 31-Aug 3(Did not open)
- August 25-31(Did not open)
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 Areas
OR/CA Border to U.S./Mexico Border (Statewide)
Stay updated on California fishing opportunities
🍂 Fall Season (September - October)
Fall season is divided into two specific fishing areas with different schedules:
San Francisco Subarea
Proposed Dates
- September 4-7(Opened - part of 12,000 Chinook)
- September 29-30(Did not open)
- October 1-5(Did not open)
- October 27-31(Did not open)
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
Proposed Dates
- September 4-7(Opened - part of 12,000 Chinook)
- September 29-30(Did not open)
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.