Get those rods ready! Saturday, April 11, 2026 will mark the opening day for recreational Chinook salmon fishing in ocean waters south of Pigeon Point (37°11’ N. lat.), to the U.S./Mexico border.

For the first time in years, salmon anglers may have a reason for optimism. Last month’s forecast for the population size of Sacramento River Fall Chinook salmon was nearly 400,000 adults – more than double last year’s estimate. Additionally, the Klamath River Fall Chinook salmon forecast of 176,000 adults was also more than double last year’s estimate. These forecasts, produced by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) Salmon Technical Team, are promising for anglers who want to get out and catch this iconic fish in 2026.

“Salmon stocks have recovered to the point that sport and commercial ocean fisheries can be offered this year,” said the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW’s) Marci Yaremko, who represents the State of California on the PFMC.

“This recovery, plus a new management strategy of regional harvest guidelines, will help to ensure anglers in all areas of the State have an opportunity to participate in the fishery, independent of catch accrued in another area,” said Yaremko.

The 2026 harvest guidelines are being implemented using population size forecasts, input from industry advisors, and public comments. CDFW’s goal is to ensure plenty of adult fish return to the spawning grounds and hatcheries this fall by responsibly limiting the catch.

Fishing Seasons, Harvest Guidelines, and Other Regulations

Recreational ocean salmon fishing will begin April 11, 2026 in waters south of Pigeon Point, San Mateo County, to the U.S./Mexico border. This fishery will be managed with a 21,000 Chinook salmon harvest guideline. The guideline applies to all open dates currently planned or under consideration for the April through August time period in this area.

During the April 11 recreational ocean salmon fishing opener:

• Fishing will be allowed seven days per week
• Minimum size limit will be 24 inches total length
• Bag and possession limit will be two fish per person
• Retention of coho salmon and steelhead will remain prohibited in all ocean fisheries

Please refer to state regulations for area-specific gear restrictions. For additional details on the April recreational ocean salmon fishery, see the April 2026 Ocean Salmon Sport Regulations flyer.

When the total catch south of Pigeon Point reaches the 21,000 Chinook salmon harvest guideline, CDFW will close the season in this area.

For commercial and recreational salmon seasons that start on or after May 16, 2026 in waters north of Pigeon Point to the California/Oregon border, three alternatives are being considered. Final ocean salmon season recommendations will be adopted at the PFMC’s April 7-12 meeting in Portland, Oregon.

Please see the Ocean Salmon Preseason Process Calendar of Events regarding upcoming opportunities for public engagement in ocean salmon season development.

The Importance of Sacramento River Fall Chinook for Ocean Salmon Fisheries

Sacramento River Fall Chinook salmon generally comprise 55 to 85 percent of the salmon caught in ocean waters off California. Consequently, the abundance of this stock plays a crucial role in determining when and where fishing opportunities can be provided.

In 2023 and 2024, no recreational or commercial ocean salmon fishing was allowed in California because of low abundance forecasts and low numbers of fish returning to the Sacramento River Basin. Sport seasons in 2025 were restricted for the same reasons, while commercial fishing remained closed for its third season.

Approximately 165,000 adult Chinook returned to the Sacramento River Basin in the fall of 2025, exceeding both the 2025 minimum goal of 122,000 adult spawners and the forecasted spawner return of 148,000. Additionally, over 65,000 age-2, or “jack”, Chinook salmon returned in 2025. The number of returning jack Chinook salmon is a strong indicator of the following season’s ocean abundance, and 2025 marks the highest jack count on record since 2011.

Please see CDFW’s Ocean Salmon web page for complete, additional ocean salmon fishing information and regulations.