New salmon fishing regulations are now in effect for California’s ocean waters.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, these rules align with federal guidelines released on May 16, 2025.
The ocean salmon season will open for two days on June 7 and June 8, with a summer harvest guideline of 7,000 Chinook salmon.
Officials say that if this guideline isn’t met, the season will reopen in July and August.
In September, the fishery will open again for four days between Point Reyes and Point Sur, with a fall harvest guideline of 7,500 Chinook salmon. Coho salmon (also known as Silver salmon) retention is prohibited in all California ocean salmon fisheries.
Anglers should check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information page for updates. The daily bag limit statewide is two Chinook salmon, with a minimum size limit of 20 inches.
On a vessel, no person may possess more than one daily bag limit. Once ashore, no more than two bag limits may be possessed.
