River salmon fishing california. May 16, 2024 · Because of declining salmon populations, California has canceled fishing in rivers for a second year. The Klamath River is one of California's best overall fishing rivers for salmon, steelhead and trout. CDFW photo). It is the largest river in the state and offers a diverse range of fishing spots, from the deep pools in the upper reaches to the tidal waters near the delta. The Sacramento River, Klamath River, Smith River, and others are favorites. Winter and spring run salmon are primarily present in the area at age-2 as most of the adults are in spawning rivers, and these age-2 salmon can be avoided by setting harvest size regulations. Photo courtesy of Lowell Wallace/Humboldt Charter Company On Wednesday, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) hosted its annual 2025 Salmon Information Meeting where fishery agencies… May 20, 2025 · SACRAMENTO, Calif. 1 day ago · Explore the best fishing in California: rivers, lakes, coasts, top species, peak seasons, and licence info for freshwater and saltwater anglers. This crystal-clear river, cradled by towering redwoods, offers year-round fishing for trophy salmon and steelhead. With only a short 30 - 45 day window of opportunity for anglers to catch a California King Salmon. Mar 11, 2024 · Drought and water diversions kill salmon Today’s decision follows the release of population numbers for Sacramento River fall-run Chinook, which make up the greatest proportion of California and Oregon ocean salmon fisheries. Regulations aim to protect and balance salmon stocks. This article will show you the very best salmon rivers across California, so you can increase your odds of catching one of America’s favorite game fish. It is important to check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website or local On California's pristine Smith River, your angling adventure awaits. Whether you like climbing, mountain biking, hiking, or fishing, you’ll find plenty to fill your vacation here. Primarily due to the fact that the commercial take of salmon has been prohibited over the past two season. The river is home to both Chinook and Coho salmon, and anglers can expect to catch fish that weigh between 20-40 pounds on average. 05. “Klamath River, the mouth,” Popovich said. With a landscape comprising mountains, lakes, rivers, a desert, and a Pacific coastline, there’s an almost endless list of outdoor activities to enjoy here. California is Jul 9, 2025 · The Feather River at the Thermalito Outlet (“outlet hole”), and down river from the Outlet Hole; has extensive bank fishing opportunities for anglers who are planning on targeting the King Salmon from the shore. The fall Chinook run is by far the largest, and the only one that is currently open to fishing. Leaving the Smith River open to salmon fishing. This week’s rain may kickstart the springer season, bringing in enough salmon to make anchoring all day and fishing anchovies or spinners worthwhile. May 20, 2025 · While low Chinook salmon counts have called for the continued closure of Chinook salmon fishing in the Klamath River Basin and mainstem Sacramento River, Chinook fishing opportunities will be allowed in three inland Central Valley rivers for the first time in two years. After a three-year hiatus, recreational salmon fishing is making a comeback along California’s coastline in 2025, offering middle-aged men and seasoned anglers a chance to cast their lines once Mar 6, 2025 · California's fishing fleet depends on catching Chinook salmon. Feb 27, 2025 · Ocean and River Salmon Closures Likely An incredibly low ocean abundance forecast of king salmon, like pictured above, was presented to the public Wednesday by CDFW and fishery agencies. Interactive countdown, harvest limits, maps, and season dates. The Smith River has some of California's biggest steelhead and salmon (plus trout) in a wild and beautiful setting. Apr 15, 2025 · On April 15, 2025, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) acted to recommend limited fishing opportunities for California’s recreational ocean salmon fisheries through the end of 2025. Salmon may not be filleted on any boat or prior to being brought ashore (CCR T-14, §27. The Klamath River, Smith River, and Trinity River are also popular spots for targeting these prized fish. The Feather River always has fishing: Salmon, steelhead, trout, stripers, shad, smallmouth We show you where, when and how to catch this California river's major game fish. Alternatives one and two lay out severely abbreviated seasons with strict harvest limits for commercial and recreational salmon fishing. Aug 19, 2025 · Discover the importance of Salmon fishing seasons and learn how to catch these remarkable fish at the right time. Salmon may only be taken by angling as defined in CCR T-14, §1. 65 (c)). Oct 17, 2024 · The salmon fishing on California’s Smith River has continued to be solid again this past week. Jun 23, 2025 · Retention of coho (silver) salmon or steelhead trout is prohibited in any ocean fishery (CCR T-14, §27. Under the decision by an interstate fisheries agency, recreational salmon fishing will be allowed in California for only brief windows of time this spring. “Just, maybe 20 years ago, incredible. Allowing 3 days ago · Welcome to Northern California's best source for regional sportfishing information, including the latest fishing conditions, charter boat information, and the regions best sources for bait, tackle, and all your fishing needs. Presentation Overview Map of major Central Valley rivers and Sacramento River Fall-run Chinook Salmon (SRFC) special regulations waters Jan 1, 2023 · Any person fishing from either side of the river or from a boat in the section of the Colorado River that makes up the California-Arizona border must have either a California sport fishing license or an Arizona sport fishing license. Target Chinook salmon from October to mid-December, with heavyweights reaching 60 pounds. With the daily bag limit being 1 chinook (King) salmon per day, 5 per season. A consistent supply of king salmon are coming in and out of the estuary. This decision will allow for the first recreational salmon fishing in California since 2022. Apr 16, 2025 · At the March Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting, the Council voted on and approved three alternatives for ocean salmon fisheries along the California coast for 2025. Finalized on April 15, 2025, this decision strikes a balance between conserving salmon populations and providing meaningful access for Inland (freshwater) fishing informationUpdated July 15, 2025 In response to continued low returns of Chinook Salmon to California rivers, and decreased ocean abundance estimates, the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) at their May 14th teleconference meeting adopted “Option 2 – complete closure of in-river recreational salmon fisheries” in the Klamath River basin for both the Much of the salmon fishing in CA takes place in rivers running to the Pacific Ocean. — Lining up for a boat inspection, lifelong fisherman Mike Popovich recalls fond memories of salmon fishing in California — especially a particular day on the Klamath. Jul 17, 2025 · Weather and water conditions significantly influence salmon fishing success in California rivers by affecting fish behavior, spawning patterns, and their habitat. Apr 15, 2025 · Facing the continued collapse of Chinook salmon, officials today shut down California’s commercial salmon fishing season for an unprecedented third year in a row. From the raging rivers to the tranquil lakes, there are plenty of places for you to cast your line and reel in some trophy-sized salmon. The Golden State, or California, is the most populous state of the United States. Apr 18, 2025 · The Klamath River salmon do appear in numbers south of Pt Arena but mainly in June-July, with few in the Aug-Sep fishery [1]. The first week and a half k Jun 5, 2025 · After a two-year hiatus, the recreational ocean salmon fishery will reopen statewide for two days on June 7-8, 2025. Jan 6, 2025 · California’s Salmon Fishing Rules and Guidelines Licensing Requirements: Before fishing for salmon in California, anglers must obtain a valid California fishing license and a salmon report card. May 8, 2025 · After several challenging years of closures and uncertainty, California’s ocean salmon fishery is finally reopening in 2025. May 22, 2025 · At its May 14 meeting in Sacramento, the California Fish and Game Commission unanimously adopted sport fishing regulations for the 2025 season, opening limited Chinook salmon fishing on sections of the Mokelumne, Feather and American rivers, within adjusted seasons and a daily bag limit of one fish. - Chinook salmon fishing is set to return to three Central Valley rivers for the first time in two years. Charter fishing crews in California harbors are preparing for recreational salmon fishing to reopen after a two-year shutdown. According to Sport Fishing Magazine, this highly anticipated decision marks a major turning point for West Coast anglers and coastal communities that depend on salmon fishing both recreationally and economically. Master techniques like back-bouncing roe for salmon or swinging flies Apr 21, 2025 · The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) applauds the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) for its decision to adopt a limited recreational ocean salmon fishing season for California in 2025, the first such opportunity for anglers since 2022. Their numbers are down from an average of more than 200,000 fish that returned to spawn in the mid-2000s. For those who prefer to fish for salmon in lakes, here are some popular options to consider. “We’ve seen everyth Jul 13, 2024 · That’s right you read it correctly! California’s crown jewel is open to salmon fishing this season. 5 days ago · Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. We show you when and where to fish this magnificent stream in Northern California. The Sacramento River and its tributaries, including the Feather River and American River, are renowned salmon fishing destinations. The Klamath River is one of the best bright salmon fishing spots in California, with lots of tasty hard-fighting bright king salmon fresh from the ocean. We'll show you how, when and where to catch them. According to the California Fish and Game Commission, this decision comes despite continued closures on the Klamath River Basin and mainstem Sacramento River. 70 (b) and §27. 4 days ago · The remaining fall dates for recreational salmon in California have been closed, after 12,000 Chinook salmon were caught off the coast of the San Francisco Bay Area in a brief opening earlier this Experience the thrill of King Salmon fishing in California! Join our expert-guided charters in Eureka, Trinidad, or the Klamath River. Just as fast as you Apr 15, 2025 · Fishing regulators have voted to close the 2025 commercial salmon fishing season in California for an unprecedented third year running. Experience the thrill of King Salmon fishing in California! Join our expert-guided charters in Eureka, Trinidad, or the Klamath River. A North Coast Salmon Report Card must be Mar 2, 2022 · It can get pretty overwhelming to find the best places to catch Salmon in California. The decision mirrors the shutdown of coastal fishing. Apr 15, 2025 · The Sacramento River is one of the most popular salmon fishing spots in California. The PFMC also recommended a repeat year of closure for California’s commercial salmon fisheries, the third Apr 15, 2025 · On April 15, 2025, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) acted to recommend limited fishing opportunities for California’s recreational ocean salmon fisheries through the end of 2025. The Sacramento River and Klamath River Basin and its tributaries will remain closed to protect Mar 13, 2025 · A few spring salmon are being caught on the Rogue River, along with late winter steelhead, including a few more hatchery fish. The PFMC also recommended a repeat year of closure for California’s commercial salmon fisheries, the third Kevin Brock offers guided salmon fishing trips in numerous locations throughout the year, including Feather River salmon fishing, Sacramento River salmon fishing, Klamath River salmon fishing, and Smith River salmon fishing. Fishing, hunting and other regulationsUpdated July 15, 2025 In response to continued low returns of Chinook Salmon to California rivers, and decreased ocean abundance estimates, the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) at their May 14th teleconference meeting adopted “Option 2 – complete closure of in-river recreational salmon fisheries” in the Klamath River basin for both the Easy-to-understand California ocean salmon fishing regulations for 2025. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and fishingthenorthcoast. com. Sacramento River Fishing Guide Service-Fishing Charter- Northern California Fishing For-Salmon-Steelhead-Striped Bass-Sturgeon-Shad And Rainbow Trout On The Sacramento River. Apr 29, 2025 · After three years of closure, recreational salmon fishing in California is finally opening up this year for Chinook salmon. Putting chinook salmon in the boat hasn’t been a problem for the handful of boats who have been going out daily. These are some tough fish. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s 2024 supplemental fishing regulations were updated on July 1, 2024. Chinook Salmon in California display a wide array of life history patterns that allow them to take advantage of the diverse and variable riverine and ocean environments. May 20, 2025 · California reopens limited Chinook salmon fishing on Mokelumne, Feather, and American Rivers in July. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast. The fishing season this year is subject to strict limits. January through March brings peak steelhead action. Low population numbers could lead regulators to shut down or sharply limit fishing this year. Fishing Seasons and Regulations: Salmon fishing seasons vary depending on the region and waterway. Specific dates of the salmon fishing season vary every year (and from one section of the river to the next) but typically begins in mid-July. So we didn’t waist anytime getting right into the action. Chinook Aug 28, 2025 · Fishing, hunting and other regulationsUpdated July 15, 2025 In response to continued low returns of Chinook Salmon to California rivers, and decreased ocean abundance estimates, the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) at their May 14th teleconference meeting adopted “Option 2 – complete closure of in-river recreational salmon fisheries” in the Klamath River basin for both the Mar 14, 2024 · The Sacramento River is arguably the most popular destination for salmon fishing in California. In a long-awaited development for salmon anglers across Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, limited Chinook salmon sport fishing will reopen this summer on three rivers in California's Central Valley. As the season kicks off, it’s time to gear up, get Apr 19, 2025 · Sacramento, CA — The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has approved a severely limited recreational ocean salmon fishing season for California in 2025, structured to ensure “negligible impacts” on the critically depleted Klamath River fall Chinook salmon, as outlined in the PFMC’s Preseason Report II for 2025 Ocean Salmon Fishery […] Jun 24, 2025 · These days, the Feather River hosts spring, summer and fall-run Chinook salmon. May 27, 2025 · We Will be focusing our efforts and Fishing for King Salmon on the Feather River near Oroville, California. Arriving on site in conjunction with September’s full moon cycle. Saltwater & freshwater trips available—perfect for locals and visitors. We break it down for you in this guide. Some of California’s most prized and hardest-fighting game fish, salmon are also some of the most challenging to catch. Alternative three, if selected, would shut down the salmon season for the . The Feather River has had a surplus of king salmon the previous two years. 80 (b)). Feb 26, 2025 · Despite the closure of salmon fishing in California river and ocean waters in 2023 and 2024, the number of Fall Chinook Salmon returning to both the Sacramento and Klamath River Basins was well Sep 29, 2024 · California’s only salmon season is well underway. Apr 15, 2025 · If you’re a fishing enthusiast, then you probably know that California is home to some of the best salmon fishing spots in the United States. Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Overview Chinook Salmon caught off the coast of California near Eureka, CA. Best Fishing Guide On The Sacramento River. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about salmon fishing and identify popular salmon waters in the state. A river rich with salmon history, and the second largest contributor to our states salmon runs. There are plenty of lively coastal cities Apr 25, 2025 · SACRAMENTO, Calif. On the west coast of North America, California streams support the southern-most Chinook Salmon runs. lxobb kpxuhb cjfquh tvgs cklks eveej tpam uhdbt sukl sjiv