Contacts:
Marc Heisdorf, DFG Biologist, Marine Region, (707) 576-2873
Harry Morse, DFG Communications, (916) 322-8962

Recreational Ocean Salmon Season Opens in Most Areas April 3

The recreational salmon season for ocean waters south of Horse Mountain in Humboldt County to the U.S.-Mexico border is scheduled to open on April 3. Season dates for ocean waters north of Horse Mountain and in Humboldt Bay will be decided in mid-April by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PMFC) and the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC).

A map of each area along with general sport fishing regulations related to each area can be viewed at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/salmonsport10.pdf.

All Chinook salmon harvested must meet the size limit for the zone where they are taken. All coho salmon are protected by law and if caught must be released unharmed. Current regulations include the following:

Humbug Mountain (OR) to Horse Mountain: Closed

The rest of California's coastal waters (Horse Mountain to U.S.-Mexico Border): Season is scheduled for April 3-30, 2010
Limit is two salmon per day of any species (except coho)
Minimum size limit is 20 inches total length

Closing dates of all ocean seasons and size limits may be changed by the PMFC and FGC at their April meetings. Ocean salmon sport seasons in effect on or after May 1, 2010 will also be determined at the April meetings.

Sport season options currently being evaluated can be found at www.pcouncil..org.

Anglers can review additional requirements imposed by ocean salmon regulations (Section 27.80) in the Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet, available wherever sport fishing licenses are sold, at your local DFG office, and on DFG Web site at: www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations.