The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) today announced that the remainder of California's recreational ocean salmon season will open May 15. The season will open in northern waters from Horse Mountain to the Oregon border, which includes Eureka and Crescent City, and will remain open in ocean waters along the central and southern California coast (see details below).

"The Pacific Fishery Management Council's public process concerning ocean salmon fisheries and how to manage for the low numbers of returning Klamath spawners led to the decision to allow for limited seasons without compromising the overall health of the resource," said DFG Director Ryan Broddrick.

The California Fish and Game Commission at its meeting earlier this month in Kings Beach adopted state regulations for state waters (shore to three miles), effectively conforming to the federal regulations allowing for a limited sport take of salmon off the California coast.

"The salmon seasons and regulations are now consistent for both federal and state waters," Broddrick said. "Recreational ocean salmon fishing is extremely popular and we are pleased to have the seasons open."

The Commission action stems from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) late April emergency action to allow for limited salmon seasons off the coasts of California and Oregon. Federal recreational and federal and state commercial seasons started on May 1. The Office of Administrative Law is expected to approve the state's emergency sport regulations (for state waters) in time for the Eureka and Crescent City openers on May 15.

The Recreational Ocean Salmon Regulations are as follows:?Į?Ģ North of Horse Mountain and Humboldt Bay (Eureka) ocean waters are open beginning May 15 through July 4; and Sept. 1 through Sept. 6. Two salmon (no coho) per day are allowed, with a minimum size of 24 inches in total length.?Į?Ģ Between Horse Mountain and Point Arena ocean waters are open now through June 4; June 7 - June 11; June 14 - June 18; June 21 - June 25; June 28 - July 9; July 15 and 16; July 22 and 23; and July 26 - Nov. 12. Two salmon (no coho) per day are allowed, with a minimum size of 20 inches total length.?Į?Ģ Between Point Arena and Pigeon Point ocean waters are open now through June 11; June 14 - July 9; July 12 - Nov. 12. Two salmon per day are allowed, with a minimum size of 20 inches total length.?Į?Ģ South of Pigeon Point ocean waters are open now through Sept. 24. Two salmon (no coho) per day are allowed with a minimum size of 20 inches total length.

In March, the Council had considered a complete closure of all salmon fisheries due to an extremely low projected ocean abundance of Klamath River fall Chinook salmon, which are mixed with healthier stocks along the 700-mile stretch of the Oregon-California coast. However, after receiving public comments (5,000 written comments alone) and additional scientific review, the Council recommended and the NMFS approved a limited take of salmon (both sport and commercial) without jeopardizing the long-term productivity of the stock.

For the current recreational ocean salmon regulations, seasons and gear restrictions, log on to www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/oceansalmon.html.