CDFW News

Ocean Salmon Fishing Comeback Continues

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:23:08 GMT

Commercial Fishing Returns After 3-Year Closure; Recreational Anglers to See More Open Days in 2026

Significant improvements in key California salmon populations -- specifically Sacramento River fall-run Chinook and Klamath River fall-run Chinook -- will allow for more ocean salmon fishing opportunities this year. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to announce that commercial ocean salmon fishing is back after being closed three straight years and that recreational ocean salmon anglers will have more opportunities in 2026.

“Seeing our salmon populations recover is incredibly heartening and demonstrates what’s possible when we all work together -- state and federal partners, tribes, sport anglers and commercial fishing interests, NGOs and others – to do what’s best for salmon,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel. “Salmon are part of the cultural fabric of California, and I’m delighted more Californians will have the opportunity to enjoy these magnificent fish whether that’s in the water, on the end of their fishing lines or on their dinner plates.”

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) finalized its recommendations for California’s recreational and commercial ocean salmon seasons and harvest limits at its April 7-12 meeting in Portland, Ore. The PFMC will forward its recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which will implement them into federal regulations. A summary of the recreational season dates, locations and harvest guidelines are available at CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information web page.

“The health of our salmon populations fluctuates with environmental conditions, and we’ve seen just how vulnerable these fish are to recent droughts, changing river conditions and a warming climate,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “This year’s return of ocean salmon fishing is an encouraging sign as we advance California’s long-term, science-based Salmon Strategy. Together with a range of partners, we’re restoring habitat, removing barriers, improving flow and reconnecting rivers to give salmon a better chance to survive in all conditions. This work is about balance -- making improvements and modernizing water management to help nature thrive and our communities prosper.”

California’s Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, put into action beginning in 2024, is laying the groundwork for California to restore and rebuild salmon populations. State agencies, tribes and other partners are making significant progress in achieving goals that include restoring and expanding habitat for salmon spawning and rearing, removing barriers and updating infrastructure for salmon migration. California has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years to support salmon throughout their various life stages.

More open fishing days come as welcome news following complete closure of recreational ocean salmon fisheries in 2023 and 2024, and only six open days in 2025.

In 2026, CDFW will implement in-season management in both commercial and recreational fisheries to ensure catch of rebounding salmon stocks does not exceed seasonal harvest guidelines. This is the first year of vessel-based trip limits and seasonal harvest guidelines for California’s commercial salmon fishery following the first use of an in-season management framework during California’s limited recreational ocean season in 2025. In-season management allows fishery managers to close salmon seasons early should harvest guidelines be reached.

In-season monitoring to actively manage commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries to align with harvest guidelines is identified as a priority action item in the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future.

Sport anglers are advised to check for updated information when planning a salmon fishing trip. Season dates, harvest guidelines/catch limits, bag/possession, vessel limit information and gear restrictions can be found on CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information web page or by calling the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429. Public notification of any in-season change to conform state regulations to federal regulations is made through the NMFS ocean salmon hotline at (800) 662-9825.

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Media Contacts:
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714   
Chester Lindley, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 951-4083  

Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishing Opportunities Continue with Alternative ‘Pop-Up’ Gear to Protect Whales from Entanglement

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:16:33 GMT

Recreational Crab Trap Restriction Goes Into Effect in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 (Pigeon Point, 37°11' N Latitude to Point Conception, 34°27' N Latitude)

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Meghan Hertel has assessed entanglement risk under the Risk Assessment Mitigation Program (RAMP) and announced changes to both commercial and recreational Dungeness crab fisheries (PDF) in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 (Pigeon Point, 37°11' N Latitude to Point Conception, 34°27' N Latitude).

These changes include authorizing the use of alternative gear, or pop-up fishing gear, for the first time in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery. Pop-up fishing gear uses buoys and lines attached to cages, just like traditional crab traps, however the buoys and lines of pop-up gear remain coiled on the seafloor. When a commercial fisherman is ready to retrieve their gear, a remote signal triggers the release of the buoy which carries the line to the surface and allows commercial crabbers to locate the trap for immediate removal.

“The use of pop-up fishing gear is an exciting new development in California fisheries management,” said CDFW Director Hertel. “For the first time, pop-up fishing gear will allow one of California’s most iconic fisheries to continue. Dungeness crab will still be brought to market while whales and sea turtles are protected from entanglement in those fishing zones.”

Use of this pop-up fishing gear has been tested extensively over several years to ensure gear can be recovered successfully and now provides additional fishing opportunity after the season is closed to traditional crab trap gear. This action is intended to minimize entanglement risk while continuing fishing opportunities as humpback whales return to forage off the California coast.

The commercial fishery will close on March 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. in Fishing Zones 4 and 5, at which time the commercial take and possession of Dungeness crab from those waters is prohibited unless using alternative gear as authorized by the director of CDFW

The use of approved Alternative Gear in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 will be allowed beginning April 3, 2026, at 7 a.m. There are currently two approved alternative gear types that are authorized for use for all commercial Dungeness crab permit holders. Please visit the Whale Safe Fisheries page for more information about the specific gear models and configurations that are authorized for use.

The commercial fishery will remain open in Fishing Zones 1, 2, and 3 (California/Oregon border to Pigeon Point) under existing crab trap reductions. Based on historical migration data, CDFW anticipates an increase in whale abundance in the upcoming weeks. Individuals should remain vigilant and be prepared to remove gear quickly, to minimize entanglement risk in these fishing zones.

A recreational crab trap restriction will go into effect on March 27, 2026, at 6p.m., for Fishing Zones 4 and 5. CDFW reminds recreational crabbers that take of Dungeness crab by other methods (including hoop nets and crab snares) is allowed through the close of the season. CDFW also reminds all fishery participants to implement best practices as described in the Best Practices Guide (PDF).

Pursuant to Section 132.2(a)(2)(E) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, commercial Dungeness crab vessels are authorized to retrieve an unlimited number of commercial Dungeness crab traps which are lost, damaged, abandoned or otherwise derelict in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 starting at 6 a.m. on April 3, 2026. CDFW requests that individuals retrieving gear pursuant to Section 132.2(a)(2)(E) report their activities to WhaleSafeFisheries@wildlife.ca.gov. Any vessel operating or transiting in an open Fishing Zone may not possess more than six traps belonging to another vessel, pursuant to Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Section 132.2(a)(2)(A).

CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in early April 2026. For more information related to the risk assessment process or trap gear retrieval, please visit CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page. For more information on the Dungeness crab fishery, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/crab.

Media Contacts:
Ryan Bartling, CDFW Marine Region, (415) 238-2638
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishery to Open January 5 in Central California; Recreational Crab Trap Restrictions Lifting Jan. 2

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:28:22 GMT

Northern Commercial Fishery to Remain Closed Until at Least January 15 Due to Crab Quality Testing and Domoic Acid

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will open the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in the Central Management Area (Sonoma/Mendocino County line (38°46.125’ N. latitude) to Point Conception (34°27’ N. latitude)) beginning January 5, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., with pre-soak to begin on January 2, 2026, at 8:01 a.m. This area (Fishing Zones 3, 4 and 5) will be subject to a 40% trap reduction. The trap reduction is expected to reduce entanglement risk for humpback whales by decreasing the number of vertical lines attached to traps in the water.

The Dungeness crab season in the Northern Management Area (Fishing Zones 1 and 2, California/Oregon border (42° N. latitude) to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line) will be further delayed pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 8276.2 (PDF) because of the inability to conduct meat quality testing due to elevated levels of domoic acid. Pending results of ongoing domoic acid testing, the season will open on Jan. 15, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., under a 15% trap reduction in both Fishing Zones. A pre-soak period will begin on January 12, 2026, at 8:01 a.m. The crab quality delay triggers the fair start provision (PDF) under Fish and Game Code Section 8279.1. Under fair start a vessel is prohibited from taking, possessing onboard or landing crab in an area previously delayed for a period of 30 days from the date of the opening if that vessel previously participated in other commercial Dungeness crab fishing areas (including those in Oregon and Washington) during the same season.

Opening the commercial crab fishing season under a trap reduction strikes a balance between the needs of the commercial fishery and the protection of humpback whales which remain in areas that overlap with key fishing areas off the California coast.

“Setting the opening date of the Dungeness crab fishery is never easy. The commercial Dungeness crab fishery is inherently complex, and careful consideration is required to ensure we are supporting California’s fishing communities while also reducing risk of entanglement of whales and sea turtles off our coast,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “CDFW is grateful for the collaborative effort between commercial and recreational fishermen, environmental groups, scientists and agency partners that support our work in managing this iconic West Coast fishery.”

“The commercial fishing fleet has always been both a producer of sustainable seafood that feeds our communities and coastal economies, and a steward of the ocean we depend on for our lives and livelihoods. Hard work and sacrifices by the fleet have reduced entanglements even as whale populations have grown, and we appreciate CDFW for recognizing that progress and responding by opening the season with additional opportunity,” said Lisa Damrosch, Executive Director Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations. “This opening reflects a careful balance and shows what is possible through shared effort to thread the needle within the system we are operating under. We also want to thank the Director for his leadership and many years of service at CDFW and wish him success in his next role.”

Any commercial Dungeness crab vessel fishing in or transiting Fishing Zones, regardless of fishing location, is subject to the 15% or 40% trap reduction based on the area transited. Commercial Dungeness crab vessels operating in all Fishing Zones are expected to comply with the restrictions detailed in the Director’s Declaration (PDF) that includes additional information about this gear reduction.

CDFW is also lifting the temporary recreational crab trap restriction beginning January 2, 2026, at 8:01 a.m., between the California/Oregon border and Cape Mendocino (40°10’ N. latitude) and between the Sonoma/Mendocino County line and Lopez Point, Monterey County (36° N. latitude) (Fishing Zones 1, 3 and 4).

CDFW encourages both the commercial and recreational crab fisheries to implement best fishing practices, as described in the Best Practices Guide (PDF), and avoid setting any fishing gear in areas where whales or sea turtles are present. In addition, the commercial fishery is encouraged to remain vigilant for lost or abandoned gear throughout the fishing season. Permitted commercial Dungeness crab vessels are allowed to retrieve up to six derelict commercial Dungeness crab traps per fishing trip pursuant to Section 132.2, Title 14, of the California Code of Regulations. Derelict fishing gear may also be reported through CalTIP.

For the latest information on domoic acid, health advisories and season closures please see the following:

CDFW:

Fishery closure information and health advisories website
Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line: (831) 649-2883

CDPH:

Shellfish advisories page for latest consumption warnings
Biotoxin information line: (510) 412-4643 or (800) 553-4133

CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in mid-January 2026. For more information related to the risk assessment process, please visit CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page. For more information on the Dungeness crab fishery, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab. see Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) for more information about the commercial fishery .

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Media Contacts:
Ryan Bartling, CDFW Marine Region, (415) 238-2638
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858

Recreational Dungeness Crab Fishing Begins Nov. 1 with Limitations, Commercial Season Delayed

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 13:08:54 GMT

The recreational Dungeness crab season will open beginning November 1, 2025, except in northern California where it has been delayed due to a public health hazard.

State health agencies determined that Dungeness crab in northern California have unhealthy levels of domoic acid and recommended delaying the opening of the recreational fishery in state waters from the California/Oregon border (42° 0.00’ N latitude) south to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line (38° 46.125’ N latitude). Following this recommendation, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Charlton H. Bonham has delayed the opening of the recreational Dungeness crab fishery in northern California. Recreational take and/or possession of Dungeness crab is prohibited in these closed waters.

In the area between the Sonoma/Mendocino County line and Point Reyes (37° 59.73’ N latitude), state health agencies are advising the public not to consume crab viscera (guts) to avoid potential domoic acid exposure. In addition, the use of crab traps will be temporarily restricted between the Sonoma/Mendocino County line and Lopez Point, Monterey County (36° N latitude, Fishing Zones 3 and 4) when the season opens due to the presence of humpback whales and potential for entanglement from recreational crab traps. A Fleet Advisory has also been issued for all Fishing Zones for the recreational fishery and crabbers should avoid setting any gear in areas where whales are present. Also, all hoop nets must be serviced every two hours and cannot be left unattended for longer periods.

Recreational take of Dungeness crab by other methods, including hoop nets and crab snares, is not affected by the temporary trap restriction in these areas. Crab traps cannot be used south of Point Arguello.

The commercial Dungeness crab fishery will be delayed in all Fishing Zones due to numerous reported entanglements this year, high abundance of humpback whales, and presence of leatherback sea turtles. This delay will allow whales and sea turtles to migrate out of California waters prior to the opening of the commercial fishery. This delay was broadly supported by the Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman’s Association (PCFFA).

“Another year of a delayed commercial Dungeness crab season is incredibly difficult for our fleet and port communities. However, given the current risk assessment process, the commercial fleet supported this outcome as the most practical path forward,” said Lisa Damrosch, PCFFA Executive Director. “We appreciate CDFW and Director Bonham listening to input from the Dungeness Crab Gear Working Group and providing the needed clarity for planning. Although none of this is easy, we thank CDFW for their responsiveness, which reflects the cooperation that will be essential to meeting the challenges ahead for this fishery and our fleet.”

“CDFW remains steadfast in our commitment to working collaboratively with all sectors to protect whale and turtles from entanglements in fishing gear," said CDFW Director Bonham. “Partnerships and collaborations are more important than ever as we work together to protect endangered whales and turtles and our fishing communities in the face of increasing disruptions from our changing climate.”

CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in mid-December to inform a possible opening of the commercial fishery around the New Year. During the mid-December Risk Assessment, the CDFW Director will evaluate all available data, including a recommendation from the Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group to determine whether the commercial fishery can open and recreational trap restrictions can be lifted.

The delay of the northern recreational fishery shall remain in effect until the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, in consultation with the State Public Health Officer of California Department of Public Health (CDPH), determines that domoic acid no longer poses a significant risk to public health. Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin produced by Pseudo-nitzschia, a naturally occurring single-celled, marine alga under certain ocean conditions. Domoic acid can accumulate in shellfish, other invertebrates and sometimes fish without the organism becoming ill themselves. At low levels, domoic acid exposure can cause nausea, diarrhea and dizziness in humans. At higher levels, it can cause persistent short-term memory loss, seizures and can in some cases be fatal.

For the latest information on domoic acid, health advisories and season closures please see the following:

CDFW:

Fishery closure information and health advisories website
Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line: (831) 649-2883

CDPH:

Domoic Acid results website (subsection Analytical Data – Crabs)
Shellfish advisories page for latest consumption warnings
Biotoxin information Line: (510) 412-4643 or (800) 553-4133

For more information related to the risk assessment process, please visit CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page or more information on the Dungeness crab fishery, please visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab.

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Media Contacts:
Ryan Bartling, CDFW Marine Region, (415) 238-2638
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

California Fish and Game Commission Revokes Commercial Fishing Licenses of Two California Fishermen

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:22:45 GMT

The California Fish and Game Commission has revoked the commercial fishing licenses and permits of two fishermen after extensive histories of violations in the lobster and Dungeness crab fisheries.

At its June 11-12, 2025, meeting, the Commission – acting on California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recommendations – revoked the commercial fishing license and lobster operator permit of Christopher James Miller, 68, of Santa Barbara, and the commercial fishing license and Dungeness crab permit of Ronald Ghera, 45, of Fortuna.

Miller’s violations, spanning a decade, included abandoning 156 lobster traps around Santa Barbara and the Northern Channel Islands, leaving traps in the water after the season closure, failing to retrieve baited traps and filing inaccurate catch records.

Ghera’s record included abandoning 94 crab traps after the 2023 season and 74 after the 2024 season, failing to service traps within the required 96 hours, failing to submit mandatory reports, and fishing with untagged traps and improperly marked buoys.

“The majority of people who fish commercially are law-abiding and care about our fisheries,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the CDFW Law Enforcement Division. “There are a few individuals, however, who choose to partake in commercial poaching. These individuals will eventually be caught and will likely lose the privilege to commercially fish in this state through either criminal or administrative actions.”

CDFW emphasizes that compliance with commercial fishing regulations – particularly removing traps at the end of each season—is essential. Those who abandon traps not only endanger marine mammals and other wildlife that can become trapped or entangled in derelict gear, but they can also cause shortened fishing seasons for law-abiding fishers who depend on those opportunities for their livelihood.

Whether it’s hunting, recreational fishing, or commercial fishing, the privilege to harvest California’s fish and wildlife requires a high degree of mutual trust between the public and law enforcement. CDFW’s wildlife officers are entrusted with protecting the state’s marine fish and wildlife species by patrolling and enforcing the law along California’s 840-mile coastline, and together with the California Fish and Game Commission, will continue to review violations of commercial fishing cases and take decisive administrative action to prevent bad actors from further harming California’s ocean environment.

See something serious? Report it and help protect California’s fish and wildlife. You can:

Call CalTIP at (888) 334-2258 – available 24/7
Text “CALTIP” + your message to 847411 (tip411)
Download the CalTIP app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play to send tips anonymously.

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Media Contacts:
Andrew Halverson, CDFW Law Enforcement, (661) 428-9873
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858