CDFW News

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

Delayed Recreational and Commercial Spiny Lobster Fisheries to Open in Los Angeles and Orange Counties

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:50:35 GMT

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Charlton H. Bonham issued a declaration (PDF) to rescind the delay and open the recreational and commercial spiny lobster fisheries off Los Angeles and Orange counties following a recommendation (PDF) from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). Based on samples examined by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), OEHHA determined that the consumption of spiny lobster in these areas no longer poses a significant threat for domoic acid exposure. In addition, CDPH has lifted a health advisory for spiny lobster that was in place for neighboring areas.

The recreational spiny lobster fishery will open at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 in the previously delayed area between the Abalone Cove State Marine Conservation Area and the westernmost point of the Long Beach Breakwater. After this date, recreational lobster fishing will be open without advisories in all portions of the state regularly open to divers and hoop netters. The commercial spiny lobster fishery will open one hour prior to sunrise on Wednesday, Oct. 18 in the previously delayed area. Commercial traps are allowed to be deployed wired open in this area, but they may not be baited until one hour prior to sunrise on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

Samples of spiny lobster collected on Oct. 2 and 9 indicated that all domoic acid levels were below the federal action level of ≥20 parts per million.

More information on recreational spiny lobster fishing regulations can be found on CDFW’s recreational lobster fishing web page including FAQs.

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Media Contact:
Jordan Traverso, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352

Recreational Ocean, In-River Salmon Fisheries in California to Close for Remainder of 2023

Fri, 19 May 2023 13:28:36 GMT

Emergency California Halibut Regulations Adopted to Protect Ocean Fishery

The California Fish and Game Commission acted unanimously to enact a full closure of California’s recreational salmon fishing season in the Klamath River Basin and Central Valley rivers through its annual process for adjusting seasons and bag limits on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

In a separate emergency action, the Commission voted to close recreational salmon fisheries in the Smith River and Eel River, and the summer season in the Klamath and Trinity rivers. Additionally, in the same emergency action, the Commission voted to allow federally recognized tribes that currently or historically used the river segments affected by the recreational fishing closures, to continue fishing under existing inland sport fishing regulations. The regulations are expected to take effect no later than July 1, 2023, following approval by the Office of Administrative Law.

The Commission’s actions on salmon follow the recommended closure of both commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries off the California coast by the Pacific Fishery Management Council due to projections showing Chinook salmon abundance at historic lows. Pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1.95, ocean salmon sport fishing regulations in state waters automatically conform to federal regulations unless the Commission deliberately takes a different action. Federal regulations for ocean salmon fisheries were published in 88 FR 30235 on May 11, 2023, and went into effect as of May 16, 2023.

Recognizing the importance of salmon to California’s commercial, charter and inland guide businesses, Gov. Gavin Newsom last month submitted a request to the U. S. Secretary of Commerce asking for a Federal Fishery Disaster Declaration. If approved, the declaration would begin the process of providing needed relief to businesses and fishing communities financially impacted by the salmon fishing closure.

“This decision, while difficult, is intended to allow salmon to recover in order to provide future fishing opportunities,” said California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham. “Salmon are an iconic species in California. We treasure them for their intrinsic, cultural, recreational and commercial values. The state is committed to ensuring long-term survival of our salmon runs and supporting our struggling fishing communities.”

Prolonged drought, severe wildfires and associated impacts to spawning and rearing habitat, harmful algal blooms and ocean forage shifts have combined to result in some of the lowest stock abundance forecasts on record for California’s Chinook salmon. The low ocean abundance forecasts, coupled with low 2022 returns, led the Commission to recommend closure of California’s in-river recreational salmon fisheries, which include the Klamath and Trinity rivers within the Klamath Basin, the Sacramento, Feather, American and Mokelumne rivers in the Central Valley, the Smith River and the Eel River. Gov. Newsom’s request for a Federal Fishery Disaster Declaration is the first step in the process that may lead to federal financial assistance to affected businesses and fishing communities.

In another emergency action, the Commission voted unanimously to reduce the daily bag and possession limit for California halibut from three fish to two fish in California waters north of Point Sur, Monterey County. The regulations are expected to take effect June 1, 2023. The reduced California halibut limit is designed to protect the resource amid increased recreational fishing pressure due to limited fishing opportunities and changes in other ocean fisheries including salmon. The Pacific halibut fishery is unaffected by the Commission’s action; the daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut remains one fish with no size limit.

For more information visit:

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Media Contact:
Jordan Traverso, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352

Chinook Salmon Season to Open July 1 on Portions of Klamath, Trinity Rivers

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:08:13 GMT

Sport fishing for Chinook salmon in the Klamath River Basin is set to begin July 1 and will continue through the fall according to salmon quota and fishery regulations that were adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission during its May teleconference meeting.

The season begins with a shortened spring-run Chinook salmon fishery enacted in response to the state listing of “Upper Klamath/Trinity River Spring Chinook Salmon” as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. The truncated spring-run Chinook salmon recreational fishery will open July 1 and run through Aug. 14 on the lower Klamath River (downstream of the Highway 96 bridge at Weitchpec) and through Aug. 31 on the Trinity River (upstream of the confluence of the South Fork Trinity River). The daily bag limit remains one Chinook salmon (no size restrictions), with a possession limit of two Chinook salmon. This shortened season structure eliminates the core months of April, May and June when the majority of spring-run move through the Klamath and Trinity rivers on their way to natal areas where the most at-risk spring-run populations spend the summer and spawn.

The fall-run Chinook salmon recreational fishery in the Klamath River will continue Aug. 15 as Klamath River fall-run Chinook begin to enter the river in larger numbers. In the Trinity River, the recreational fall-run Chinook season begins Sept. 1. The fall-run Chinook basin in-river quota for this fall period is 2,119 adult Chinook salmon for the 2022 season. Klamath River fall-run Chinook numbers remain low, requiring limited opportunity for harvest while this stock of salmon rebounds from the effects of challenging environmental conditions.

The bag limits will remain the same as in 2021, with a two-fish daily bag limit, with no more than one fish over 23 inches (such as one adult and one jack). The possession limit remains the same at six fish, with no more than three fish over 23 inches (effectively three daily bag limits).

The in-river recreational adult fall-run Chinook salmon quota is divided among four sectors in the Klamath River basin:

Klamath River

3,500 feet downstream of Iron Gate Dam downstream to the Highway 96 bridge – 360 fish.
Highway 96 bridge downstream to the mouth of the Klamath River – 1,060 fish.

There is a sub-area closure at the mouth of the Klamath River when 15 percent of the basin allocation has been harvested – 318 fish harvested below the Highway 101 bridge triggers this closure.

Trinity River

Old Lewiston Bridge to Highway 299 West bridge at Cedar Flat – 350 fish.
Denny Road bridge downstream to the confluence with Klamath River – 349 fish.

Anglers may keep track of the quota status of open and closed sections of the Klamath and Trinity rivers by calling California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s information hotline at (800) 564-6479.

For more information regarding Klamath River fishing regulations, please consult the 2022-2023 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations, which will be available online in July at wildlife.ca.gov/regulations.

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Media Contacts:
Dan Troxel, CDFW Klamath River Project, (707) 822-0330
Peter Tira, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858