CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsFall-Run Chinook Salmon Fry Succumb to Gas Bubble Disease in Klamath Riverhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/fall-run-chinook-salmon-fry-succumb-to-gas-bubble-disease-in-klamath-riverSalmonSat, 02 Mar 2024 11:45:19 GMTCDFW announced today that fall-run Chinook salmon fry released for the first time from its Fall Creek Fish Hatchery in Siskiyou County are presumed to have succumbed to gas bubble disease in the Klamath River.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced today that fall-run Chinook salmon fry released for the first time from its Fall Creek Fish Hatchery in Siskiyou County are presumed to have succumbed to gas bubble disease in the Klamath River.</p> <p>On Monday, Feb. 26, CDFW released approximately 830,000 fall-run Chinook salmon fry into Fall Creek, a tributary of the Klamath River above Iron Gate Dam. The fish were hatched at CDFW’s new, $35 million, state-of-the-art Fall Creek Fish Hatchery, which represents California’s long-term commitment to supporting and restoring both Chinook and coho salmon runs on an undammed Klamath River.</p> <p>The salmon fry experienced a large mortality based on monitoring data downstream. Indications are the cause of mortality is gas bubble disease that likely occurred as the fry migrated though the Iron Gate Dam tunnel, old infrastructure that is targeted for removal along with the Iron Gate Dam itself later this year. Gas bubble disease results from environmental or physical trauma often associated with severe pressure change.</p> <p>There is no indication the mortality is associated with other Klamath River water quality conditions such as turbidity and dissolved oxygen, which were reading at suitable levels on Feb. 26 and the days prior to release. The visual appearance of the dead fry detected by monitoring equipment points to gas bubble disease. Monitoring equipment documented other healthy yearling coho and Chinook salmon that came from downstream of the dam. </p> <p>The problems associated with the Iron Gate Dam tunnel are temporary and yet another sad reminder of how the Klamath River dams have harmed salmon runs for generations. CDFW will plan all future salmon releases below Iron Gate Dam until this infrastructure is removed. Poor habitat conditions caused by the dams and other circumstances such as this are reasons why CDFW conducts releases of hatchery fish at various life stages.</p> <p>CDFW’s Fall Creek Fish Hatchery continues to hold approximately 3.27 million healthy, fall-run Chinook salmon. Additional releases are planned later in the month.</p> <p>The annual fall-run Chinook salmon production goal for the hatchery is to raise and release 3.25 million fish – 1.25 million released as fry, 1.75 million as smolts, and 250,000 as yearlings. The additional stock of fall-run Chinook salmon remaining in the hatchery exceeds the annual production goal and will help offset losses experienced with the initial release of fry.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso,</a> CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352<br /> <a href="mailto:Jason.Roberts@wildlife.ca.gov">Jason Roberts</a>, CDFW Northern Region, (530) 526-2168</em></p> California Fish and Game Commission Holds Hybrid Meetinghttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-fish-and-game-commission-holds-hybrid-meeting10Klamath BasinTue, 20 Feb 2024 07:43:52 GMTAt its February meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this month’s meeting held in Sacramento, with an option for the public to join via Zoom.<p>At its February meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this month’s meeting held in Sacramento, with an option for the public to join via Zoom.</p> <p>The Commission elected Commissioner Samantha Murray as president and re-elected Commissioner Erika Zavaleta as vice president, marking the second time in its history that Commission leadership is two women; the first time was in 2022 when Murray and Zavaleta served in the same roles.</p> <p>Commissioners accepted Committee assignments. Commissioners Eric Sklar and Murray will co-chair the Marine Resources Committee. Commissioners Zavaleta and Darius Anderson will co-chair the Wildlife Resources Committee. Commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin and Anderson will co-chair the Tribal Committee.</p> <p>The Commission unanimously voted to reduce the bag and possession limit for California halibut to two fish north of Point Sur.</p> <p>The Commission unanimously voted to extend the unlimited recreational take of purple sea urchins at Caspar Cove, Mendocino County to continue to gather data and assess the efficacy of community-led kelp restoration efforts at this location.</p> <p>The Commission unanimously voted to approve an experimental fishing permit (EFP) to test alternative gear in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery and approved several modifications to an existing EFP to test alternative fishing gear in the California commercial Dungeness crab and hagfish fisheries.</p> <p>The Commission unanimously voted to notify interested parties of its intent to amend Klamath River Basin sport fishing regulations related to fall-run Chinook salmon.</p> <p>The Commission unanimously voted to adopt amendments to regulations for lands owned or managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The numerous new site-specific regulations improve public safety, increase recreational opportunities, and provide resource protection. Additionally, two properties were designated (one as a wildlife area and the other as an ecological reserve) and a new regulation was created to prohibit the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on CDFW lands.</p> <p>The Commission received one-year status review reports on the petitions to list Mohave desert tortoise and southern California steelhead under the California Endangered Species Act. The Commission will consider whether to list each species at its April meeting.</p> <p>Commission Vice President Erika Zavaleta and commissioners Eric Sklar and Darius Anderson were present for the full meeting. This was Anderson’s first meeting. Commission President Samantha Murray was present on the first day and part of the second day. Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was present on the second day.</p> <p>The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the <a href="https://fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2023" target= "_blank">Commission website</a>. Archived <a href="https://cal-span.org/search/?q=fish+and+game+commission" target="_blank">video of past Commission meetings</a> is available online. The full Commission has a teleconference scheduled for March 26, 2024. The next meeting is scheduled for April 17-18, 2024, in San Jose.</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:jordan.traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> <p><em>The California Fish and Game Commission was one of the first wildlife conservation agencies in the United States, predating even the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. There is often confusion about the distinction between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Commission. In the most basic terms, CDFW implements and enforces the regulations set by the Commission, as well as provides biological data and expertise to inform the Commission’s decision-making process.</em></p> Water Shortages Will Limit Waterfowl Hunting at Shasta Valley Wildlife Area, Other Northeastern Propertieshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/water-shortages-will-limit-waterfowl-hunting-at-shasta-valley-wildlife-area-other-northeastern-propertiesWaterfowlMon, 18 Sep 2023 11:37:10 GMTCDFW will reopen the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area in Siskiyou County to limited waterfowl hunting this season after a complete closure the past two seasons. Although many parts of California received record rainfall and snowpack during the winter and spring of 2022-23, northeastern California remained comparatively dry. As a result, only dry field hunting will be allowed for waterfowl hunting this season at the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will reopen the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area in Siskiyou County to limited waterfowl hunting this season after a complete closure the past two seasons.</p> <p>Although many parts of California received record rainfall and snowpack during the winter and spring of 2022-23, northeastern California remained comparatively dry. As a result, only dry field hunting will be allowed for waterfowl hunting this season at the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area.</p> <p>The Northeastern Zone waterfowl season runs from Oct. 7, 2023, through Jan. 17, 2024. Hunting at the Shasta Valley Wildlife Area will be allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season. The preseason Northeastern Zone Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days are scheduled for Sept. 23-24, 2023, and the postseason Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days are scheduled for Jan. 20-21, 2024.</p> <p>The 4,700-acre <a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Shasta-Valley-WA">Shasta Valley Wildlife Area</a> provides important seasonal wetlands for migrating waterfowl with water supplied by three storage reservoirs on the property. Two of those reservoirs – Steamboat Lake and Bass Lake – are completely dry. Trout Lake is currently near 50 percent capacity and will serve as the closed zone for the 2023-24 waterfowl season where no hunting will be permitted.</p> <p>The Shasta Valley Wildlife Area will be open for upland game bird hunting for dove, quail, snipe and pheasant as regulations permit. Pheasant hunting is allowed only on Sundays during the season and will be by reservation only with no walk-ins, sweat line or refills. A Type A or B season pass is required for all adult hunters (not juniors). Reservation applications for Sunday pheasant hunts are available at <a href="https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/" target="_blank">CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website</a>.</p> <p>Waterfowl hunting opportunities will vary at other Northeastern Zone state and federal lands popular with duck and goose hunters. Hunters are strongly advised to call ahead in preparing for any Northeastern Zone waterfowl hunt. Other popular public waterfowl hunting areas in the Northeastern Zone include:</p> <p><strong><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Ash-Creek-WA">Ash Creek Wildlife Area</a></strong><br /> A bright spot among Northeastern Zone public hunting areas, Ash Creek wetlands are expected to be mostly flooded for waterfowl season due to its combination of spring-fed creeks and groundwater supplies. Reservations are required to hunt the opening weekend, Oct. 7-8, along with a Type A or B season pass for all adult hunters (not juniors). Reservation applications are available at <a href="https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/" target="_blank">CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website</a>. Ash Creek also will be open for the preseason Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days on a walk-in basis. No reservations or other check-in procedures required. (530) 294-5824.</p> <p><strong><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Butte-Valley-WA">Butte Valley Wildlife Area</a></strong><br /> Butte Valley began pumping groundwater in July to flood its seasonal wetlands in time for the Northeastern Zone waterfowl opener. Butte Valley expects to have 500 to 600 acres flooded by opening day. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend along with a Type A or B season pass for all adult hunters (not juniors). Reservation applications are available at <a href="https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/" target="_blank">CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website</a>. Butte Valley also will be open for the preseason Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days on a walk-in basis. (530) 398-4627.</p> <p><strong><a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Honey-Lake-WA">Honey Lake Wildlife Area</a></strong><br /> Another option for youth hunters, the Honey Lake Wildlife Area Fleming Unit will be open for the preseason Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days on a walk-in basis though hunters will find fewer wetlands than in 2022-23. The Dakin Unit will be dry this upcoming season – though still open to dry field waterfowl hunting and upland game bird hunting. The Fleming Unit will see just about 20 percent of its seasonal wetlands flooded by the Oct. 7 season opener. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend. A Type A or Type B season pass is required of all adult hunters (not juniors). Reservation applications are available at <a href="https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/" target="_blank">CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website</a>. (530) 254-6644.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://myodfw.com/willow-creek-wildlife-area-visitors-guide" target="_blank">Willow Creek Wildlife Area</a></strong><br /> This 2,700-acre wildlife area north of Susanville in Lassen County expects 250 acres of huntable, flooded wetlands by the Northeastern Zone season opener Oct. 7. Reservations are required to hunt opening weekend. A Type A or Type B season pass is required of all adult hunters (not juniors). No preseason youth hunt will take place. Reservation applications are available at <a href="https://www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales/" target="_blank">CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services website</a>. (530) 254-6644.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/modoc" target="_blank">Modoc National Wildlife Refuge</a></strong><br /> The Modoc National Wildlife Refuge will have normal water levels and good habitat conditions this season. Drawings for the preseason youth hunt and opening weekend have been conducted for the free roam and Grandma Tract hunt areas. Self-serve hunting will begin Tuesday Oct. 10 and hunt days will be Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Hunt maps and site-specific regulations can be found on the refuge website, but for the most-up-to-date information, please refer to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ModocNWR" target="_blank">Modoc NWR Facebook page</a>.  (530) 233-3572.</p> <p><strong>Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex</strong><br /> Once one of the nation’s premier waterfowl hunting destinations, the complex – consisting of the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/lower-klamath" target="_blank">Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge</a> and the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/tule-lake/visit-us/activities/hunting" target="_blank">Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge</a> – continues to suffer from water shortages. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/tule-lake/visit-us/activities/hunting" target="_blank">announced earlier this month</a> that waterfowl hunting will be allowed on dryland units at the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge for the 2023-24 waterfowl season and that pheasant hunting will also be allowed at Tule Lake on dry field areas. The Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge will be closed to all hunting for the entirety of waterfowl and upland game bird seasons.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Steve.Burton@wildlife.ca.gov">Steve Burton</a>, CDFW Northern Region, (530) 340-0104<br /> <a href="mailto:peter.tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> Recreational Ocean, In-River Salmon Fisheries in California to Close for Remainder of 2023https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/recreational-ocean-in-river-salmon-fisheries-in-california-to-close-for-remainder-of-2023SalmonFri, 19 May 2023 13:28:36 GMTThe 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 Tues., May 17, 2023.<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:22px;"><em><strong>Emergency California Halibut Regulations Adopted to Protect Ocean Fishery</strong></em></span></p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>“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.”</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>For more information visit:</p> <!--<ul> <li>California Fish and Game Commission: <a href="https://fgc.ca.gov/" target="_blank">fgc.ca.gov</a></li> <li>Pacific Fishery Management Council: <a href="https://www.pcouncil.org/" target="_blank">pcouncil.org</a></li> <li>Federal fisheries disaster funding: <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/funding-and-financial-services/fishery-disaster-assistance" target="_blank">fisheries.noaa.gov</a></li> </ul>--> <ul> <li><a href="https://fgc.ca.gov/" target="_blank">California Fish and Game Commission</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.pcouncil.org/" target="_blank">Pacific Fishery Management Council</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/funding-and-financial-services/fishery-disaster-assistance" target="_blank">Federal fisheries disaster funding</a></li> </ul> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> CDFW Provides Nearly $36 Million for Projects to Save Salmon and Other California Fish and Wildlife Specieshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-provides-nearly-36-million-for-projects-to-save-salmon-and-other-california-fish-and-wildlife-speciesSalmonThu, 13 Apr 2023 08:20:24 GMTThe California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) today announced nearly $36 million in projects to benefit salmon and their habitats, and to further support climate resiliency, wildlife corridors and wetlands restoration.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) today announced nearly $36 million in projects to benefit salmon and their habitats, and to further support climate resiliency, wildlife corridors and wetlands restoration.</p> <p>Saving salmon and rebuilding their populations for future Californians involves many key actions including investing in and restoring salmon strongholds as climate refugia, increasing partnerships, working with Tribes, doing more large-scale restoration at a faster pace, modernizing old infrastructure and creating fish passage around migration barriers. Today’s awards invest in those types of salmon projects.</p> <p><strong>Salmon Strongholds: the Klamath, Scott and Shasta Rivers</strong></p> <p>CDFW is awarding $20 million in Drought Emergency Salmon Protection Grants to 10 projects demonstrating support from and collaboration with Tribes and landowner interests in the Shasta and Scott rivers and their watersheds. These include habitat improvement, removal of barriers to fish passage and groundwater recharge projects. CDFW is also awarding $9 million from the same fund to Tribes in the Klamath River mainstem for post-McKinney Fire debris flow damage remediation, slope and sediment stabilization, and restoration for salmonids.</p> <p>“These projects will help us save our struggling salmon populations,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “The Klamath, Scott and Shasta rivers are historic salmon strongholds where this kind of restoration investment will make a big impact. Rebuilding these watersheds and reconnecting salmon within them is one step further toward salmon recovery. The investments to support these 10 projects is happening in parallel to the largest river restoration in America’s history now underway to <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/12/08/75829/" target="_blank">remove four dams on the mainstem Klamath River</a>.”</p> <p><a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ffb92ef638274580a9a58c1efb265c01" target="_blank">View these projects online</a>.</p> <p><strong>Climate Resiliency and Nature-Based Solutions</strong></p> <p>Additionally, CDFW is awarding $6.9 million to nine projects to further support nature-based solutions, climate resiliency, wildlife corridors and wetlands restoration.</p> <p>“Each week, each month that passes by on the calendar, California’s climate challenges increase, change and present a need to implement projects designed to keep pace,” Bonham said. “We are matching this pace with ongoing funding commitments to new projects, moving away from a once-a-year announcement of awards to fund more projects, toward sustained momentum.”</p> <p>Projects funded with these grants will go toward planning and implementation of wetlands and mountain meadows including expanding habitat for Lahontan cutthroat trout habitat on the Upper Truckee River, addressing urgent degrading water and habitat conditions due to climate change impacts in Shasta and Sonoma counties, and creating habitat connectivity through wildlife corridors funding for species such as Clear Lake hitch and newts, among other projects.</p> <p><a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/fe65083f824b4356b684219c1a4fc779" target="_blank">View these projects online</a>.</p> <p><strong>Next Steps</strong></p> <p>These projects will soon commence work. Meanwhile, CDFW will continue to accept applications for new projects and make awards on an ongoing basis with an emphasis on a strategic approach to rebuild salmon and other species by removing barriers to migration, improving water management and quality, restoring core salmon strongholds, taking substantial steps to modernize older infrastructure for salmon-friendly results and other actions.</p> <p><strong>Background</strong></p> <p>In late 2022 CDFW announced the availability of <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application">$200 million in new funding</a> for restoration, including $100 million in emergency drought funding for protecting salmon against drought and climate change. Funding under the Addressing Climate Impacts and Nature-Based Solutions initiatives provides grant funding for projects addressing water and habitat impacted by climate, as well as restoring wetlands and mountain meadows, and creating wildlife corridors. On March 7, 2023, <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/cdfw-announces-225-million-to-benefit-salmon-and-support-critical-habitat-projects-statewide#gsc.tab=0">CDFW announced its first round of awards totaling $22.5 million for 19 projects from this funding</a>.</p> <p>This funding also supports key initiatives including conserving 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 under California’s 30x30 initiative, Nature-Based Solutions and increasing the pace and scale of restoration through Cutting Green Tape.</p> <p>California must get more restoration done at a faster pace. To achieve that goal, CDFW has developed a single set of General Grant Program Guidelines with an overview of eligible project types, priorities and information on the application process, available at <a href="http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application">www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application</a>. Applications submitted under these new initiatives may also be considered for further evaluation under CDFW’s Proposition 1 and Proposition 68 Grant Programs, and a separate call for projects will also be released for these programs in Spring 2023.</p> <p>More information about these funding opportunities, including guidelines and how to apply, general information about CDFW’s grant programs, as well as a schedule for upcoming grant solicitations, once available, can be found at <a href="http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/grants">www.wildlife.ca.gov/grants</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Matt.Wells@wildlife.ca.gov">Matt Wells</a>, CDFW Watershed Restoration Grant Branch, (916) 216-7848<br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> Ocean Salmon Sport Fisheries in California Closed for April through Mid-May 2023https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/ocean-salmon-sport-fisheries-in-california-closed-for-april-through-mid-may-2023SalmonFri, 10 Mar 2023 19:07:04 GMTToday, on recommendation from California and Oregon agency representatives and industry advisors, the National Marine Fisheries Service took inseason action to cancel ocean salmon fishery openers that were scheduled between Cape Falcon, Ore., and the U.S./Mexico border through May 15.<p>Today, on recommendation from California and Oregon agency representatives and industry advisors, the National Marine Fisheries Service <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/inseason-actions-2023-ocean-salmon-fisheries-south-cape-falcon-recreational-commercial" target="_blank">took inseason action</a> to cancel ocean salmon fishery openers that were scheduled between Cape Falcon, Ore., and the U.S./Mexico border through May 15.</p> <p>The sport fishery had been scheduled to open off California in most areas on April 1. The actions were taken to protect Sacramento River fall Chinook, which returned to the Central Valley in 2022 at <a href="/News/fishery-scientists-announce-poor-2023-outlook-for-californias-ocean-salmon-stocks#gsc.tab=0">near-record low numbers</a>, and Klamath River fall Chinook, which had the second lowest abundance forecast since the current assessment method began in 1997.</p> <p>The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has <a href="https://www.pcouncil.org/documents/2023/03/pacific-fishery-management-council-releases-alternatives-for-2023-west-coast-salmon-fisheries-march-10-2023.pdf/" target="_blank">produced three regulatory options (PDF)</a> for the May 16, 2023, through May 15, 2024, time period. None of the three options would authorize commercial or ocean salmon sport fishing off California until April 2024. The alternatives were approved by the PFMC for public review today.</p> <p>On March 21, 2023, the PFMC will hold a public hearing in Santa Rosa to receive public comment on the three proposed regulatory alternatives. The PFMC will then meet April 1-7 in Foster City to adopt final regulations. More information regarding the PFMC meetings and options can be found on the PFMC website at <a href="http://www.pcouncil.org" target="_blank">www.pcouncil.org</a>. </p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> Klamath River Upstream of Interstate 5 Reopened to Adult Chinook Salmon Harvesthttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/klamath-river-upstream-of-interstate-5-reopened-to-adult-chinook-salmon-harvestSalmonTue, 08 Nov 2022 12:30:07 GMTCDFW has announced that recreational fishing for adult, fall-run Chinook salmon on the Klamath River has reopened between Interstate 5 near Hornbrook and 3,500-feet below the Iron Gate Fish Hatchery in Siskiyou County.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced that recreational fishing for adult, fall-run Chinook salmon on the Klamath River has reopened between Interstate 5 near Hornbrook and 3,500-feet below the Iron Gate Fish Hatchery in Siskiyou County.</p> <p>The Iron Gate Fish Hatchery has received more than 8,000 returning, fall-run Chinook salmon this month, which triggers the reopening of recreational fishing for adult Chinook salmon within the stretch of river per CDFW’s <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=202686&inline" target="_blank">2022-2023 California Supplemental Sport Fishing Regulations (PDF)</a>.</p> <p>Recreational anglers will be able to harvest two Chinook salmon, but no more than one adult greater than 23 inches per day in this reach. The possession limit is six Chinook salmon with no more than three adults. Reopening this stretch of the Klamath River is designed to allow anglers to catch surplus hatchery Chinook salmon now that the number of adults needed for spawning has been achieved at the hatchery.</p> <p>The only other sector of the Klamath-Trinity rivers that remain open for adult Chinook salmon harvest is the lower Trinity River from the Denny Road bridge at Hawkins Bar downstream to the confluence with the Klamath River. The take of jack Chinook salmon less than or equal to 23 inches is allowed in all areas of the Klamath Basin with the exception of the mouth of the Klamath River, which is closed for the remainder of the year. The daily bag limit for jack Chinook salmon in these areas is two fish per day and no more than six in possession.</p> <p>Anglers can monitor the quota status of open and closed sections of the Klamath and Trinity rivers by calling CDFW’s information hotline at (800) 564-6479.</p> <p>For more information regarding Klamath River fishing regulations, please consult CDFW’s 2022-2023 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations and the 2022-2023 California Supplemental Sport Fishing Regulations available at <a href="/Regulations">wildlife.ca.gov/regulations</a>.</p> <p><em><strong>CDFW file photo.</strong></em></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:dan.troxel@wildlife.ca.gov">Dan Troxel</a>, CDFW Klamath River Project, (707) 822-0330<br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@gmail.com">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> Fall-Run Chinook Salmon Quota Met on Upper Klamath Riverhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/fall-run-chinook-salmon-quota-met-on-upper-klamath-riverSalmonFri, 30 Sep 2022 10:46:10 GMTBased upon California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) projections of the recreational fall-run Chinook salmon catch on the Klamath River, anglers will meet the Upper Klamath River adult fall-run Chinook salmon quota below Iron Gate Dam for the 2022 season as of 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5.<p>Based upon California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) projections of the recreational fall-run Chinook salmon catch on the Klamath River, anglers will meet the Upper Klamath River adult fall-run Chinook salmon quota below Iron Gate Dam for the 2022 season as of 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5.</p> <p>This triggers the closure of the adult Chinook salmon fishery on the main stem of the Klamath River from 3,500 feet downstream of the Iron Gate Dam to the Highway 96 bridge at Weitchpec. The fishery at the mouth of the Klamath was closed on Monday, Sept. 5 and will remain closed to all fishing for the rest of the calendar year. The adult fishery on the lower Klamath was also closed on Sept. 5. All reaches on the main stem Klamath (except the within 100 yards of the mouth) remain open for harvest of jack or 2-year-old Chinook salmon less than or equal to 23 inches. All adult Chinook salmon caught must be immediately released and reported on the angler’s report card.</p> <p>Anglers may still fish for adult Chinook salmon in the upper and lower portions of the Trinity River. Anglers may monitor the quota status of open and closed sections of the Klamath and Trinity rivers by calling the information hotline at (800) 564-6479.</p> <p>For more information regarding Klamath River fishing regulations, please consult the 2022-2023 California Freshwater and Supplemental Sport Fishing Regulations at <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations">wildlife.ca.gov/regulations</a>.</> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Dan.Troxel@wildlife.ca.gov">Dan Troxel</a>, CDFW Klamath River Project, (707) 822-0330<br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> CDFW Announces Angling Closure for Lower Klamath Riverhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-announces-angling-closure-for-lower-klamath-riverSalmonSat, 03 Sep 2022 16:21:14 GMTDue to dramatically increased harvest rates of Chinook salmon above the Highway 101 bridge, the recreational fishing quota for the Lower Klamath River will be imminently met. Based upon CDFW projections of the recreational fall-run Chinook salmon catch on the Klamath River, anglers will meet the Lower Klamath River adult fall-run Chinook salmon quota below the Highway 96 Bridge near Weitchpec for the 2022 season as of 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5<p>Due to dramatically increased harvest rates of Chinook salmon above the Highway 101 bridge, the recreational fishing quota for the Lower Klamath River will be imminently met. Based upon California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) projections of the recreational fall-run Chinook salmon catch on the Klamath River, anglers will meet the Lower Klamath River adult fall-run Chinook salmon quota below the Highway 96 Bridge near Weitchpec for the 2022 season as of 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5.</p> <p>This triggers the closure of the adult Chinook salmon fishery on the main stem of the Klamath River from the Highway 96 Bridge to the mouth of the Klamath River at the Pacific Ocean. The fishery at the mouth of the Klamath closes the same day, Monday, Sept. 5, and will remain closed to all fishing for the rest of the calendar year. The rest of the lower main stem of the Klamath River below the Highway 96 Bridge at Weitchpec will remain open to the harvest of jack (two-year old) Chinook salmon (less than or equal to 23 inches). All adult Chinook salmon caught must be immediately released and reported on an angler’s report card.</p> <p>Anglers may still fish for adult Chinook salmon in other reaches of the Klamath Basin, including the main stem of the Klamath River above Weitchpec and the entire Trinity River until the closure of those fisheries. Anglers may monitor the quota status of open and closed sections of the Klamath and Trinity rivers by calling the information hotline at (800) 564-6479.</p> <p>For more information regarding Klamath River fishing regulations, please consult the 2022-2023 California Freshwater and Supplemental Sport Fishing Regulations at <a href="/Regulations">wildlife.ca.gov/regulations</a>.</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:dan.troxel@wildlife.ca.gov">Dan Troxel</a>, CDFW Klamath River Project, (707) 822-0330<br /> <a href="mailto:peter.tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 322-8908</em></p> CDFW Director Statement on FERC Release of EIS on Klamath Dam Removalhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-director-statement-on-ferc-release-of-eis-on-klamath-dam-removalSalmonFri, 26 Aug 2022 15:52:33 GMTCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham issued the following statement on the release today by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed decommissioning of four dams on the Klamath River.<p>California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham issued the following statement on the <a href="https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/news/ferc-staff-issues-final-environmental-impact-statement-lower-klamath-and-klamath" target="_blank">release today by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</a> (FERC) of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed decommissioning of four dams on the Klamath River:</p> <p>“We applaud the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff for issuing the final EIS ahead of schedule and for validating license surrender and dam removal as the right thing to do. While we continue to review the document, we welcome this critical milestone and look forward to advancing what will be the largest dam removal project in U.S. history and restoration of 400 miles of the Klamath River for the benefit of salmon, Tribes and communities in the basin. The final EIS along with the Department of the Interior’s recent funding for the Klamath River Basin under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and leadership from Oregon and California all point toward now being the time to solve many of the basin’s long-running restoration and water challenges.”</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:jordan.traverso@wildlife.ca.gov" target="_blank">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 738-9641</em></p>