Fishing and Hunting Regulations

Klamath Basin – updated May 23, 2024

In response to continued low returns of Chinook Salmon to California rivers, and decreased ocean abundance estimates, the California Fish and Game Commission at their May 15 teleconference meeting adopted the “Closed to salmon fishing” option for the Klamath River Fall Chinook recreational fishery for the coming season. Additionally, the FGC adopted emergency regulations that close the late spring/early summer Chinook Salmon fishery in the Klamath Basin.

Despite this closure, fishing for steelhead in the basin is unaffected and remains open pursuant to subsections 7.40(b)(50)(E)(2) and (6). Additionally, fishing for brown trout on the Trinity River is unaffected and remains open pursuant to subsection 7.40(b)(50)(E)(6).

Coho salmon regulations (no retention) also remain unchanged, as they are protected under state and federal listings. Fall Chinook salmon regulations for the Klamath Basin are adopted each year by the FGC at their May meeting. As a result, digital publication of all supplemental regulations content is not completed until early Summer and may not be available at the time of this update.

Up-to-date Klamath Basin regulations will be found in the 2024-2025 Fishing Regulations Supplement, expected to be published by July 1, 2024.

We remind anglers to call the Klamath and Trinity River Information Hotline: 1 (800) 564-6479, where up-to-date information is available. This hotline includes Klamath/Trinity salmon and steelhead regulations, Fall Chinook quota updates and other information.

Sport fishing regulations for the American, Feather, Mokelumne and Sacramento rivers are adopted each year by the California Fish and Game Commission at their May meeting.

In response to continued low returns of Chinook Salmon to California rivers, and decreased ocean abundance estimates, the California Fish and Game Commission at their May 15 teleconference meeting adopted Option 4, “No Salmon Fishing in all Central Valley Rivers, Streams, and Tributaries” option for the Central Valley recreational salmon fishery for the coming season. This maintains the existing regulations for 2024-2025 that were already effective in 2023-2024. Other sportfishing regulations in these watersheds remain unchanged.

Up-to-date Central Valley sport fishing regulations can be found in the 2024-2025 Fishing Regulations Supplement, expected to be published by July 1, 2024.