Klamath River Basin and Mainstem Sacramento River to Remain Closed to Chinook Fishing
While low Chinook salmon counts have called for the continued closure of Chinook salmon fishing in the Klamath River Basin and mainstem Sacramento River, Chinook fishing opportunities will be allowed in three inland Central Valley rivers for the first time in two years.
At its May 14 meeting in Sacramento, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) unanimously adopted sport fishing regulations for the 2025 season, opening limited Chinook salmon fishing on sections of the Mokelumne, Feather and American rivers, within adjusted seasons and a daily bag limit of one fish. The Sacramento River and Klamath River Basin and its tributaries will remain closed to protect those stocks.
“I’m happy to see some Chinook salmon fishing opportunity brought back in Central Valley rivers,” said Jay Rowan, Fisheries Branch Chief. “Increased hatchery production and a few good water years have led to a rebound in some of the key Central Valley salmon tributaries, which is encouraging to see.”
The regulations are expected to take effect on July 1, 2025, for the Klamath River Basin and July 15, 2025, for the sections of the Mokelumne, Feather and American rivers.
More information about 2025 sport fishing regulations for Chinook salmon can be found in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s presentation to the Commission. (PDF)
Salmon stocks in California continue to be impacted by ongoing issues associated with multi-year droughts and climate disruption, including poor in-river spawning and migration conditions, ocean forage shifts, thiamine deficiency and other factors that have reduced adult abundance. The closures on the Klamath Basin and mainstem Sacramento River aim to help salmon populations rebound from these challenges.
The Commission also adopted a second 90-day extension of emergency regulations for the recreational take of white sturgeon in inland and ocean waters. The fishery is restricted to catch and release while undergoing review as part of its California Endangered Species Act candidacy.
Commission President Erika Zavaleta, Vice President Samantha Murray and commissioners Eric Sklar and Darius Anderson participated virtually in the teleconference meeting; Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was absent.
The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The Commission’s June meeting will be held at the East End Complex Auditorium, 1500 Capitol Ave., Sacramento. Participants are expected to have options to participate via Zoom or by phone; for the agenda and more information visit the Commission website.
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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Katie Talbot, CDFW Communications, (916) 204-1381