Fishing and Hunting Regulations

Updated July 15, 2025

In response to continued low returns of Chinook Salmon to California rivers, and decreased ocean abundance estimates, the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) at their May 14th teleconference meeting adopted “Option 2 – complete closure of in-river recreational salmon fisheries” in the Klamath River basin for both the spring/early summer (KRSC) and the fall (KRFC) for 2025.

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.

KRSC and KRFC 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.

Up-to-date Klamath Basin regulations can be found in the 2025 Fishing Regulations Supplement as well as the 2025 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations Booklet, updated on July 15, 2025.

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 (when salmon fishing is open) 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 (FGC) at their May meeting.

At its May 14, 2025 meeting, the FGC adopted the recommendations from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) for a combination of options 1 and 4, which allows for take and possession of one any size Chinook Salmon up to the daily bag and possession limits (i.e., Option 1) and a closed fishery (i.e., Option 4). Inland recreational salmon fishing will be open on certain sections of the Feather, American and Mokelumne rivers and closed on all sections of the Sacramento River (including the Delta to Carquinez Bridge). Sportfishing regulations for other species in these watersheds remain unchanged. Anglers may keep 1 Chinook salmon per day (any size), with a possession limit of 1 salmon. Season end dates will vary in each river and section. Please review the 2025 Fishing Regulations Supplement as well as the 2025 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations Booklet for detailed regulatory information, which is expected to be published by July 15, 2025.