CDFW announces publication of rules for ocean salmon and Pacific halibut

Print
New annual federal regulations for ocean salmon and Pacific halibut fisheries for waters off California have taken effect.

Federal regulations for Pacific halibut were published in 85 Federal Register 25317 on May 1, 2020, and were effective April 30, 2020, and ocean salmon regulations were published in 85 Federal Register 27317 on May 8, 2020, and were effective as of that date.

Pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 1.95, ocean salmon and Pacific halibut sport fishing regulations in state waters automatically conform to these new federal regulations.

Both the ocean salmon fishery and the Pacific halibut fishery opened on May 1. Anglers are reminded to abide by all state and local health guidelines regarding non-essential travel and physical distancing. Anglers are also advised to check with local authorities on the status of harbor and access points as site closures and access restrictions may change daily.

The 2020 recreational ocean salmon season dates for the California coast are as follows: In the Klamath Management Zone, which is the area between the Oregon/California state line and Horse Mountain (40°05'00" N. latitude), the season will open June 6 and will continue through Aug. 9.

The Fort Bragg and San Francisco areas, which extend from Horse Mountain to Point Arena (38°57'30" N. latitude) and Point Arena to Pigeon Point (37°11'00" N. latitude), respectively, opened May 1 and will continue through Nov. 8.

The Monterey area between Pigeon Point and the U.S./Mexico border opened on May 1 and will continue through Oct. 4.

The minimum size limit is 20 inches total length in all areas north of Pigeon Point. In the Monterey area the minimum size limit is 24 inches total length. The daily bag limit is two Chinook salmon per day. No more than two daily bag limits may be possessed when on land. On a vessel in ocean waters, no person shall possess or bring ashore more than one daily bag limit. Retention of coho salmon (also known as silver salmon) is prohibited in all ocean fisheries off California.

Next year's April recreational ocean salmon season has also been determined at this time. In 2021, the recreational ocean salmon season will open April 3 south of Horse Mountain. The minimum size limit is 20 inches total length in the Fort Bragg management area and 24 inches total length south of Point Arena. The daily bag limit is two Chinook salmon per day. The remainder of the 2021 ocean salmon season will be decided in April of next year.

The 2020 Pacific halibut season is scheduled to be open statewide seven days per week from May 1 through Oct. 31, or until the quota has been met, whichever is earlier. There is no minimum size limit for this species. The daily bag and possession limit is one fish.

Again this year, the public can follow the progress of catch through the season on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Pacific halibut webpage; however, updates to catch information may be offered less frequently than in prior years.

Public notification of any in-season change is made through the National Marine Fisheries Service Ocean Salmon and Pacific Halibut Hotlines.

Before engaging in any fishing activity for these species, please check one of the following resources for the most up-to-date information.

Ocean salmon resources:

CDFW webpage, www.wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon 
NMFS Ocean Salmon Hotline, 800-662-9825
CDFW Ocean Salmon Hotline, 707-576-3429

Pacific halibut resources:

CDFW Pacific halibut webpage, www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/pacific-halibut 
NMFS Halibut Hotline, 800-662-9825
CDFW Recreational Groundfish and Pacific Halibut Regulations Hotline, 831-649-2801