DFG News Release

Recreational Ocean Salmon Season Opens Feb. 16
Angling Permitted from Horse Mountain to Point Arena

Anglers are reminded that the recreational ocean salmon season begins Feb. 16 between Horse Mountain and Point Arena (Shelter Cove and Fort Bragg port areas). The recreational ocean salmon season between Point Arena to the California-Mexico border (south of Bodega Bay) will open Apr. 5.

Under state and federal guidelines, the recreational ocean salmon seasons were adopted last year by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) and the California Fish and Game Commission and are subject to change through in-season action.

“New information regarding the status of Central Valley salmon stocks could result in changes to current and upcoming salmon seasons,” said DFG Deputy Director of Resource Management and Policy Sonke Mastrup. “State and federal scientists have started the process of evaluating this information and may set new seasons during their April meeting in Seattle."

The ocean salmon season north of Horse Mountain (Crescent City, Trinidad and Eureka) remains closed. The PFMC has yet to adopt 2008 management measures for this area. Once completed, the California Fish and Game Commission will adopt conforming state regulations.

All open areas have a daily bag and possession limit of two salmon of any species except coho salmon. The retention of coho salmon is prohibited in all California ocean fisheries.

Anglers are encouraged to refer to the 2008 Ocean Sports Fishing Regulations for specifics on size, limit and gear requirements. The regulations are available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/oceansalmon.asp. To hear the latest on California ocean salmon sport regulations, call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429.