Fall Rec Ocean Salmon Fishery Reopens Sept. 4-7 Between Pt Reyes & Pt Sur

August 29, 2025

The recreational ocean salmon fishery is set to reopen on Sept. 4, 5, 6, and 7 between Point Reyes and Point Sur under a fall season harvest guideline of 7,500 Chinook salmon. If the guideline is not attained, the season may continue Sept. 29-30, Oct. 1-5, and Oct. 27-31 from Point Reyes (37°59′44″ N lat.) to Pigeon Point (37°11′00″ N lat.), and on Sept. 29-30 from Pigeon Point to Point Sur (36°18′00″ N lat.).

Anglers are allowed to launch outside of an open area, proceed into the open area, catch salmon, and return to the port of origin. Please note that once anglers are north of Point Reyes or south of Point Sur with salmon in possession, no other fishing activity may occur in the closed zone. Additionally, salmon cannot be possessed anywhere within the Klamath Management Zone (California/Oregon border to the 40º10′ Line).

The daily bag limit is two salmon of any species except coho (silver) salmon, and the minimum size limit is 20 inches total length. Coho salmon may not be taken, and anglers are encouraged to become familiar with coho salmon identification before going fishing. While salmon fishing north of Point Conception, anglers are required to use barbless hooks, and once salmon are aboard, barbed hooks may not be used to target other species.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) appreciates anglers’ cooperation with dockside monitoring activities over the four-day season. Field staff will meet vessels returning to launch and dock sites to take samples and collect catch and effort information. Anglers should be aware they are required by law to relinquish the head of any adipose fin-clipped salmon upon request by a CDFW representative, per California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1.73.

Chinook salmon with head tag
salmon taken off Moss Landing CA
Following the four-day opener, CDFW will compile and review data collected at launch ramps, marinas, and from charter trips to determine how many salmon were caught. The catch estimate is expected to take about two weeks to calculate. CDFW will coordinate with the National Marine Fisheries Service to take in-season action to close or modify the remaining September and October dates if the fall season harvest guideline is attained. CDFW will notify the public of the preliminary catch estimate on the CDFW website, the Ocean Salmon Hotline, and other media outlets.

Further information is available on the CDFW website and the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429. Please feel free to send CDFW any questions you may have regarding ocean salmon fishing.