California Today

Chinook Fishing Reopens on Key California Rivers After 3-Year Closure

13 May 2026 06:55

Salmon fishing will reopen on the Klamath River Basin and Sacramento River after a three-year closure, with new regulations adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission. - Late spring-run Chinook fishing opens July 1 on the Klamath and Trinity rivers.

- Fall-run Chinook fishing begins August 15 on the Klamath and September 1 on the Trinity, with a quota of 3,248 adult fish. - Central Valley rivers like the Feather, American, and Mokelumne will have a full season starting July 16.

- Daily bag limits vary: one fish for late spring-run, two fish for fall-run (only one adult over 23 inches). The reopening is attributed to increased hatchery production, habitat restoration, dam removals, and good water years, reflecting successful collaborative efforts under California's Salmon Strategy.

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Freshwaterfishingenvironmentwildliferecreation