Promising News From CDFW’s Salmon Information Meeting
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife held its salmon information meeting today, with some promising news for 2026 salmon fishing seasons.
From a Golden State Salmon Association Facebook post:
2026 Salmon Forecast Is In — And There’s Reason for Cautious Optimism
New information released today shows a significant improvement in California’s salmon outlook for 2026, supporting the possibility of a more “normal” fishing season relative to last year.
Key takeaways:
• Adult ocean salmon abundance is estimated at 392,349 fish
• Strong 2025 jack returns — the highest since 2011 — reflect the benefits of wet years and healthy river flows
• Improved winter-run salmon returns could mean fewer early-season constraints in parts of the coast
• Hatchery fish released closer to the ocean showed much higher survival rates
• The state plans to manage the season using a real-time catch quota system
As GSSA Executive Director Vance Staplin put it, “When rivers have enough water, salmon survive — it’s that simple.”
The next month will determine what the 2026 season looks like, with opportunities for public input ahead. Coastal communities, fishermen, and families who depend on salmon are watching closely.
Stay tuned as we track the season-setting process and continue fighting for the river conditions salmon need to thrive.
Last year brought limited ocean seasons – anglers and charter boats hit the quota allowed within a few days – and then an extremely restricted inland season on a handful of Central Valley rivers.
