Wednesday May 21, 2025
CDFW —
While low Chinook salmon counts have called for the continued closure of Chinook salmon fishing in the Klamath River Basin and mainstem Sacramento River, Chinook fishing opportunities will be allowed in three inland Central Valley rivers for the first time in two years.
At its May 14 meeting in Sacramento, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) unanimously adopted sport fishing regulations for the 2025 season, opening limited Chinook salmon fishing on sections of the Mokelumne, Feather and American rivers, within adjusted seasons and a daily bag limit of one fish. The Sacramento River and Klamath River Basin and its tributaries will remain closed to protect those stocks.
“I’m happy to see some Chinook salmon fishing opportunity brought back in Central Valley rivers,” said Jay Rowan, Fisheries Branch Chief. “Increased hatchery production and a few good water years have led to a rebound in some of the key Central Valley salmon tributaries, which is encouraging to see.”
The regulations are expected to take effect on July 1, 2025, for the Klamath River Basin and July 15, 2025, for the sections of the Mokelumne, Feather and American rivers.
More information about 2025 sport fishing regulations for Chinook salmon can be found in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s presentation to the Commission.