Recreation
California’s recreational salmon fishery will open in ocean waters on Saturday, April 6 in the Monterey management area, between Pigeon Point (37° 11’ 00” N. latitude) south to the U.S.-Mexico border.
In the Fort Bragg and San Francisco management areas, between Horse Mountain (40° 05’ 00” N. latitude) and Pigeon Point, the recreational salmon fishery will open on Saturday, April 13.
The Klamath Management Zone (Horse Mountain to the Oregon state line) will remain closed for the month of April. The remaining 2019 season dates will be finalized next month.
At its meeting this week in Vancouver, Wash., the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) made the decision to open limited sections of the California coast on April 6 and April 13.
Returns of Sacramento River fall Chinook and Klamath River fall Chinook in 2018 were insufficient to overcome their “overfished” status this year.
“Continued concerns over the overfished status of Sacramento and Klamath River fall Chinook, as well as protections for threatened and endangered stocks, are expected to limit salmon seasons in certain times and areas this year,” said Kandice Morgenstern, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Despite these constraints, we expect California sport anglers to see a greater amount of fishing opportunity overall compared to last year.”
Traditionally, fishing in the Monterey area is better early in the season. Recreational fishing representatives prioritized opening this area ahead of others on the California coast, though it may lead to decisions to close the season earlier in Monterey than in other areas.
Delaying the opener in areas to the north should allow for more fishing opportunity there later in the year, when catch rates are typically better.
Final season dates will be decided during the April 9-16 PFMC meeting in Rohnert Park. The public is invited to comment on the PFMC’s season proposals at that meeting, at a hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at the Hampton Inn (1160 Airport Park Blvd.) in Ukiah, or through the PFMC website at www.pcouncil.org .
In April, the minimum size limit in the Fort Bragg management area is 20 inches total length. In the San Francisco and Monterey management areas, the minimum size limit is 24 inches total length.
Anglers are advised to check for updated information when planning a salmon fishing trip. Season dates, bag/possession limit information, and gear restrictions can be found on CDFW’s ocean salmon Web page at www.wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon.
Public notification of any in-season change to conform state regulations to federal regulations is made through the NMFS ocean salmon hotline at 800-662-9825.
In the Fort Bragg and San Francisco management areas, between Horse Mountain (40° 05’ 00” N. latitude) and Pigeon Point, the recreational salmon fishery will open on Saturday, April 13.
The Klamath Management Zone (Horse Mountain to the Oregon state line) will remain closed for the month of April. The remaining 2019 season dates will be finalized next month.
At its meeting this week in Vancouver, Wash., the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) made the decision to open limited sections of the California coast on April 6 and April 13.
Returns of Sacramento River fall Chinook and Klamath River fall Chinook in 2018 were insufficient to overcome their “overfished” status this year.
“Continued concerns over the overfished status of Sacramento and Klamath River fall Chinook, as well as protections for threatened and endangered stocks, are expected to limit salmon seasons in certain times and areas this year,” said Kandice Morgenstern, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Despite these constraints, we expect California sport anglers to see a greater amount of fishing opportunity overall compared to last year.”
Traditionally, fishing in the Monterey area is better early in the season. Recreational fishing representatives prioritized opening this area ahead of others on the California coast, though it may lead to decisions to close the season earlier in Monterey than in other areas.
Delaying the opener in areas to the north should allow for more fishing opportunity there later in the year, when catch rates are typically better.
Final season dates will be decided during the April 9-16 PFMC meeting in Rohnert Park. The public is invited to comment on the PFMC’s season proposals at that meeting, at a hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at the Hampton Inn (1160 Airport Park Blvd.) in Ukiah, or through the PFMC website at www.pcouncil.org .
In April, the minimum size limit in the Fort Bragg management area is 20 inches total length. In the San Francisco and Monterey management areas, the minimum size limit is 24 inches total length.
Anglers are advised to check for updated information when planning a salmon fishing trip. Season dates, bag/possession limit information, and gear restrictions can be found on CDFW’s ocean salmon Web page at www.wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon.
Public notification of any in-season change to conform state regulations to federal regulations is made through the NMFS ocean salmon hotline at 800-662-9825.
- Details
- Written by: CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
Is it always OK to fish from a pier without a license?
Question: I want to take my 16-year-old son fishing and I know there are piers where neither of us need a fishing license. I don't want to end up with a ticket so can you clearly describe what piers we can fish off of without a having to buy a license? Also, both of us have a basic knowledge of fishing and pretty simple gear. Any tips on how to have a successful day would be appreciated. (Sandra)
Answer: This question comes up often. Anyone 16 years and older must have a fishing license to take any kind of fish, mollusk, invertebrate or crustacean in California, except for persons angling from a public pier for non-commercial purposes in ocean or bay waters.
California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, section 1.88, defines a public pier as a publicly owned man-made structure that has the following characteristics: is connected above the mean high tide to the main coastline or to the land mass of a named and charted natural island, has unrestricted free access for the general public, and has been built or currently functions for the primary purpose of allowing angling access to ocean waters. Additionally, publicly owned jetties or breakwaters that are connected to land, as described above, that have free unrestricted access for the general public, and whose purpose it is to form the most seaward protective boundary of an ocean harbor, are public piers.
What places do NOT fit into this category of where you can fish without a license?
Jetties, breakwaters, promenades, sea walls, moles, docks, linings, barriers and other structures that are not the most seaward protective boundary of an ocean harbor, are not public piers.
Even though a license is not required on a public pier, all other regulations (including minimum size, bag limits and seasons) apply while fishing from a public pier. Additionally, only two rods and lines, handlines, or nets, traps, or other appliances used to take crabs may be used per person on a public pier (CCR Title 14, section 28.65(b)).
If you are in doubt about whether a license is needed to fish a particular location, the best way to avoid a potential citation is to purchase a license or find another spot to fish where you are sure that a license is not required, or ask your local California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) office.
CDFW also offers two Free Fishing Days per year to encourage new and lapsed anglers to participate in this great outdoor tradition. On these dates, CDFW waives the normal licensing requirements. All other fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions and fishing hours remain in effect. The dates for the year's Free Fishing Days are listed on the CDFW License and Revenue Branch Web site. For 2019, they are set for Saturday, July 6, and Saturday, Aug. 31.
A quick and easy tip to help you be successful is to look up, then visit the closest bait and tackle shop to where you wish to go fishing. They should have their finger on the pulse of what people are catching and where. They should also be able to provide you with the type of bait and tackle that is most effective for the place you are going. Good luck and have a great outing with your son!
What's the purpose of the duck stamp?
Question: What are my duck stamp funds used for? (Eli)
Answer: The California Duck Stamp Act (FGC, section 3702) was enacted in 1971, requiring all adult waterfowl hunters to purchase a duck stamp (now simply a validation) prior to hunting waterfowl. Funds can only be used for waterfowl habitat, assessment or research projects, and the Act mandates a portion of the annual revenue go toward breeding habitat projects in Canada that benefit ducks (particularly pintail) that winter in California.
In addition, the FGC requires Fish and Game Commission approval on all projects proposed for funding. The Federal Duck Stamp was created in 1934 to address the destruction of wetlands by mandating that 98 percent of every duck stamp dollar go directly into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to purchase or lease wetlands for inclusion in the National Wildlife Refuge system.
If you have a question for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . While they cannot answer every question, they will answer a few in each column.
Question: I want to take my 16-year-old son fishing and I know there are piers where neither of us need a fishing license. I don't want to end up with a ticket so can you clearly describe what piers we can fish off of without a having to buy a license? Also, both of us have a basic knowledge of fishing and pretty simple gear. Any tips on how to have a successful day would be appreciated. (Sandra)
Answer: This question comes up often. Anyone 16 years and older must have a fishing license to take any kind of fish, mollusk, invertebrate or crustacean in California, except for persons angling from a public pier for non-commercial purposes in ocean or bay waters.
California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 14, section 1.88, defines a public pier as a publicly owned man-made structure that has the following characteristics: is connected above the mean high tide to the main coastline or to the land mass of a named and charted natural island, has unrestricted free access for the general public, and has been built or currently functions for the primary purpose of allowing angling access to ocean waters. Additionally, publicly owned jetties or breakwaters that are connected to land, as described above, that have free unrestricted access for the general public, and whose purpose it is to form the most seaward protective boundary of an ocean harbor, are public piers.
What places do NOT fit into this category of where you can fish without a license?
Jetties, breakwaters, promenades, sea walls, moles, docks, linings, barriers and other structures that are not the most seaward protective boundary of an ocean harbor, are not public piers.
Even though a license is not required on a public pier, all other regulations (including minimum size, bag limits and seasons) apply while fishing from a public pier. Additionally, only two rods and lines, handlines, or nets, traps, or other appliances used to take crabs may be used per person on a public pier (CCR Title 14, section 28.65(b)).
If you are in doubt about whether a license is needed to fish a particular location, the best way to avoid a potential citation is to purchase a license or find another spot to fish where you are sure that a license is not required, or ask your local California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) office.
CDFW also offers two Free Fishing Days per year to encourage new and lapsed anglers to participate in this great outdoor tradition. On these dates, CDFW waives the normal licensing requirements. All other fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions and fishing hours remain in effect. The dates for the year's Free Fishing Days are listed on the CDFW License and Revenue Branch Web site. For 2019, they are set for Saturday, July 6, and Saturday, Aug. 31.
A quick and easy tip to help you be successful is to look up, then visit the closest bait and tackle shop to where you wish to go fishing. They should have their finger on the pulse of what people are catching and where. They should also be able to provide you with the type of bait and tackle that is most effective for the place you are going. Good luck and have a great outing with your son!
What's the purpose of the duck stamp?
Question: What are my duck stamp funds used for? (Eli)
Answer: The California Duck Stamp Act (FGC, section 3702) was enacted in 1971, requiring all adult waterfowl hunters to purchase a duck stamp (now simply a validation) prior to hunting waterfowl. Funds can only be used for waterfowl habitat, assessment or research projects, and the Act mandates a portion of the annual revenue go toward breeding habitat projects in Canada that benefit ducks (particularly pintail) that winter in California.
In addition, the FGC requires Fish and Game Commission approval on all projects proposed for funding. The Federal Duck Stamp was created in 1934 to address the destruction of wetlands by mandating that 98 percent of every duck stamp dollar go directly into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to purchase or lease wetlands for inclusion in the National Wildlife Refuge system.
If you have a question for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, email
- Details
- Written by: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
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