NOAA and CDFW close California’s summer commercial ocean salmon; San Francisco sport days cut

On Aug. 19, 2026, federal managers closed California’s summer commercial ocean salmon season after the 83,000-Chinook summer harvest limit was reached. They also moved the San Francisco Management Area recreational spring/summer close to Aug. 24 — last legal day Aug. 23. CDFW posted the in-season notice the same day.

That is how this year’s “comeback” ocean season was built: harvest guidelines first, then early closes if the fish show up. The Klamath Management Zone recreational ocean fishery was already shut. Fort Bragg’s August window was shortened. CDFW said the September fall recreational season was not changed by the Aug. 19 action — until a later guideline is hit.

If you are running or booking ocean salmon, treat the printed booklet as a starting point. Check CDFW’s in-season page and the NMFS ocean salmon hotline (800-662-9825) before you leave the dock. Transit rules still apply when salmon are on board through a closed area.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, In-Season Ocean Fishing Regulation Changes (Aug. 19, 2026 notice) and 2026 Ocean Salmon Sport Regulations — Aug. 2026 update (PDF).