Prospects dim for California Ocean Salmon Season

It’s not looking good for California and southern Oregon salmon anglers this year as fishery managers are likely to make king salmon off-limits in 2008.

The Pacific Fisheries Management Council met today and voted to adopt 1 or 3 options for this year’s ocean salmon season. The options range from a complete ban on all sport and commercial fishing to a small, almost token season on holiday weekends…Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.

“The status of Sacramento fall Chinook has suddenly collapsed to an unprecedented low level,” said Donald Hansen, Chairman of the PFMC. “The effect on California and Oregon salmon fisheries is a disaster by any definition. I do not think there will be any ocean fishing for salmon in California and southern Oregon this year — if there is any fishery at all, it will be a minute one.”

The council is expected to chose a final fishing recommendation in April at its meeting in Seattle.

Related Articles:

• California Salmon Fishing Update
• Emergency Salmon Closure in California and Oregon
• It’s time to help the fish!