West Coast Salmon Catch Limits Set for Next Year
Published Date: 5/16/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting May 16, 2025, new rules will guide salmon fishing off Washington, Oregon, and California through May 15, 2026. These changes set where, when, and how much salmon can be caught to keep fish healthy, protect tribal fishing rights, and share the catch fairly between commercial and recreational fishers. Everyone who fishes salmon in these waters should get ready for updated seasons, limits, and gear rules that help save salmon for the future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
2025 West Coast Salmon Season Dates
The ocean salmon fishing season in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone off Washington, Oregon, and California runs from May 16, 2025 through May 15, 2026. If you fish salmon in these waters, new season rules and timing apply for that one-year period.
New Recreational Days and Catch Limits
The rule sets updated recreational fishing days and catch limits for salmon in the ocean off Washington, Oregon, and California for the May 16, 2025–May 15, 2026 season. If you fish for salmon recreationally in those waters, expect changed allowed days and limits on how many fish you can keep.
Gear, Possession, and Minimum Size Rules
The rule establishes legal gear types, possession and landing restrictions, and minimum lengths for salmon taken in the EEZ off Washington, Oregon, and California for the 2025 season. If you fish salmon in these waters, you must follow the updated gear, possession, and minimum-size requirements.
Quotas and Spawning Escapement Requirements
The rule sets quotas, harvest guidelines, and measures to allow a portion of salmon runs to escape ocean fisheries for spawning during the May 16, 2025–May 15, 2026 season. These measures are intended to prevent overfishing and support long-term salmon health.
Protection of Federally Recognized Tribal Fishing Rights
The rule provides for the exercise of federally recognized fishing rights by West Coast Indian Tribes as part of salmon fishery management for May 16, 2025–May 15, 2026. Tribal fishing rights are explicitly protected in the allocation and design of these measures.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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