West Coast Salmon Rules Fixed After Feds Forget Bag Limits
Published Date: 9/3/2026
Rule
Summary
Fishermen off the West Coast, especially from Pigeon Point to the U.S./Mexico border, got a quick fix to 2026 salmon fishing rules. The government corrected a mistake that left out important bag limits, making sure everyone knows how many salmon they can catch. These changes took effect on September 2, 2026, keeping the fishing season fair and clear through May 2027.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Inseason closures tied to Chinook thresholds
The rule confirms that inseason action may close open fishing days when total harvest is approaching area-specific harvest guidelines: 34,900 Chinook for Point Arena to Pigeon Point, 20,000 Chinook for the 38°02' N to Pigeon Point subarea (September/October), 21,800 Chinook for Pigeon Point to the U.S./Mexico border (May–August), and a statewide 20,000 Chinook guideline applicable to September and October open dates. These thresholds are triggers for closing open days to avoid exceeding the harvest guidelines.
Two-salmon daily limit (Monterey)
For the Pigeon Point to U.S./Mexico border (Monterey) area, the rule specifies a bag limit of “all salmon except coho salmon, two salmon per day per person.” The 2026 season dates listed include April 11–May 15, 2026; May 16–August 31, 2026; and September 1–30, 2026, and the rule states the 2027 season in that area opens on April 3 with the same two-salmon limit.
San Francisco area seasons and limits
For the area from Point Arena to Pigeon Point (San Francisco), the corrected text sets open dates of June 27–July 22 and August 1–31, 2026, with a subarea (38°02' N to Pigeon Point) open September 1–October 31, 2026. The rule clarifies the bag limit for the whole Point Arena-to-Pigeon Point area as “all salmon except coho salmon, two salmon per day,” and says the 2027 season in that area opens April 3 with the same two-salmon limit and the same gear restrictions as in 2026.
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