Contact:??Marc Heisdorf, Associate Marine Biologist, (707) 576-2873
Steve Martarano, DFG Office of Communications, (916) 654-5866??

Recreational Ocean Salmon Season Opens April 7, from Point Arena to the California-Mexico Border
The California recreational ocean salmon season south of Point Arena opens Saturday, April 7. On February 17, the recreational ocean salmon season opened north of Point Arena to Horse Mountain in Humboldt County.

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reminds anglers that both areas have a daily bag and possession limit of two salmon of any species except coho salmon. The retention of coho salmon is still prohibited in all California ocean fisheries. There is a minimum size limit of 20 inches total length and salmon may only be taken by angling. Anglers may not use weights exceeding 4 pounds unless the line is attached by a mechanical device that releases the weight automatically when a fish is hooked. Only two single-point, single-shank barbless hooks may be used to take salmon north of Point Conception in Santa Barbara County and anglers fishing for salmon or fishing from a boat or other floating device with salmon on board may not use more than one fishing rod and/or line. In addition, barbless circle hooks must be used when fishing with bait and angling by any other means than trolling between Point Conception and Horse Mountain.

The recreational ocean salmon season north of Horse Mountain to the California-Oregon border will be decided at the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting April 2-6 in Seattle. The PFMC will adopt California ocean salmon regulations effective May 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008 and submit them to the U.S. Department of Commerce for approval. In addition, the California Fish and Game Commission will meet on April 13 in Bodega Bay to conform state regulations in effect during the same time period. Anglers are reminded that California ocean salmon regulations are subject to change on May 1.

For up to date information on ocean salmon fishing regulations, anglers can call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429 or visit DFG's web site at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/oceansalmon.html.