Contact:

Joe Duran, Associate Marine Biologist, (707) 576-3456
Harry Morse, Public Information Officer, (916) 322-8962

Ten-Day Recreational Ocean Salmon Season to Open in Northern California Aug. 29
California's only 2009 recreational ocean salmon season will be open Aug. 29 through Sept. 7 in the Klamath Management Zone along the north coast. The brief season was authorized by the Pacific Fishery Management Council and California Fish and Game Commission, based on data collected by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) showing enough adult Klamath fall run Chinook will return to the Klamath River Basin to allow for a limited ocean harvest while maintaining conservation goals. Since 2008, commercial and recreational fishing for salmon has been closed in all other ocean areas off California in order to protect Sacramento River fall run Chinook, which have been at historically low numbers the last two years.

"This northern California season was specifically designed to minimize the incidental take of Sacramento River fall Chinook," said Marija Vojkovich, Marine Region Manager and DFG's representative to the Pacific Fishery Management Council.

The boundaries of the open ocean fishing area extend from north of Horse Mt. (40 ? 05' 00" N. latitude) to the California - Oregon border. The retention of coho salmon or steelhead trout is prohibited in all California ocean fisheries. Anglers are required to use barbless hooks and are limited to one rod per person when fishing for salmon, or when fishing from a boat with salmon on board.

The daily bag and possession limit is two salmon of any species except coho, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches total length. A salmon report card is no longer required when fishing for salmon in the ocean.

The opening of this salmon season is expected to provide some relief to businesses that cater to the salmon anglers. According to DFG economist Terry Tillman, the 10-day ocean salmon sport fishing season could boost economic output by $2 million statewide. Locally, in Humboldt and Del Norte counties, the season could contribute an additional $370,000 to total economic output for the region.

The 2009-2010 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Supplement, published by DFG, lists all current regulations and restrictions. The supplement is available at sport fishing licenses dealers, DFG offices and online at www.dfg.ca.gov/regulations. Anglers may also call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429 for additional information.

Salmon news and related information compiled by DFG is online at: www.dfg.ca.gov/news/issues/salmon.