California’s Salmon Season is Closed Again—But Here’s the Bigger Picture

California’s Salmon Season is Closed Again—But Here’s the Bigger Picture

For the third year in a row, California’s commercial salmon season remains closed. This tough but necessary decision reflects the urgent need to protect and rebuild struggling salmon populations along our coast. But behind the headlines, there’s another story—one of recovery, resilience, and real progress.

Why Is Salmon Season Closed?

Years of drought, warming waters, habitat loss, and outdated infrastructure have pushed California’s salmon runs to historic lows. Low river flows, rising temperatures, and migration barriers have severely impacted Chinook salmon survival rates—especially for young salmon trying to make it out to sea.

In response, the state implemented a full closure of the 2023 and 2024 salmon seasons to give the population space to recover. That closure has now been extended into 2025.

What’s Being Done About It

The good news? There’s a serious, science-backed recovery effort underway. In early 2024, California launched the Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, a comprehensive plan focused on restoring habitats, improving water quality, and removing outdated dams that block salmon migration routes.

The March 2025 progress report is the first formal update on the strategy’s implementation—and it highlights some real, tangible wins in just it's first year.

Some Highlights from the Strategy:

Klamath River Reopened to Salmon
In a historic move, all four major dams on the Klamath River were removed, allowing Chinook salmon to migrate freely for the first time in over 100 years. Within months, they were seen spawning in areas long blocked to them.

Floodplain Restoration Projects
Thousands of acres of floodplain habitat are being reconnected to rivers, giving juvenile salmon more space to grow and increasing their survival rates.

Modernizing Hatcheries
Hatchery facilities are being upgraded to support more climate-resilient salmon populations, with better genetic tracking, new release strategies, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Collaborative Partnerships
These efforts involve Tribal Nations, small fishing communities, state agencies, and conservation groups—all working together to bring salmon back.

So What Does This Mean for Get Hooked Members?

While we can’t offer California-caught salmon this season, many of the same small-boat fishermen who normally fish our coast are heading up to Alaska this summer. They’ll be harvesting wild-caught salmon from well-managed Alaskan fisheries—bringing back high-quality, sustainably sourced fish you can feel good about.

When you order salmon from Get Hooked this summer, you’re not just getting a premium product—you’re helping support California fishermen through a tough time and keeping our local seafood economy strong.

Looking Ahead

California’s salmon are deeply connected to the health of our rivers, forests, and coastal communities. The path to recovery won’t be fast—but it’s already underway. By staying informed, choosing sustainable seafood, and supporting the people who steward our ocean resources, we can all help bring wild salmon back for future generations.

Image courtesy of CA Natural Resources Agency / Salmon Strategy Report (2025)