… Information from the Golden State Salmon Association and the Pacific Fisheries Management Council forecasts a current adult salmon ocean population of 392,349 in 2026 — more than double last year’s ocean abundance estimate. The Klamath River forecast also jumped to 176,233, up from 82,672 in 2025. For comparison, the upper Sacramento River saw a return of over 60,000 adult salmon to natural spawning areas in 2025 compared to just over 4,000 in 2024. … The number of returning jacks is key to forecasting the adult salmon population in the ocean now, which informs how many salmon fishery managers will allow to be caught this year. Both some commercial and sport fishing are expected to be approved later this spring by the Pacific Fishery Management Council.

Other salmon news:

• Santa Cruz Sentinel (Calif.): Keeping an eye on ’26 salmon season possibilities
• Fishing the North Coast With Kenny Priest: Blog: Salmon season back on the table for the North Coast