California is resuming commercial salmon fishing after three consecutive years of closure due to concerns over declining populations. Gavin Newsom and state officials celebrated the move, citing the state’s conservation efforts as a key factor that has contributed to the progress. … The state has restricted commercial fishing for three consecutive years since 2023 and has leaned on a number of efforts to support the salmon population, including increasing the number of hatchery-reared salmon, while conservationists continue to call for stronger measures and increased water allocations. “The return of salmon seasons in 2026 is a testament to the heavy rains of 2023, not a shift in management,” Vance Staplin, executive director of the Golden State Salmon Association said in an email.

Other salmon news:

• Lost Coast Outpost (Eureka, Calif.): Local fishermen are excited for 2026 salmon season return. but with North Coast commercial closure, fuel costs are a concern
• National Fisherman: Calif. salmon season reopens, bringing cautious optimism
• Seafood Source: Commercial salmon fishing returns in California
• Oroville Mercury-Register (Calif.): Fish passage project to break barriers on Big Chico Creek
• California Trout: Blog: Construction begins on Iron Canyon fish passage project, unlocking miles of critical salmon habitat on on Big Chico Creek
• Gov. Gavin Newsom: News release: Let’s go fishing! Salmon fishing is back in California after more than 3-year closure