Ocean salmon season alternatives released by Pacific Fishery Management Council for public review

SALEM, Ore. – The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) met March 4-9 to develop three alternatives for ocean salmon seasons along the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California.

PFMC is hosting a hybrid public meeting March 24 from 7-9 p.m. in Newport to receive input on the proposed salmon management alternatives. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff will provide a review of PFMC's alternatives which are available online. The meeting is at the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building Auditorium, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr.

The final salmon season recommendations will be determined at the next PFMC meeting from April 8-12 in Portland. The final PFMC adopted fishing season recommendations will be sent to the U.S. Department of Commerce for approval by May 15.

PFMC's Salmon Advisory Subpanel with support from the Salmon Technical Team considered and analyzed numerous fishing scenarios for summer and fall 2026 ocean salmon seasons. The spring recreational fishing season (prior to May 16) was developed last year and begins on March 15 from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border.

Forecasts for fall Chinook returning to the Sacramento and Klamath rivers this year are higher than last year allowing for improved season structures. Management constraints for Klamath River fall Chinook were still a factor in the season setting process. Coho abundance forecasts are generally similar to last year, resulting in a range of coho seasons comparable to 2025.

"After several very challenging years, it was nice to be able to consider some improved recreational opportunity, but Klamath River fall Chinook limited our flexibility when framing commercial troll fisheries," said John North, ODFW's Deputy Fish Division Administrator for Marine and Columbia River programs.

South of Cape Falcon

The PFMC's three alternatives for south of Cape Falcon recreational summer and fall salmon seasons vary by number of open fishing days and area and would allow good coho opportunity beginning in June and extending into September. Improved Chinook fishing opportunities are expected this year along the Oregon coast, with all three alternatives including Chinook retention through October.

North of Cape Falcon

A different mix of salmon stocks are present north of Cape Falcon, so recreational season alternatives are different in this region. Current options include Chinook and coho fishing opportunities beginning in late June and extending into September, or until quotas are achieved.

Commercial troll

Commercial troll opportunity from Cape Falcon to the Oregon/California border in all three PFMC's alternatives are similar to or slightly improved from last year. With open periods ranging from May through October and coho retention allowed in September.

Anglers, commercial fishers, and industry participants are encouraged to comment during the April PFMC meeting. Going through the PFMC e-portal is the best way to comment.