CDFW Releases New Tools to Track Ocean Salmon Harvests in Real Time

California anglers now have a powerful new resource to plan their fishing trips thanks to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), which has launched digital harvest tracking tools for the 2026 ocean salmon season. The tools, available on CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information page, allow recreational and commercial fishers to monitor how much of each regional harvest guideline has been used — and how much remains. Updated twice monthly (and more frequently as limits approach), the trackers give anglers real-time visibility into season status across California’s distinct fishing zones.

The 2026 recreational season is already underway in the Monterey area south of Pigeon Point, which opened April 11. The Klamath Management Zone and Fort Bragg area open June 13, followed by the San Francisco area (Point Arena to Pigeon Point) on June 27. Fishing continues through scheduled open periods between June and August, or until regional harvest guidelines are reached — whichever comes first. A fall reopening is planned for portions of the San Francisco and Monterey areas under separate fall harvest guidelines.

Anglers are encouraged to check the tracker regularly before heading out, as seasons can close early once harvest limits are met. In-season regulation changes are announced through the National Marine Fisheries Service Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (800) 662-9825 or CDFW’s hotline at (707) 576-3429.

Read the complete CDFW news release.