BY DAVE HURLEY
SAUSALITO – After a spectacular two-day salmon season in the San Francisco/Half Moon Bay area in June, a second window with a 7500-fish quota opened from September 4-7 from Point Reyes south to Point Sur with similar incredible fishing. The harbors of Monterey, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, and San Francisco Bay were bustling with boats, and it looked like a jailbreak at the Golden Gate with so many vessels breaking through the chop on the opening day.
Every party boat was sold out well in advance, and when Captain Steve Mitchell of Hook’d Up Sport Fishing had three open seats due to a last-minute cancellation, he filled the spots within 10 minutes after fielding dozens of phone calls. Salmon has that kind of effect on northern California saltwater anglers, and it has been a long 2.5 years for recreational anglers. Captain James Smith of California Dawn Sport Fishing described the impact of salmon, “Salmon our lifeblood.”
As anticipated, the action was fast and furious out of the San Francisco Bay harbors on the opener with the Codfather out of Alameda putting in 10 quality salmon within 20 minutes of dropping gear. The California Dawn 1 and 2, Happy Hooker, and Pacific Dream, all out of Berkeley Marina, posted 195 salmon to 31 pounds, one fish shy of a combined 98 limits. James Smith added, “We witnessed epic salmon fishing today with some of the largest grade of salmon I could ever remember on a single trip. There were lots of heartbreak for many people with broken lines and fish escaping, but at the end of the day, we finished up with the fish box stuffed to the top with no room left to spare. Captain Trent Slate of Bite Me Charters out of Paradise Cay was back in early on Friday after experiencing chaos on the deck with double- and triple-hook ups for 8 limits ranging from 12 to 20 pounds.
The Golden State Salmon Association (GSSA), a major force in the restoration of California’s salmon populations, viewed the short season as ‘A welcome glimmer of hope – albeit briefly,’ adding, “ For many, this return is more than a fishing opportunity—it’s an emotional moment, a chance to reconnect with tradition, community, and the fish that have shaped California’s coastal identity for generations. At the GSSA, we’re relieved to see a season reopen, even if limited. But that relief comes with cautious optimism. Salmon populations remain dangerously low, and while we welcome the chance to get back on the water, we’re keeping our eyes on the long-term recovery effort that’s still desperately needed. While recreational anglers prepare their gear, California’s commercial salmon fleet faces a third consecutive year of closure. The economic toll on these small, family-owned businesses has been devastating, with ripple effects hitting seafood markets, restaurants, coastal towns, and tribal communities that have historically relied on the salmon economy.
Captain Jerad Davis of the Salty Lady out of Sausalito eloquently described the effect of ocean salmon, stating, “It’s hard to describe what salmon means…The most exhilarating fish to hook, fight and catch, fantastic table fare, and by far the most popular fish for putting people on my boat, and much needed income for charter and commercial fishermen who depend on it to feed themselves & their families. But to myself and many others it means more. It is an integral part of our lives. It is a big part of who we are. You’d have to be there. The atmosphere in our harbor, even with mere crumbs of a token Salmon season, is nothing short of electric, like being near a lightning strike. Pins and needles, and the hairs on your arms are standing up. I will never again take for granted this fishery that I have considered standard for most of my life.”
“Recreational windows are welcome and a much-needed boost for businesses, but the long-term recovery of California salmon can’t rest on piecemeal seasons,” said Scott Artis, Executive Director of GSSA. “We need systemic change—starting with water management and habitat restoration—to bring back sustainable runs and fully reopen our commercial and recreational fishery. Yes, we’re thrilled to see anglers back on the water. But make no mistake—California salmon are still in crisis.”
While we all applaud the opportunity to fish in the ocean for salmon for a total of 6 days in 2025, but this is only one part of the solution as we can’t really celebrate until the commercial fleet is back in the water, and incredible days like experienced during the short season are routine.
