The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announces the recreational ocean salmon, groundfish and Pacific halibut fisheries scheduled to open May 1 will proceed as planned.

However, anglers are reminded to abide by all state and local health guidelines regarding non-essential travel and physical distancing. Staying home in order to stay healthy is still the best way to keep yourself and others safe. Anglers are also advised to check with local authorities on the status of harbor services and access points as many site closures and access restrictions exist and may change daily.

The ocean salmon fishery will open May 1 in the Fort Bragg, San Francisco and Monterey areas [Horse Mountain (40°05’00” N. latitude) to the U.S./Mexico border], while the boat-based groundfish fishery in the Northern and Mendocino management areas [Oregon/California state line to Point Arena (38 °57.5” N. latitude)] will open as well. The groundfish fishery in other California management areas remains open. The Pacific halibut fishery also will open statewide on May 1.

Federal regulations establish recreational fishing seasons for California’s ocean salmon, groundfish and Pacific halibut fisheries, following recommendations made by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. The California Fish and Game Commission adopts regulations for state waters to match the federal season dates.

Please check the following resources for more information on these fisheries:

• CDFW’s Ocean Salmon web page, Ocean Salmon Hotline (707) 576-3429, or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Ocean Salmon Hotline, (800) 662-9825
• CDFW’s Recreational Groundfish Regulations web page or Groundfish and Pacific halibut regulations hotline (831) 649-2801
• CDFW’s Pacific halibut web page, Groundfish and Pacific halibut hotline (831) 649-2801, or the NMFS Pacific halibut hotline (800) 662-9825.