Central Coast (Point Arena to Point Conception)

. September 3, 2026 Correcting Amendment for 2026 Salmon Management Measures Affecting the recreational salmon fishery in the Monterey and San Francisco management areas NOAA Fisheries published a final rule to implement a correction to previously published management measures for the recreational ocean salmon fishery in the area from Point Arena to the United States/Mexico border. This correcting amendment corrects an error in the May 19, 2026, rule by adding the language “all salmon except coho salmon, two salmon per day” to specify the bag limit for the recreational ocean salmon fisheries in the area from Pigeon Point, California to the United States/Mexico border (Monterey management area). In addition, it clarifies the applicability of bag limits and early 2027 management measures in the area from Point Arena to Pigeon Point (San Francisco). The correcting amendment is effective September 3, 2026, and is available on the Federal Register website. Please refer to the Final Rule for the West Coast Salmon Fisheries 2026-2027 Specifications and Management Measures for additional regulations and supporting materials. Questions? Contact Shannon Penna, Fishery Biologist, at (562) 980-4239 or shannon.penna@noaa.gov. Fishery Bulletins and Notices Visit NOAA Fisheries' Rules & Regulations directory to learn more about recent federal management actions affecting managed fish species on the West Coast. Visit the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Regional Office website

On August 19, 2026, federal fishery managers took inseason action to close the summer commercial ocean salmon fishing season off California. The 83,000 Chinook salmon Summer Harvest Limit has been attained, and the summer commercial season has been closed. Federal fishery managers also took action to modify the recreational spring/summer ocean salmon fishing season, adjusting the closure date to August 24, 2026 in the San Francisco Management Area. The last day of the recreational spring/summer ocean salmon season will be August 23, 2026 in this area.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is lifting its health advisory for commercially harvested Pacific sardines and Northern anchovies from waters between: Pigeon Point, San Mateo County (37⁰ 11.00' N. lat.) and Point Lobos, Monterey County (36⁰ 31.46' N. Lat.).

The June 26, 2026 Monterey Bay commercial fishing restrictions for northern anchovy and Pacific sardine taken for human consumption have been lifted. This action comes after state health agencies determined that northern anchovy and Pacific sardine no longer pose a human health risk if consumed. The recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County has been closed due to a human health risk. High levels of domoic acid have been found in razor clams.

The Klamath Management Zone (ocean waters between the California/Oregon border and 40º10′ N. latitude) is now closed for recreational ocean salmon fishing. The Fort Bragg Management Area (ocean waters between 40º10′ N. latitude and Point Arena) will open August 1 for recreational ocean salmon fishing, and continue through August 9. The remainder of the August dates previously scheduled for the Fort Bragg Management Area are now closed. The San Francisco and Monterey management areas will open for recreational salmon fishing from August 1 through August 31 or until the harvest guidelines for Chinook salmon are met, whichever is earlier. There have been no changes to the recreational fall ocean salmon season that begins in September.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) advises the public not to consume commercially harvested Pacific sardines and Northern anchovies from waters between: Pigeon Point, San Mateo County (37⁰ 11.00' N. lat.) to Point Lobos, Monterey County (36⁰ 31.46' N. Lat.).

In waters south of Pigeon Point, San Mateo County (37⁰ 11.000’ N. lat.) to a line due west from Point Lobos, Monterey County (36⁰ 31.461’ N. lat.), the commercial take of northern anchovy and Pacific sardine for human consumption has been restricted. Commercial take of northern anchovy and Pacific sardine for bait use is allowed, though any anchovy or sardine sold as dead bait must be clearly labeled as not for human consumption or use in pet food. The fishery restrictions only apply to northern anchovy and Pacific sardine, which have been found to have high levels of domoic acid in samples. This restriction does not apply to other finfish.

In Fishing Zone 3 (Sonoma/Mendocino county line, 38°46.125' N. Latitude to Pigeon Point, 37°11' N. Latitude), a recreational trap prohibition will go into effect at 6 p.m. on May 22, 2026. CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in early June 2026.

A 30-fathom depth restriction will be implemented in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery effective 6 p.m. on April 30, 2026 in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 (California/Oregon border to the Sonoma/Mendocino county line). In Fishing Zone 3 (Sonoma/Mendocino county line to Pigeon Point), the commercial Dungeness crab fishery will close at 6 p.m. on April 30, 2026, at which time the commercial take and possession of Dungeness crab from those waters is prohibited unless using alternative gear, the use of which is authorized to begin at 7 a.m. on May 7, 2026. Permitted commercial Dungeness crab vessels are conditionally authorized to retrieve lost, damaged, abandoned, or otherwise derelict commercial Dungeness crab traps. Read the press release for details and conditions. There are no changes to the current recreational crab fishing regulations or seasons.

The commercial Dungeness crab fishery will close on March 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 (Pigeon Point, 37°11' N Latitude to Point Conception, 34°27' N Latitude) at which time the commercial take and possession of Dungeness crab from those waters is prohibited unless using alternative gear, the use of which is authorized beginning April 3, 2026. This is the first time CDFW has authorized the use of alternative gear, or pop-up fishing gear, in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery. The use of approved alternative gear in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 will be allowed beginning April 3, 2026, at 7 a.m. The commercial fishery will remain open in Fishing Zones 1, 2, and 3 (California/Oregon border to Pigeon Point) under existing crab trap reductions. A recreational crab trap restriction will go into effect on March 27, 2026, at 6 p.m., in Fishing Zones 4 and 5. Recreational crabbers may not use crab traps in those fishing zones for the rest of the season, but take of Dungeness crab by other methods (including hoop nets and crab snares) will be allowed. The next risk assessment will take place in early April 2026.