Where Are The Salmon In California Right Now: A Current Update

California Salmon Runs: Understanding the Migration Patterns

California boasts a diverse array of salmon runs, each uniquely timed with the changing seasons, and one of the prominent species in focus is the Central Valley spring-run Chinook Salmon. These salmon embark on their remarkable journey within the Sacramento-San Joaquin River system, named after the season in which the majority of these salmon adults enter freshwater.

The Central Valley spring-run Chinook Salmon, as the name suggests, begin their upstream migration into the Sacramento River from late March through September. This period is marked by a flurry of activity as these salmon swim against the currents, overcoming obstacles in their path, and eventually reaching their spawning grounds.

However, it’s important to note that this is just one of the several salmon runs in California. The state’s diverse geography and climate result in a mosaic of migration patterns and timing, with different salmon species arriving at various times of the year in different rivers and streams across the state. Understanding these patterns is crucial for conservation efforts and ensuring the continued health of these remarkable fish populations.

Is salmon fishing season still open in California? Unfortunately, for the first time since 2009, there is no salmon fishing season in California, which has had a significant impact on fishers, coastal towns, and Native communities. However, this outcome was not predetermined; it resulted from specific decisions regarding water management in the state. KQED’s climate and science reporter, Danielle Venton, delves into the key factors that contributed to this situation in her report dated August 4, 2023. In her analysis, Venton highlights the crucial role played by the state’s water management choices in the absence of a salmon fishing season.