Beloved California Treat Set to Make a Comeback After 3-Year Hiatus

After a three-year pause, a cherished Californian specialty is making its way back to dining tables, courtesy of a decision by the local fishery council.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council has declared that state waters will reopen for fishing California King Salmon. This follows a closure in 2022 triggered by concerns over declining salmon populations amid the state’s prolonged drought conditions.

The council’s decision was influenced by “improved forecasts for both Sacramento and Klamath River fall Chinook compared to recent years.”

“Our priorities are centered around providing meaningful fishing opportunities, achieving conservation and management goals, and maintaining the long-term health of salmon populations and fishing communities,” stated Council Chair Pete Hassemer in a press statement.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Council has outlined fishing seasons that aim to balance offering valuable opportunities for all stakeholders while ensuring sustainable resource management.

The announcement has been eagerly anticipated by fishermen and industry stakeholders, who have been unable to catch local salmon—known for originating in freshwater rivers—for several years. Nonetheless, the fishing season will be shortened, with strict limits on the quantities that can be caught by both commercial and recreational fishers.

The season will open on a limited basis starting in May, with many restaurants and grocery stores that offer the California coastal chinook celebrating the move. However, due to the limited catch window, it will likely mean high costs for the delicacy.

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“We haven’t had a wild salmon season in so long you almost forgot we have our own king salmon in California,” Shelley Lindgren, wine director and co-owner of San Francisco’s A16 restaurant as well as member of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association board told the San Francisco Chronicle.

 “The minute we can get it, we will have it on the menu,” Lindgren said. “It’s really a joy to offer.”

“We love having the seafood coming from right out our back door… super exciting.”

The financial damage from the closure of the commercial fisheries for three years was severe, with estimated costs of nearly $100 million, per Cal Matters.

Executive director of the industry’s Golden State Salmon Association, Vance Staplin, is cautiously optimistic about the reopening.

“Everyone’s doing a big dance that we’re fishing, and that’s cool,” he told the oultet. “But these commercial guys are going to be struggling, the bigger boats especially because of the overhead.”

Sarah Bates, who fishes commercially from San Francisco, told Cal Matters that she gets that people are concerned.

“I really understand why people are upset,” she said. “But also, I’m so excited to catch some fish. Even though it’s not enough. It’s not even close to enough.”

The final plan must still be adopted by the National Marine Fisheries Service, which is expected to make a decision by the end of the month.

The Post reached out to the Golden State Salmon Association and the state restaurant association for further comment.