Over 9,000 Chinook salmon caught during California’s 2-day season

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — More than 10,000 anglers participated in the two-day recreational ocean salmon fishing season off the California coast earlier this month, according to wildlife officials. Now that the number of Chinook salmon caught has been tallied, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton Bonham called the weekend a “huge success.”

The Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, were biting as far south as San Luis Obispo County during the June 7-8 season. The majority of the catch was brought in from anglers originating from San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey Bay ports, CDFW said.

In total, wildlife officials estimate that 9,165 Chinook salmon were caught by anglers aboard charter vessels and private skiffs.

Several Bay Area-based charters reported on social media reaching bag limits for many of their anglers, including Fish Emeryville, Golden State Sportfishing, Blue Runner Sportfishing and Lovely Martha Sportfishing.

“We’ve seen so many pictures and heard many stories of people enjoying their time on the water with family and friends,” Bonham said.

With the number of salmon caught exceeding the summer fishery harvest guideline of 7,000, the remaining summer season dates will be closed. The fall recreational ocean salmon fishery season is set to open September 4-7 with a separate harvest guideline of 7,500.