Fishing Directory

California King Salmon Season 2026: Dates, Gear & West Coast Fishing Guide

California anglers are heading into their first complete king salmon season since 2022. After years of closures and severely restricted seasons, the 2026 Pacific salmon season opens April 11 along the California coast and runs through September 30 in most zones — with select zones extending to October 15. Oregon and Washington are also open, with seasons running roughly April through September across their respective management zones. Whether you’re trolling for Chinook off the California coast, working the Columbia River in Oregon, or running the Puget Sound in Washington, this guide covers the gear, the tackle, and the techniques for the 2026 West Coast king salmon season. West Marine stores up and down the coast are stocked with everything you need — with product on shelves the first week of April.

2026 California Salmon Season Dates

The 2026 California salmon season is one of the most significant openings in recent memory for West Coast anglers:

  • Season opens: April 11, 2026
  • Most zones close: September 30, 2026
  • Select zones: Open through October 15, 2026

This is a full ocean and river season — the first since 2022. California’s salmon season is managed by CDFW (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) in coordination with NOAA Fisheries. Regulations vary by zone, so always confirm current rules for your specific fishing area before heading out. Bag limits, minimum size, and gear restrictions differ between ocean and river fishing and between management zones along the coast.

Oregon & Washington Salmon Seasons 2026

Oregon and Washington salmon seasons follow a similar April–September timeline but are divided into numerous management zones with distinct opening and closing dates, gear restrictions, and hatchery vs. wild retention rules. Key fisheries include the Columbia River (Oregon and Washington both border it), the Willamette River system, Puget Sound, and ocean zones off both coasts. Check ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) and WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) for current zone-specific dates before your trip.

Understanding King Salmon (Chinook): Behavior & Habitat

King salmon — also called Chinook — are the largest Pacific salmon species, averaging 15–30 lb for ocean fish with trophy specimens exceeding 50 lb. They are the primary target of California’s commercial and sport fishery and the most sought-after salmon on the West Coast. Understanding their seasonal behavior shapes every gear and presentation choice:

  • Spring (April–June): Ocean fish are actively feeding on anchovies, herring, and squid. Trolling with bait or lures near the surface (15–60 feet) is most productive. Fish orient to temperature breaks and bait schools — a fish finder and sea surface temperature charts are essential for locating fish.
  • Summer (July–September): As water warms, salmon push deeper or hold along thermal breaks. Downriggers become critical for fishing the 60–150 foot depth range where fish spend the summer. River fishing also opens as fish begin their spawning migration.
  • Current and structure: Ocean king salmon follow bait concentrations, which concentrate near upwellings, rip lines, and temperature breaks. On rivers, staging fish hold in deep, slow pools below riffles and at tributary confluences.

King Salmon Trolling: The Core West Coast Method

Trolling is the dominant method for ocean king salmon fishing on the California coast, in Puget Sound, and in the large tidal rivers of Oregon and Washington. The goal is to present a bait or lure at the precise depth where salmon are holding, at a speed that triggers strikes. West Marine carries the full lineup of trolling gear for king salmon — from downriggers and trolling rods to spoons, flashers, and hoochies.

Downriggers for King Salmon

A downrigger is the most important piece of trolling equipment for summer king salmon. It uses a heavy weight on a cable to carry your lure to a precise depth while you troll at normal speed. When a salmon strikes, the line releases from the downrigger clip and you fight the fish on a free line. West Marine stocks a full selection of Cannon and Scotty downriggers specifically chosen for the 2026 salmon season:

  • Cannon Downriggers: Downrigger-Powerpack 30, Depthpower Electric 60in, Depth King, Magnum 10 STX, Magnum 10 STX TS, Optimum 10 TS BT, Optimum 10 BT, DepthMaster 1050DPR, Uni Troll 10, Uni Troll 10 Tournament, Uni Troll 5, Easi Troll HS, HP 60in, Pro Pack Electric 60in, Strong Arm — covering manual, electric, and tournament configurations for boats of every size.
  • Scotty Downriggers: Additional Scotty models rounding out manual and electric options for West Coast salmon trolling.
  • Downrigger accessories: Downrigger weights (6, 8, 10, 12 lb flash weights), stainless steel cable (200’, 300’, 400’), release clips (Power Grip, Offshore XHD, Universal, Quick, Pinch), stackers, bases, mounts, pedestal risers, and terminal kits — everything needed to set up or upgrade a downrigger installation.

Dipsy Divers

Luhr Jensen Dipsy Divers are a popular alternative or complement to downriggers for reaching depth without additional hardware. The diver planes down to a set depth and deflects to one side, spreading lures away from the boat’s prop wash. When a fish strikes, the diver trips and you fight the fish directly. Available at West Marine in Size 1 (Flo. Pink/Chartreuse UV and Green Fire UV) and Size 3 Magnum (Chartreuse/White and Black/Black), covering the depth range most useful for California and PNW king salmon.

King Salmon Flashers & Attractors

Flashers are rotational attractors run ahead of lures to mimic a school of baitfish and draw salmon from a distance. They are standard equipment on virtually every West Coast salmon trolling rig. West Marine stocks two proven flasher lines for the 2026 season:

  • Money Roll Flasher (8-1/4” and 11”): Available in Brandon’s Secret, Chrome Scale, Citrus Nugget, Glow Blue Crush, Rainbow Crush, and Razzle Dazzle. The 11-inch size is the standard for king salmon; the 8.25-inch works well for coho and lighter tackle applications.
  • Salmon Whistle 11” Flasher: Available in Chartreuse Watermelon, Green Watermelon, and Red Watermelon — color patterns proven in California and PNW salmon fisheries. The Whistle-style rotational action produces a distinct vibration signature that differs from standard flashers, giving anglers options when fish are selective.
  • Herring Dodgers (6”, 2/0): Luhr Jensen dodgers produce a side-to-side dart rather than a full rotation, creating a different action that is particularly effective for river king salmon and when trolling with cut herring or bait rigs. Available in Chrome and Hammered Chrome finishes.

King Salmon Lures & Bait

West Marine’s 2026 salmon season selection covers the full range of productive king salmon lures and bait presentations for California and PNW waters.

Coyote Spoons

The Coyote Spoon is one of the most widely used king salmon trolling lures on the West Coast. Its wide-wobble action imitates an injured anchovy or herring and produces consistently behind both flashers and dodgers. Available in three sizes: 3.5, 4.0, and 5.0 inches. Top color patterns include Nickel/Silver Prism-Lite, Live Image/Neon Blue Side Stripe, Live Image/Neon Green Side Stripe, Everglo/Flo. Green, Shiny Yellow Watermelon, and Everglo Army Truck. The 5-inch size handles king salmon in deeper water; the 3.5 and 4-inch sizes work well for coho and shallower applications.

Squid & Hoochies (P-Line)

P-Line’s 4.5-inch squid skirts and rigged squid are a staple of Pacific salmon trolling — particularly for ocean king salmon. Run behind a flasher at controlled depth, squid imitate the primary forage of ocean Chinook. West Marine carries the full P-Line salmon squid lineup: both unrigged squid (Silver/Blue/Black Spots, Glow/Blue/Black Stripe, Glow/Rainbow Flake, White, White/Pink Stripes, Blue/Red/Silver, Blue/Silver/Black Silver Flake, Light Purple/Solid Black/Glitter) and pre-rigged squid skirts ready to clip to your flasher leader. Mylar insert packs (Pink, Rainbow/Natural, Metallic Silver, Light Blue Tinsel) allow anglers to modify existing squid colors on the water.

Luhr Jensen Flash Flies

The Jensen Flash Fly Size 4 is a classic West Coast salmon lure — a marabou and flashabou fly designed to trail behind a flasher or dodger. The pulsing action of the fly in tandem with the attractor’s vibration is a proven combination for both king and coho salmon. Available in six Everglo colors: Blue Pirate X2, Dill Pickle, Blue Magoo, Purple Haze X2, Ghost, and Cotton Candy — each matched to different light conditions and water clarity.

Crippled Herring & Whole Bait Heads

Crippled Herring spoons (3-inch and 4-inch, Nickel/Neon Blue Back and Nickel/Neon Green Back) mimic wounded baitfish with an erratic, tumbling action. They can be trolled directly or in tandem with a flasher for additional attraction. Whole Bait Heads (Chartreuse Glow, Fish Candy UV Purple, UV Chartreuse, UV Blue) provide a natural baitfish head rig for threading fresh anchovies or herring — the most traditional and often most effective California king salmon presentation on the ocean.

King Salmon Rods

West Marine’s 2026 salmon season rod selection focuses on California Bay Area and ocean trolling applications:

  • Bay Area Conventional Rods (7’11” ML and M): Built specifically for California Bay Area salmon fishing — trolling in San Francisco Bay, the Delta, and nearshore ocean zones. The 7’11” length provides reach for rod holder placement, and the medium-light and medium actions are matched to the light to medium tackle used in Bay Area trolling.
  • Ugly Stik Tiger Conventional 8’ ML: A heavy-duty conventional rod for ocean and river salmon trolling. The Tiger’s robust construction handles the repetitive stress of all-day trolling and the power of large Chinook without fatigue. An excellent all-around salmon rod for PNW trolling applications as well.

Browse West Marine’s full selection of salmon trolling rods for ocean and river applications.

King Salmon Reels

King salmon trolling and river fishing require conventional reels with line counter capability, strong drag systems, and the line capacity to handle long runs from large Chinook. Browse the full selection of salmon fishing reels at West Marine — including these models curated for the 2026 season:

  • Shimano Torium 20 HG & 30 HG: High-gear conventional reels for rapid lure retrieval. A strong, trusted option for both ocean and river king salmon.
  • Shimano Tekota 600LC: A line counter conventional reel — the standard for serious salmon trolling. The line counter allows anglers to deploy lures to an exact distance behind the boat and repeat productive trolling passes precisely. The 600LC handles the line capacity and drag demands of large Chinook.
  • Shimano Speedmaster II 12 & 16: Proven conventional reels for medium-weight salmon trolling. Reliable drag and fast retrieve for working flasher and spoon rigs through the water column.
  • Penn Fathom II 20 LW LC: A line counter lever drag reel with excellent drag smoothness for fighting large salmon. The Fathom II is a popular choice for California ocean trolling.
  • Penn Squall II 20 LW & 30 LW: Level wind conventional reels built for the repetitive demands of all-day trolling. The level wind mechanism ensures even line lay for consistent depth control across long trolling runs.
  • Penn TLD 15 LD & Daiwa Lexa LC300 (x2): Additional conventional and baitcasting options covering river mooching and light trolling applications for coho alongside king salmon.

Terminal Tackle & Rigging

A complete rigging kit keeps you fishing through leader breaks, lure changes, and varying conditions. Key terminal tackle items from the 2026 salmon SKU selection include:

  • P-Line Hi-Strength Rolling Swivels (3-pack, 88 lb and 71 lb): Essential for connecting flashers and dodgers to the mainline and leader without twist. Use a swivel at both ends of the flasher for best results.
  • Rig-Tie 30 lb 4/0–5/0 with CXX Leader: Pre-tied mooching and trolling rigs ready to clip onto your flasher leader. Saves rigging time on the water.
  • Barbless hooks (4/0, 5/0, 6/0): Many California salmon zones require barbless hooks. Stock a range of sizes for both bait rigs and lure applications. Gamak barbless, octopus-style barbless 6/0 in nickel finish.
  • Pitbull Tackle Salmon Mooch Rig: A complete, pre-tied mooching rig for live and cut bait presentations in California Bay Area and nearshore ocean fishing.
  • Sinker releases (UV Green, UV Dark Pink): Adjustable UV sinker releases allow quick depth adjustment on the water without re-rigging. Essential for trolling rigs using in-line weights.

Landing Nets for King Salmon

A quality landing net is non-negotiable for king salmon — fish in the 20–40 lb class require a large-frame, deep-bag net to land safely boatside. West Marine’s 2026 salmon selection includes the full EGO net lineup alongside traditional landing nets sized for salmon and steelhead:

  • EGO S2 series: 24x27 rubber catch net XL, Deep Rubber 22in L, Compact Rubber 18in Handle, Reach models (19in and 22in, PVC, 48in handle) — for catch-and-release and hatchery retention fishing. The EGO S2 Reach is ideal for ocean trolling where the fish needs to be netted at a distance from the gunwale.
  • Landing nets: Salmon/Striper 48in handle net, Power Catch 3390, S1 Genesis Large, and Sportsman 20x23x36 — covering the full range of salmon net sizes for both boat and shore fishing. Browse the complete landing net selection at West Marine.

Bait Tank & Livewell Setup

Live anchovies are one of the most effective baits for California king salmon. Keeping them alive through a full day of ocean fishing requires a properly aerated bait tank with continuous water flow. A quality livewell pump maintains oxygen levels and water temperature for bait that stays frisky all day — critical when mooching or slow-trolling live bait for Chinook.

West Marine Stores for the 2026 Salmon Season

With California’s first complete salmon season since 2022 opening April 11, West Marine stores throughout California, Oregon, and Washington will be stocked with the full salmon season lineup — rods, reels, downriggers, flashers, spoons, squid, flies, terminal tackle, and nets — in store the first week of April. Browse the complete selection of salmon rods, reels, downriggers, lures and bait, and all salmon fishing gear at westmarine.com or find your nearest West Coast store.

California King Salmon Season: Frequently Asked Questions

When is salmon season in California 2026?

California’s 2026 salmon season opens April 11 and runs through September 30 in most zones, with select zones open through October 15. This is the first complete salmon season in California since 2022. Regulations vary by zone — ocean rules, bay and delta rules, and river rules are all managed separately by CDFW. Always confirm current regulations for your specific fishing area at wildlife.ca.gov before heading out.

Is salmon season open in California right now?

The 2026 California salmon season opens April 11. Outside of the designated open season, salmon must be released immediately if caught incidentally. Because California salmon regulations change annually and vary by management zone, the most reliable way to confirm current season status is the CDFW website at wildlife.ca.gov, or by calling the CDFW hotline. West Marine stores along the California coast can also provide current local fishing reports and condition updates.

When does salmon season open in Washington state?

Washington salmon season runs roughly April through September 2026, but specific opening dates vary significantly by zone — Puget Sound, ocean zones, and the Columbia River all open on different schedules. Washington’s salmon fisheries are managed by WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) with input from tribal co-management agreements. Check the WDFW website for the current season schedule for your specific zone before fishing.

When is salmon season in Oregon 2026?

Oregon salmon seasons also run roughly April through September 2026 across ocean and river zones. The Columbia River (which Oregon shares with Washington), the Willamette River, the Rogue River, and ocean zones off the Oregon coast all operate on distinct schedules. Oregon’s salmon seasons are managed by ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife). Check the ODFW website for zone-specific dates and regulations for 2026.

What is the bag limit for king salmon in California?

California’s standard ocean salmon bag limit has historically been 2 Chinook (king) salmon per day with a season limit that varies by area. Minimum size requirements also apply — typically 24 inches total length for Chinook in ocean zones, though this varies by zone and changes annually. Bag limits, minimum sizes, and season limits are set each year by CDFW in coordination with NOAA — always confirm current limits at wildlife.ca.gov before your trip, as they can differ between ocean zones, the bay, and rivers.

Are barbless hooks required for salmon fishing in California?

Barbless hooks are required in many California salmon management areas, particularly in rivers and certain bay and delta zones. The barbless requirement is intended to reduce injury to wild salmon that must be released. Barbless hooks do not significantly reduce hookup rates when circle hooks are used properly — and in zones where wild salmon must be released, a barbless hook is significantly faster for clean release. West Marine stocks a range of barbless salmon hooks (4/0, 5/0, 6/0 in octopus and circle styles) for California zone compliance. Always check zone-specific gear regulations before fishing — requirements differ between ocean, bay, and river zones.

What is the difference between hatchery and wild salmon retention rules?

Many California, Oregon, and Washington salmon fisheries distinguish between hatchery-origin and wild-origin fish, with different retention rules for each. Hatchery salmon have a clipped adipose fin (the small fin between the dorsal fin and tail) and are generally legal to retain. Wild salmon have an intact adipose fin and must often be released in fisheries where wild stocks are depressed. On the Columbia River and many PNW rivers, “mark-selective” fishing rules mean only adipose-clipped (hatchery) fish may be retained. Always check whether the zone you’re fishing is mark-selective and learn to identify the adipose fin — retaining a wild fish where prohibited is a serious violation.

Do I need a license to fish for salmon in California?

Yes. California requires a valid sport fishing license plus a salmon report card for anyone fishing for salmon in ocean or inland waters. The report card must be completed and returned to CDFW at the end of the season regardless of whether you caught fish — this data is used to manage the fishery. Licenses and report cards are available from CDFW online at wildlife.ca.gov, from license agents, and from many sporting goods and tackle retailers. Fish and chips are not an excuse — always have both on your person while fishing.

What is the best trolling speed for king salmon?

The most productive trolling speed for California king salmon is generally 1.5–3.5 mph depending on the lure and conditions. Hoochies and cut herring behind a dodger fish well at 1.5–2.5 mph. Spoons like the Coyote need slightly more speed (2–3.5 mph) to achieve proper wobble action. Check lure action by watching the rod tip — a steady, rhythmic pulse indicates the lure is running correctly. Speed over ground differs from boat speed in current, so adjust accordingly. Many experienced California trollers run GPS speed and find that the difference between 1.8 and 2.2 mph can make a significant difference in results on slow days.

What is mooching for salmon and how does it work?

Mooching is a drift-fishing technique used primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento River system, and certain PNW river estuary fisheries. The angler presents a cut or whole anchovy on a mooching rig — a two-hook leader with a crescent or banana sinker above it — and drifts slowly with the current or motors into the wind to maintain a slow presentation. The cut anchovy spins slowly as it sinks, imitating injured baitfish. Mooching requires a lighter, more sensitive rod than trolling (typically 8–9 feet, medium action) and a reel with a smooth, free-spool drag. The Pitbull Tackle Salmon Mooch Rig available at West Marine is a pre-tied mooching leader ready to fish.

How deep should I set my downrigger for salmon?

The right downrigger depth depends on where fish are holding, which you locate with a fish finder or depth sounder. In spring (April–June), California ocean Chinook often feed near the surface at 15–60 feet — downriggers may not be necessary early in the season. By summer, fish typically push to 60–150 feet following cooler water and baitfish concentrations. Set your downrigger to the depth where fish marks appear on your sonar and run your lure 25–75 feet behind the weight. Vary both depth and setback until you find the productive combination. Most experienced California salmon trollers run two downriggers set at slightly different depths to cover a range efficiently.

What size flasher should I use for king salmon?

An 11-inch flasher is the standard for king salmon trolling on the West Coast. The larger size produces more flash and vibration that attracts Chinook from greater distances across open water. The 8.25-inch size is more appropriate for coho and lighter tackle. Run the flasher 18–24 inches ahead of your lure on a 3–5 foot leader behind the flasher. Top California and PNW flasher patterns include Chrome Scale, Citrus Nugget, and the Watermelon color series from the Money Roll and Salmon Whistle lineups stocked at West Marine.