ASA Welcomes Strong 2026 Fall Chinook Forecast and Expanded Opportunity in California

The American Sportfishing Association is encouraged by the recently released 2026 fall Chinook forecast, which shows significant improvement compared to the past three years. The forecast for the Sacramento Index is approximately 400,000 fish, a substantial increase that signals renewed opportunity for anglers and coastal communities.

State, federal, tribal, and industry representatives will meet next week in Sacramento at the Pacific Fishery Management Council to begin crafting fishing seasons that meet conservation commitments, including protections for ESA listed stocks returning to the coast and the Klamath River. Based on the improved forecast, the seasons under development are likely to include significantly more opportunity than anglers have seen during the last three years.

Final season structure will be determined by the Pacific Fishery Management Council during its April meeting in Portland, Oregon. Anglers who are interested in sharing their vision regarding season structure are encouraged to submit their comments to the Council as part of the public process.

This is welcome news for the tens of thousands of recreational anglers and the thousands of businesses that have not been able to participate in salmon fishing in recent years. Recreational salmon fishing supports manufacturers, retailers, guides, charter operators, and tourism related businesses throughout the Pacific region.

“Salmon are an icon in California. For many families, fishing for fall Chinook is more than just a season, it is a tradition passed down through generations,” said Larry Phillips, Pacific Fisheries Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association. “After several difficult years, this forecast gives anglers real hope that we can get back on the water, reconnect with that tradition, and support the communities that depend on salmon fishing, all while continuing to protect the resource for the future.”

ASA looks forward to working collaboratively throughout the upcoming process to ensure expanded opportunity while maintaining healthy fisheries for the future.

For more information, please contact:

Larry Phillips
Pacific Fisheries Policy Director
lphillips@asafishing.org
American Sportfishing Association