Salmon fishing season returns to Central Coast for first time in 4 years
By Felix Cortez
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SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KSBW) — State leaders have announced that sport fishing for salmon will reopen on the Central Coast starting April 11, with commercial fishing set to begin the following month, marking a significant moment for commercial fishermen who have been unable to fish for salmon since 2022.
“It’s the news that everybody’s been waiting for,” said Blake Anderson, Santa Cruz Harbormaster, expressing the anticipation surrounding the reopening of salmon season.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed that recreational fishing will commence on April 11, while commercial fishing is scheduled to kick off in May.
The Santa Cruz Harbor is preparing for an influx of boaters, which is expected to benefit local businesses.
“We expect a lot of visitation here, a lot of boating,” Anderson said. “It’s good for the harbor, good for the businesses around here. You know, recreational salmon is really important and it’s part of our culture here in Santa Cruz.”
An abbreviated recreational salmon season last year lasted about two weeks, but the reopening is particularly significant for commercial fishermen who have been unable to fish for salmon since 2022.
Anderson noted the challenges faced by larger boats due to quota restrictions but highlighted the opportunity for smaller boats to harvest salmon and earn money.
State wildlife leaders have determined that salmon stocks have recovered sufficiently to allow sport and commercial salmon fishing from south of Pigeon Point in San Mateo County to the U.S./Mexico border.
Hans Haveman, owner of H&H Fish Market, expressed excitement about the reopening, emphasizing the popularity of salmon and its improved health this year.
Haveman said. “You know. it’s definitely the fish. Everybody wants a 3 to 1 salmon over anything else. And it’s like a little healthier this year. We’re really excited.”
Predetermined fish quotas will dictate the duration of the fishing seasons, which could last weeks or months. Local fish markets are eager for the return of fresh salmon, although Hans cautioned that there might be some sticker shock due to limited supply.
“This year is going to be abbreviated, but we’ll have a few fish that’ll come in and it might be some sticker shock because it won’t be a lot of them,” Haveman said. “But we’ll try to keep prices down and then take care of our local fishermen as best we can. And some of our local eaters, too.”
The exact date for the start of the commercial season will be determined in mid-April.
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