Saltwater · Northern

Salmon - Sockeye

Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.

Species group

SALMON

Season

Ocean salmon seasons change yearly and in-season. Check current CDFW Ocean Salmon regulations before fishing.

Season notes

Do not rely on dated season end fields. See CDFW Ocean Salmon notices and the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide.

Depth limit

See current CDFW Ocean Salmon regulations

Daily bag limit

See current CDFW Ocean Salmon regulations (limits vary by time and area).

Minimum size

See current CDFW Ocean Salmon regulations for minimum size.

Gear restrictions

Ocean salmon gear rules apply (circle hooks, barbless, weight limits, etc.). See current CDFW Ocean Salmon regulations.

Identification

have a bluntly pointed, a conical head, fang-like teeth at the end of their jaws, and 30 40 fine rakers on their first gill arch. Males develop prominent snouts. Non-spawning kokanee are dark to greenish blue on the head and back, silver on the sides, silvery or white on the underbelly, and they exhibit no definite spotting on head, back, or tail. Spawning males develop a bright to olive green coloring on the heads with black on the snout and upper jaw, and a red coloring over their bodies and combinations of fins that vary between populations. Spawning females exhibit a less brilliant coloration than males.