Saltwater · San Francisco
Salmon - Masu
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
A masu salmon which has reached sexual maturity has a darkened back, and the stripes on the body sides become bright red with crimson tinge to merge on the abdomen into one common longitudinal band of lighter color. For this reason,it was given the name cherry salmon. As adults, masu salmon tend to weigh 2.0 to 2.5 kg and measure roughly 50 cm in length.[3] The maximum size that can be attained by this species (which is in the region of Primorsky Krai) is 71 cm long and 9 kg in weight.