Salmon limit change for 2018-2019

[mattv-mcfly]

Did any one else see that the regs have been changed for salmon this upcoming year? It's going from 2 daily to just 1. Anyone know the reason for the change?

[PV_Premier]

Probably the reason is that the returns have been garbage the last few years?

[Rossflyguy]

This is old news since salmon season is over. They did this to maximize fish return to the Sac hatchery. Moke limit stayed at 2. We’ll see in April if the limit will go back up to 2 next year. They should’ve made ocean limits 1 as well.

[Bob Smith]

The salmon regulations are based on meeting natural spawner escapement goals in the major river systems such as Sacramento and Klamath. Within that process, the in river sport fisheries typically get about 12%-15% of the harvestable surplus with the remainder split between ocean sport and commercial. The primary reason that the ocean salmon limit was two is that the various salmon stocks are co mingled in an ocean fishery while a river fishery is "terminal" focusing primarily on one stock. The decision to go to a one fish limit in the Sacramento was based on trying to meet the fall Chinook natural spawner escapement goal (which hadn't been met in the past couple of years).

[Rossflyguy]

The salmon regulations are based on meeting natural spawner escapement goals in the major river systems such as Sacramento and Klamath. Within that process, the in river sport fisheries typically get about 12%-15% of the harvestable surplus with the remainder split between ocean sport and commercial. The primary reason that the ocean salmon limit was two is that the various salmon stocks are co mingled in an ocean fishery while a river fishery is "terminal" focusing primarily on one stock. The decision to go to a one fish limit in the Sacramento was based on trying to meet the fall Chinook natural spawner escapement goal (which hadn't been met in the past couple of years).

Sounds right BUT they also reduced the limit on the Feather and AR. Reducing the ocean limit would’ve made more sense than reducing the Feather and AR for Sac river stock. But it was nice to see salmon on the Yuba this year. I think all these rivers need to take note from Moke management.

[SebastianV]

I feel that 1 salmon is all you need. Same with Steelhead. Most people keeping salmon/steelhead are coming to the river day after day and keeping two.

[Rossflyguy]

Most people fish for salmon once a week. Very few get to fish everyday for ANY type of fish.

[avidangler]

What they need to do is reduce the commercial and sport take on mixed ocean stocks,in Alaska ,Canada,Oregon,WA,CA ,IMHO

[Bob Smith]

The natural spawner escapement floor calculations include the Sacramento River and its tributaries.

The salmon season setting process is a rather complicated, but collaborative one through a series of Pacific Fishery Management Council Meetings concluding in April. I have attended these meetings as the salmon representative for Humboldt Area Saltwater Anglers for the past 3 years. Coastside Fishing Club sends representatives annually and their members are actively involved at both the Council and committee level.

The point I am trying to make is that I have not seen a organized effort from the in-river groups (both Klamath and Central Valley) to lobby for their interests during the season making process.

[lee s.]

IF you KEEP the necessary environment, we will NEVER impact a healthy fishery with a "stick and string" fishery, be it sport fishing or commercial TROLLING. However, no matter the ludicrous limits we apply, we are going to lose the fishes and fishery due to pollution and environmental decimation, which we will NOT address.
When you become as efficient as an unhindered population of "griz" or seals, especially with a stick and string, let me know and we'll notify the media and create a real "splash".
....lee s.