[env-trinity] Big Ocean Abundance Points to Outstanding Bay Area Salmon Season

[Daniel Bacher]

Big Ocean Abundance Points To Outstanding Bay Area Salmon Season

by Dan Bacher

Ocean abundance estimates of Central Valley king salmon stocks point to 
top-notch recreational fishing on the ocean from Point Arena to Morro Bay 
this year. This abundance contrasts with the low numbers of Klamath River 
fish forecasted off California’s North Coast this year that have spurred 
severe restrictions on recreational and commercial fishing.

Boaters departing from Bodega Bay, the San Francisco Bay Area, Half Moon 
Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Morro Bay will embark on the water in search 
of king salmon on the morning of Saturday, April 2. The ocean is absolutely 
loaded with Sacramento system fish, according to preseason estimates by the 
Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC).

The adult chinook abundance estimate this year is an amazing 1,678,300 fish, 
the largest forecast on record. This is over double the estimate of 831,800 
in 2004, a great salmon year. The highest previous estimate was 1,108,100 in 
2003, while the lowest was 452,000 in 1992.

The estimates were made on the basis of age 2 jack counts on Central Valley 
rivers by state and federal biologists last fall. Anglers fishing the 
Sacramento, Feather, Yuba and American rivers last fall reported catching 
huge numbers of jacks, along with adult chinooks.

A number of factors have contributed to the resurgence in the salmon 
population, including favorable ocean conditions, restrictions on Delta 
pumping, and fish restoration measures mandated under the Endangered Species 
and Central Valley Project Improvement acts.

The ocean salmon season and restrictions below Point Arena are based upon 
achieving winter run chinook recovery goals and a target of 122,000 to 
180,000 fall run adult spawners in the Sacramento River. Every March and 
April, the PFMC meets to develop the commercial and sport fishing 
regulations that go into effect May 1.

“We’re looking forward to a great salmon season, based on the abundance of 
Central Valley stocks,” said Roger Thomas, captain of the Salty Lady and a 
member of the PFMC.  “However, there are always other factors to consider, 
such as a shift of fish to the north, as happened during the last two years, 
as well as the current warm water conditions.”

The ocean temperature off Half Moon Bay is 57 to 58 degrees, several degrees 
warmer than normal. “All of the storms this season have been from the south 
to southwest. This keeps the water relatively warm, even though it provides 
a lot of rain to fill the state’s lakes and reservoirs,” said Thomas.

Thomas and other skippers are hoping for the arrival soon of a storm from 
the Gulf of Alaska that will bring the northwest winds. The northwest winds 
not only cool down the water, but also cause the upwelling of nutrients from 
the bottom necessary to sustaining the ocean food chain. The upwelling 
stimulates plankton blooms, providing forage for the krill that salmon and 
other sport fish feed upon.

While whale watching out of Half Moon Bay this winter, Thomas has seen a lot 
of bait down in deep water off the San Mateo Coast, as well as bait 
nearshore 3 to 4 miles out from Pillar Point. Whale watching boats on the 
north side of the Golden Gate have also seen big schools of bait.

Some anglers have been concerned about the possible impact of the invasion 
of jumbo (Humboldt) squid in northern and central California waters this 
year. However, A NMFS biologist testified at a recent meeting of the PFMC 
that the bellies of the squid he examined were filled with hake, lanternfish 
and short belly rockfish. Sport fish stocks such as rockcod, lingcod and 
salmon are apparently not being impacted.

Skippers down in Santa Cruz and Monterey are also getting ready for the 
opener. “We’re excited about this year’s opener, based on the abundance 
estimates and reports of bait we’re hearing,” said Pete Bruno at Randy’s 
Fishing Trips. “The salmon could be anywhere on the opener, including 
Cypress Point, Point Joe, the Soldier’s Club, Mulligan Hill, Moss Landing 
and the Soquel Hole.”
The season from Pigeon Point south will run through November 13, while the 
season from Pigeon Point to Point Arena will run through September 24.

The recreational salmon season between Horse Mountain and Point Arena (ports 
of Shelter Cove and Fort Bragg) already opened on February 12. Fishing has 
been slow so far this season, but the action is expected to pick up this 
spring.

Anglers are reminded that all of the open areas have a daily bag limit of 
two salmon of any species except coho salmon (also known as silver salmon). 
A minimum size of 20 inches total length is required. The retention of coho 
salmon is prohibited in any California ocean or river fishery. Make sure 
that you know how to identify the difference between coho and chinook salmon 
because a large number of anglers have been cited in recent years for 
unwittingly keeping the coho!

The regulations are subject to change after May 1 when the ocean salmon 
fishing regulations are determined by the PFMC and adopted by the California 
Fish and Game Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce.

Anglers may call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429 to hear the 
latest California ocean salmon sport regulations. The 2005 ocean salmon 
seasons and a Coho identification poster can be found on the Internet at 
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/oceansalmon.html. The web site will be updated as 
needed.