Oregon Ocean Salmon Seasons Set For 2026, Pending Final Federal Approval

Oregon’s 2026 ocean salmon seasons have been adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council, setting the framework for both recreational and commercial fisheries along the Oregon coast.

The seasons are still awaiting final approval from the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, which is expected by May 16. In addition, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to consider adoption of rules for state waters within three nautical miles of shore on April 24.

According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, salmon fishing opportunities south of Cape Falcon remain shaped by conservation limits tied to several key fish stocks, including California Coastal Chinook, Klamath River fall Chinook, and Lower Columbia natural coho. Even with those restrictions, both sport and commercial ocean salmon fisheries are set to be less restrictive than they were in 2025.

For sport anglers, the recreational all-salmon season excluding coho began March 15 from Cape Falcon to the Oregon-California border. That fishery is scheduled to continue through Oct. 31 between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain, and through Aug. 31 from Humbug Mountain south to the state line. The daily bag limit is set at two salmon.

Mark-selective coho retention will be allowed from June 6 through Aug. 23 from Cape Falcon to the Oregon-California border, unless the marked coho quota of 47,600 fish is met sooner. In September, anglers fishing from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain will also have an all-salmon season with a non-mark-selective coho quota of 27,500.

Commercial troll salmon seasons were also adopted for multiple stretches of the Oregon coast. From Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain, the commercial season is scheduled to run April 14 through June 30, then reopen Sept. 1 through Oct. 31. A coho quota of 7,000 fish is set for September in that area.

Farther north, from Cape Falcon to the Heceta Bank management line, commercial fishing for all salmon except coho will be allowed July 16 through July 31. South of Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California border, the commercial troll season is planned for April 14 through April 30 and again from May 16 through June 17.

ODFW said detailed management measures for both sport and commercial fisheries are available through the Pacific Fishery Management Council and state fishery agencies.