California river salmon fishing season closed due to dramatic declines
July 16 has been, for many years, the day that Chinook salmon fishing opens to recreational anglers on the Sacramento, American, Feather and Mokelumne rivers. One of the most popular salmon fishing spots is the mouth of the American River at Discovery Park in Sacramento, where dozens of boats and bank anglers line up in the predawn darkness hoping for the chance to hook a beautiful, ocean-bright salmon. But this year, just like last year, the rivers will be closed to salmon fishing. On May 15, the California Fish and Game Commission unanimously adopted emergency regulations for Chinook salmon fishing closures in the Central Valley and Klamath River Basins, due to dramatic population declines.