Pacific Fishery sets 2010 salmon seasons

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has set the 2010 salmon seasons for ocean waters off California.

 Ocean recreational seasons will be as follows:

-- The Klamath Management Zone from the Oregon border to Horse Mountain will be open May 29 through Sept. 6. Minimum take size is 24 inches.

-- The waters from Horse Mountain to Point Arena will remain open through Sept. 6. Minimum take size will increase from 20 to 24 inches, beginning May 1.

-- The waters from Point Arena to the United States/Mexico border will remain open through Sept. 6. From May 1 through Sept. 6, fishing will be allowed only from Thursday through Monday. Minimum take size will increase from 20 to 24 inches, beginning May 1.

All zones have a limit of two Chinook salmon. No take of coho salmon is allowed.

The PFMC also set limited commercial seasons in some zones. Information on these seasons, quotas, minimum size and gear restrictions can be found on the PFMC Web site at www.pcouncil.org.

The state Fish & Game Commission (FGC) will meet April 21 to review and conform ocean seasons and size limits in state waters to mirror the new federal rules. The commission also will set the inland salmon seasons.

The FGC will discuss and vote on a proposal that mirrors the dates adopted by the PFMC for ocean salmon seasons but may include additional gear and size restrictions. The fishing regulations and gear restrictions, along with maps, can be viewed at http://dfg.ca.gov/marine/pdfs/salmonsport10.pdf.

Anglers can review additional ocean salmon regulations in the Ocean Sportfishing Booklet on DFG's Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov or call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at 707. 576-3429.