Salmon Season 2024

Salmon Season 2024: A Comprehensive Guide for New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska

The 2024 salmon season is set to be an exciting one, drawing anglers from across the country to some of the best fishing waters in the United States. From the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest, and all the way up to Alaska, the pursuit of salmon is a favorite pastime that combines great fishing with breathtaking scenery. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the 2024 salmon season in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, including season dates, regulations, and tips for a solid trip.

New York Salmon Season 2024

New York offers a variety of salmon fishing opportunities, particularly in Lake Ontario and its tributaries, where Chinook salmon and Coho salmon are the primary targets. The state's well-managed fisheries attract anglers from all over, with salmon runs that are both plentiful and exciting.

2024 Season Dates:

• Landlocked Salmon: Open year-round, with the peak season from July through September for lake trolling.
• Great Lakes and Tributaries (e.g., Salmon River, Oak Orchard Creek): River runs generally peak from September to November, with salmon actively migrating upstream to spawn. See specific guidance from the NY Dept of Environmental Conservation.

Bag Limit: Typically, 3 salmon per day with a minimum length of 15 inches.

Fishing Tips: In the lake, trolling with spoons and flashers is effective during the summer months. For tributary fishing, use egg sacs, flies, and plugs during the fall runs. The Salmon River is especially popular during peak runs, so arrive early to secure a good spot.

Michigan Salmon Season 2024

Michigan is a premier destination for salmon fishing, particularly in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, where anglers can target Chinook (King) and Coho salmon. The state also boasts numerous rivers with strong salmon runs, providing diverse fishing opportunities.

2024 Season Dates:

• Lake Michigan and Lake Huron: Salmon fishing is open year-round, with the peak season typically from late summer through fall (August to October).
• Rivers (e.g., Manistee, Muskegon, Pere Marquette): River runs peak from September to November.

Bag Limit: Generally, 5 salmon per day, with a mix of species including Chinook, Coho, and Atlantic salmon.

Tips: Focus on river mouths in late summer and move upstream as fall progresses. Use spoons, plugs, and spawn bags to entice these powerful fish.

Wisconsin Salmon Season 2024

Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline offers excellent salmon fishing, particularly for Chinook and Coho salmon. The state’s waters are well-stocked, making it a prime location for both shore and boat anglers.

2024 Season Dates:

• Lake Michigan: Open year-round, with peak fishing from August through October.
• Rivers and Tributaries (e.g., Root River, Sheboygan River): Peak run is typically from September to November.

Bag Limit: 5 salmon per day with no more than 3 of one species.

Techniques: Troll with downriggers using spoons, flies, and plugs. Early morning and late evening are prime times for action.

California Salmon Season 2024

California’s salmon season is highly anticipated, particularly along its northern coast and in the Sacramento River system. Chinook salmon are the primary target, and their return to rivers is a celebrated event.

2024 Season Dates:

• Ocean Fishing & tributaries: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) unanimously recommended closing California's ocean salmon fisheries for the entire year, mirroring their 2023 recommendation.

Fishing Tips: Use spinners, roe, and plugs in rivers, and troll with hoochies and flashers in the ocean for best results.

Oregon Salmon Season 2024

Oregon offers diverse salmon fishing opportunities, from coastal waters to renowned rivers like the Columbia and Rogue. Anglers target both Chinook and Coho salmon, with seasons and regulations varying by location.

2024 Season Dates:

• Coastal Fishing off the Columbia River: Open to all salmon from June 22 until the earlier of September 30 or when the 39,900 adipose fin-clipped coho quota is reached.

• Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.: Open from March 15 to October 31, except for the selective coho and non-select coho seasons. After October 1, the fishery is only open shoreward of the 40-fathom regulatory line.

Bag Limit: Varies by location, typically 1-2 fish per day with specific size and species restrictions. For the Columbia River the daily bag limit is two salmon, but only one can be Chinook. The minimum length for Chinook is 22 inches, and the minimum length for coho is 16 inches.

Popular Techniques: In rivers, use bait-wrapped plugs or spinners. For coastal fishing, trolling with anchovies or herring is highly effective.

Washington Salmon Season 2024

Washington is a top-tier salmon fishing state, offering access to both saltwater and freshwater opportunities. With iconic spots like Puget Sound, the Columbia River, and coastal rivers, anglers have many choices.

2024 Season Dates:

• Puget Sound and Coastal Waters: Season dates vary by zone; generally open from July to September.
• Columbia River: Spring season from March to May and fall from August to October.

Bag Limit: Typically 2-3 fish per day depending on location and species.

For more information, see this excellent guide on Washington Salmon Seasons.

Fishing Tips: Trolling cut-plug herring, spinners, or using drift fishing methods are highly effective, especially during peak run times.

Alaska Salmon Season 2024

Alaska is the ultimate salmon fishing destination, known for its five species: King salmon, Sockeye salmon, Coho, Pink salmon, and Chum salmon. With vast rivers, coastal waters, and remote fishing lodges, Alaska offers a premier experience.

2024 Season Dates:

• King Salmon (Chinook): Varies by location; generally open May through July.
• Sockeye (Red) Salmon: Runs peak in June and July.
• Coho (Silver) Salmon: Best from late July through September.
• Pink Salmon: Even-numbered years, peaking July through August.
• Chum Salmon: Open from June through September.

Bag Limits: Vary widely by species and location, typically ranging from 2-5 salmon per day.

Fishing Tips: Use flies, spinners, and bait setups depending on the salmon species. Alaska’s wilderness requires preparation—plan for weather, wildlife, and remote conditions.

The 2024 salmon season offers fantastic opportunities for anglers from Michigan to Alaska, so get out there and tight lines!