A version of this story originally appeared on Mendocino Coast News. It aired as a segment of the KZYX newscast on June 12, 2025.
What if fishermen came to Fort Bragg to catch legal king salmon for the first time in two years — and instead hooked illegal silver salmon?
That was the scene last weekend, when hundreds — possibly thousands — of anglers packed Noyo Harbor for a bizarre two-day salmon season. The unexpected comeback of coho, or silver salmon, somewhat overshadowed the first legal opportunity in two years to fish for Chinook, or king salmon, off Fort Bragg.
State officials say confusion between the two species was widespread, with so many newcomers on the water.
“Mixing up silvers and kings was a problem statewide,” said Peter Tira, information officer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
How to Tell the Difference
So how can anglers avoid trouble?
Coho typically weigh 8 to 9 pounds, but can exceed 20 pounds. Chinook generally range from 10 to 50 pounds, though they can be as small as 5 pounds — or in rare cases, exceed 100 pounds. Size alone isn’t a reliable guide, in part because all salmon runs include "jacks," younger males that return a year early and are smaller than mature fish.
To be certain, anglers must either have an experienced eye on board or check the fish’s mouth: coho have white gums, while Chinook have black gums.
Warnings and Tickets Issued
Many anglers received warnings, and some were issued costly citations at Noyo Harbor and elsewhere for keeping coho, which remain illegal to retain despite their apparent abundance.
Experienced fishermen and party boat deckhands can often identify coho before the fish is landed and release them at the side of the boat.
A Record Weekend of Salmon Fishing
Most of the state north of San Luis Obispo reported excellent fishing during California’s first-ever two-day recreational salmon season.
“Anecdotally, we heard from many longtime salmon anglers that it was the single best weekend of salmon fishing they’ve ever experienced in their lives,” Tira said.
Future Fishing Uncertain
The strong statewide catch could have consequences for Fort Bragg’s salmon season. The state has set a quota of 7,000 fish for 2025. If last weekend’s total did not approach that limit, the state will reopen the fishery for another weekend, July 5-6 — just in time for Mendocino’s Fourth of July Parade and Fort Bragg’s famed World’s Largest Salmon Barbecue.
That could make it one of the busiest weekends in Fort Bragg’s history.
