Monterey Bay anglers are enjoying an all too brief limited open salmon fishing period this weekend. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife allowed a brief opener in June during which the 7,000 Chinook harvest guideline was met. Meeting that limit meant the remaining open windows In July and August were closed. The salmon window began Thursday September 4 and will run through Sunday September 7 in our area. The fall season harvest guideline is 7,500 Chinook salmon. Depending upon whether that harvest guideline is met will determine whether we have any additional salmon fishing windows this year. CDFW states they will “compile and review data collected at launch ramps, marinas, and from charter trips to determine how many salmon were caught. The catch estimate is expected to take about two weeks to calculate.”

The six pack charter operation Go Fish Santa Cruz got an early start on Thursday morning for this short salmon fishing window in the central management area.  it was a beautiful day for salmon fishing with very low winds in the morning, semi glassy conditions and a negligible swell. The overcast skies were also a benefit for chasing kings. When the sun is shining brightly, the fish often go deep. Thursday mornings catches were made mostly from the 50 to 120 foot depth while fishing in 200 to 280 feet of water.

Skipper JT Thomas reported they had five fish in the box before 10 AM. “We are scratching. Just picking them off. We have one bigger fish, but the rest and the rest are perfect charter boat salmon size. Eight to 10 pounds, great fighters and some fantastic dinner fare.“ JT also reported quite a few boats in the area near Pajaro and Soquel holes with a scattering of radio fish reported caught, but also a good number of boats drawing blanks. Quite a few very experienced local Santa Cruz anglers were still stuck at zero fish at 10 AM.

Fishing for other species is going strong both inshore and offshore for Monterey Bay anglers. Rockfish, plus an increasing number of big lingcod were reported from both ends of the bay this week. Monterey boats heading south past Carmel and Santa Cruz boats going north towards Davenport found bigger fish and quicker limits. Halibut fishing is still strong and steady with the best bite being near Pajaro, or off the North Coast beaches from Santa Cruz. Private boaters are cashing in on offshore tuna. For the first time in about 15 years we have a decent showing of migratory albacore within reasonable striking distance for local boats. Windy conditions offshore kept anglers off the tuna grounds a few days last week. Those who made it out on the nicer days reported catches ranging from five to 20 fish. Bluefin tuna in the 100-200 pound class continue to rove areas from 15-50 miles offshore.