• How fish ladders work – and why some do not

    A fall-run Chinook salmon travels up the fish ladder near California Department of Water Resources infrastructure in Oroville. Image: Andrew Nixon and the California Department of Water Resources A fish ladder is a structure in a natural or artificial waterway that allows fish to pass to a destination, like the ocean or spawning grounds. The…

  • “So much excitement”: results of the fall 2025 recreational ocean salmon fishery

    California’s fall 2025 recreational ocean salmon fishery was a success, with 12,000 Chinook salmon taken by 12,400 anglers in four days of fishing. The weather conditions were excellent, which added to the high turnout. The fall harvest guideline of 7,500 Chinook salmon was reached between September 4 and 7. On September 17, National Marine Fisheries…

  • Let’s go fishing! A preview of California’s recreational fall ocean salmon fishery and Central Valley in-river salmon fishery

    This September marks the first time in two years that there will be a fall ocean salmon recreational fishery. The fall ocean salmon fishery will take place from September 4 through September 7 in waters between Point Reyes and Point Sur, with a total harvest guideline of 7,500 Chinook salmon. Each angler can take a…

  • Learning from fish: the importance of nonprofits’ research projects 

    Nonprofits’ research projects on fish serve multiple purposes. They serve an impetus to improve restoration efforts and manage hatcheries better. They make a case for reintroducing species in areas where the species had a historical presence. And they draw funding, volunteers, allies, and media attention. When nonprofits undertake research projects on fish, their results can…

  • Ways encampments affect fish habitats 

    Homelessness encampments affect fish populations in three primary ways: Trash from an encampment off Hamilton Avenue in San Jose. Credit: South Bay Clean Creeks Coalition For pollution, actions of concern include:  For physical modification, actions of concern include:  A barrier made of shopping carts and other materials off Cherry Avenue in San Jose. Credit: South…