In a major shift in California’s salmon recovery strategy, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has released 3.5 million juvenile fall-run Chinook salmon into the main stem of the Sacramento River for the first time. Traditionally released into tributaries, these hatchery-raised smolts—produced at Feather River and Mokelumne River Hatcheries—are part of an expanded 2025 hatchery output totaling over 28 million fish. The goal: rebuild collapsing salmon populations after years of drought and fishery closures.
Timed with optimal water flows and parallel federal hatchery releases, this effort aims to boost survival and ensure stronger adult returns to natural spawning habitats. CDFW’s collaboration with fishing groups and agencies marks a significant investment in reviving California’s vital commercial and recreational salmon fisheries.
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