Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations

California state waters are open to recreational groundfish fishing effective April 19, 2024. Federal recreational groundfish season opened on April 1.   

Details of the Commission adopted regulations can be found here: CDFW News | California Fish and Game Commission Adopts 2024 Groundfish Regulations

In-Season Updates

• Quillback rockfish may not be retained effective August 7, 2023. Read the press release announcing the regulation change. Also, read the Quillback Rockfish In-season Informational Briefing document.(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab).

Some marine protected areas (MPAs) restrict or prohibit sport fishing within MPAs. Visit the MPA pages for more information.

• Northern Management Area
  The California-Oregon border to Cape Mendocino (40°10' N. latitude)
• Mendocino Management Area
  Cape Mendocino (40°10' N. latitude) to Point Arena (38°57.5' N. latitude)
• San Francisco Management Area
  Point Arena (38°57.5' N. latitude) to Pigeon Point (37°11' N. latitude)
• Central Management Area - North
  Pigeon Point (37°11' N. latitude) to Point Lopez (36°00' N. latitude)
• Central Management Area - South
  Point Lopez (36°00' N. latitude) to Point Conception (34°27' N. latitude)
• Southern Management Area
  Point Conception (34°27' N. latitude) to the U.S.-Mexico border

Northern Management Area

Ocean waters between 42°00' N. latitude (CA-OR Border) and 40°10' N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino)
Includes all of Del Norte County and most of Humboldt County

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Mendocino Management Area

Ocean waters between 40°10' N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino) and 38°57.5' N. latitude (Point Arena)
Includes a portion of Humboldt County and most of Mendocino County

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San Francisco Management Area

Ocean waters between 38°57.5' N. latitude (Point Arena) and 37°11' N. latitude (Pigeon Point)
Includes a portion of Mendocino County, all of Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and most of San Mateo County

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Central Management Area - North

Ocean waters between 37°11' N. latitude (Pigeon Point) and 36°00' N. latitude (Point Lopez)
Includes all of Santa Cruz County, and parts of San Mateo and Monterey Counties

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Central Management Area - South

Ocean waters between 36°0' N. latitude (Point Lopez) and 34°27' N. latitude (Point Conception)
Includes all of San Luis Obispo county, and parts of Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties

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Southern Management Area

Ocean waters between 34°27' N. latitude (Point Conception) and the U.S.-Mexico Border, excluding the Cowcod Conservation Areas
Includes a portion of Santa Barbara County, and all of Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties

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