This page contains information about unscheduled, in-season regulation changes for recreational and commercial ocean fishing.
CDFW is required to notify the public of in-season regulation changes for groundfish at least 10 days before the new regulations becomes effective, via news release.
"The department shall give the public and the National Marine Fisheries Service no less than 10 days notice of any fishery closure or rule change implemented pursuant to this Section via a department news release." - California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 27.20(f)
For information about new and proposed in-season regulation changes separate from those under Fish and Game Commission rulemaking authority, visit CDFW's Proposed Regulations page.
Further information may be obtained by calling your local CDFW office. You may also sign up for the Marine Region News Service to receive automatic notification of in-season regulation changes.
News Releases, Updates and Informational Notices
April 21, 2025
CDFW Protects Returning Humpback Whales from Entanglement Risk While Providing Continued Fishing Opportunities for Dungeness Crab
April 15, 2025
Pacific Fishery Management Council Recommends Limited Recreational Ocean Salmon Season, Continued Closure for Commercial Salmon Fishing off California
April 3, 2025
CDFW Protects Returning Humpback Whales from Entanglement Risk While Providing Continued Fishing Opportunities for Dungeness Crab
Summaries of Regulation or Season Changes
April 21, 2025
The commercial Dungeness crab season will close on May 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Fishing Zone 3 (from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line, 38°46.125' N latitude, to Pigeon Point, 37°11' N latitude). The commercial season will remain open in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 (California/Oregon state line to Sonoma/Mendocino county line) under existing trap reductions and depth constraints.
A recreational crab trap restriction will be implemented in Fishing Zone 3 on May 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Crab traps may not be set or used to take crab recreationally in this area. Crab may be taken by other methods (including hoop nets and crab snares) through the close of the season.
A Fleet Advisory remains in effect for both commercial and recreational crab fisheries statewide where the season is open. Avoid setting gear in areas where whales are present and follow best practices for crabbing with traps.
April 15, 2025
The Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended limited fishing opportunities for California's 2025 recreational ocean salmon fisheries, and the closure of California's commercial salmon fisheries. Statewide, the recreational season will open June 7-8, with a 7,000 Chinook salmon summer harvest guideline. If the limit is not attained in those two days, the fishery will open again July 5-6. Additional dates are available in late July and August if the summer harvest guideline is not attained. For ocean waters between Point Reyes and Point Sur, the fall fishing season will open September 4-7, with a 7,500 Chinook salmon fall harvest guideline. If this guideline is not attained, the fishery will reopen September 29-30. Additional days are available in October between Point Reyes to Pigeon Point if any of the fall harvest guideline remains.
April 3, 2025
The commercial Dungeness crab season will close on April 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Fishing Zones 4, 5, and 6 (from Pigeon Point, 37°11' N. latitude, San Mateo County to the U.S./Mexico border). The commercial season will remain open in Fishing Zones 1, 2, and 3 (California/Oregon state line to Pigeon Point) under existing trap reductions. A 30-fathom depth constraint will also be implemented, prohibiting the use of traps in the commercial fishery in waters seaward of the 30-fathom depth contour as defined by specific waypoints in federal regulations.
A recreational crab trap restriction will be implemented in Fishing Zone 4 (from Pigeon Point to near Lopez Point, 36°00' N latitude, Monterey County) on April 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Crab traps may not be set or used to take crab recreationally in this area. Crab may be taken by other methods (including hoop nets and crab snares) through the close of the season.
A Fleet Advisory remains in effect for both commercial and recreational crab fisheries statewide. Avoid setting gear in areas where whales are present and follow best practices for crabbing with traps.