Angler update for January 2026
- Rockfish, Cabezon, Greenlings and Lingcod Boat-Based Season Now Closed
From January 1, 2026 through March 31, 2026, the boat-based fishery for rockfish, cabezon, greenlings and lingcod is closed. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from the closure. During the closed season, all types of fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, is prohibited aboard the vessel or watercraft (motorized or non-motorized) when taking and/or possessing rockfish, cabezon, greenlings and lingcod. Other groundfish species, such as federal flatfish (including Pacific sanddabs, petrale sole and starry flounder) and sablefish, are open year-round at all depths for boat-based anglers. Refer to the CDFW Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations web page to stay up to date on regulations and season closures.
- California Sheephead Boat-Based Season Now Closed
From January 1, 2026 through February 28, 2026, the boat-based fishery for California sheephead is closed. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from the closure. During the closed season, all types of fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, are prohibited aboard the vessel or watercraft (motorized or non-motorized) when taking and/or possessing California sheephead.
Angler update for February 2026
Angler update for March 2026
- Reminder – California Spiny Lobster Season Closes Mid-March
As spring approaches, so does the end of California spiny lobster season. The last day of the season is Wednesday, March 18, 2026. To avoid a non-return fee next season, you must report your Spiny Lobster Report Card data to CDFW by April 30, 2026, even if you did not fish. Report cards can be reported online (preferred) or by mailing them to the address specified on the report card. The online reporting system will open March 19, 2026.
- Boat-Based California Sheephead Fishing Now Open!
Each year, California sheephead fishing closes to boat-based anglers from January 1 through the last day in February. Beginning March 1, boat-based anglers are allowed take California sheephead. As a reminder, the California sheephead size limit is 12 inches total length, and the daily bag and possession limit is 2 fish.
- Rockfish, Cabezon, Greenlings and Lingcod Boat-Based Season Closed Through March
From January 1, 2026 through March 31, 2026, the boat-based fishery for rockfish, cabezon, greenlings and lingcod is closed. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from the closure. Other groundfish species, such as federal flatfish (including Pacific sanddabs, petrale sole and starry flounder) and sablefish, are open year-round at all depths for boat-based anglers. Refer to the CDFW Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations web page to stay up to date on regulations and season closures, and to prepare for the April 1 opener.
- White Seabass Fin Clip Collection Effort
If you are planning to fish for white seabass in 2026, CDFW could use your help. The Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program (OREHP) is continuing its large-scale fin clip collection effort. When you send your white seabass fin clips to CDFW, we extract DNA to see if the fish came from the hatchery. If you are interested in assisting the OREHP, please contact OREHP@wildlife.ca.gov for a fin clip collection kit.
Angler update for April 2026
- Don’t Forget: Lobster Report Cards Due April 30
The 2025-2026 recreational California spiny lobster season ended March 18. Please remember, even if you did not fish, Spiny Lobster Report Cards are required to be returned no later than April 30. Report cards can be reported online (preferred) or returned by mail to the address specified on the report card. If your card is not reported OR reported late, you will be required to pay a non-return fee when you purchase your card for the following season. Visit the CDFW Recreational Lobster Fishing web page for more information.
- Reminder: California Grunion Seasonal Closure
California grunion season is closed from April 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. Throughout the closure, grunion may only be observed - they may not be touched, handled, or taken. When the season opens again, California grunion may only be taken by hand, and the bag and possession limit is 30 fish per person. A valid California fishing license is required to take grunion for those anglers 16 years of age or older. For more information, including a schedule of expected grunion runs and observation-only times for 2026, visit CDFW's California Grunion Facts and Expected Runs web page.
- Reminder: San Francisco Bay Surfperch Seasonal Closure – April 1
The annual San Francisco Bay recreational surfperch season (includes San Pablo Bay) is closed April 1 through July 31. Shiner perch have a separate 20-fish bag and possession limit and are exempt from the closure. For complete recreational surfperch regulations, see CDFW's Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations guide.
- Groundfish Boat-Based Season Opens April 1
The boat-based season for rockfish, cabezon, greenlings, and lingcod opened statewide in all depths April 1! This all-depth fishing season will remain open through December 31, 2026 north of Point Conception (34° 27’ N. lat.). For those fishing south of Point Conception, the boat-based season and depth structure is identical to last year – beginning with an all-depth fishery on April 1, then moving inshore of the 50-fathom Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA) line July 1, and offshore of the 50-fathom RCA line on October 1 through December 31, 2026. During the offshore fishery, take or possession of nearshore rockfish, cabezon, and greenlings is prohibited. Please double check the regulations for bag and sub-bag limits, and other species restrictions for any groundfish you may catch. As a reminder, a descending device must be carried aboard and available for immediate use on any vessel taking or possessing any species of federal groundfish.
- North Coast Pacific Halibut Anglers Take Note
The Pacific halibut season opens April 1. Anglers are advised to check for updated information on CDFW’s Pacific Halibut web page when planning a Pacific halibut fishing trip. The season is open until the quota is reached, with a 1-fish bag and possession limit. See regulations in California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 28.20, and the Pacific Halibut web page for more information.
- 2026 Ocean Salmon Season Details
Recreational ocean salmon season is on for 2026! For all the details and regulations please visit CDFW's Ocean Salmon Fishery Information web page or call the CDFW Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429.
Angler update for May 2026
- Pismo Clam Seasonal Closure in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties
A Pismo clam seasonal closure is in effect now within both Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. The closure began Friday, May 1, 2026, and runs through Monday, August 31, 2026. During this closure, you may not take Pismo clams within these two counties. In all other counties, take of Pismo clams remains open. During the open season, the bag and possession limit is 10 Pismo clams per person, with a minimum size limit of 5 inches north of the San Luis Obispo/Monterey county line and 4.5 inches south of the San Luis Obispo/Monterey county line.
- Annual Mussel Quarantine Begins May 1
Reminder that the California Department of Public Health's annual quarantine of sport-harvested mussels begins May 1. This quarantine applies to mussels recreationally harvested for human consumption along the California coast, including all bays and estuaries. During the quarantine, mussels may only be harvested for non-consumptive use, such as bait. The quarantine is in place to protect the public from naturally occurring toxins that can accumulate in mussels this time of year. These toxins can lead to serious illness including coma and death. For more information, please see the press release.
- 2026 Ocean Salmon Season Details
Recreational ocean salmon fishing began April 11, 2026 in waters south of Pigeon Point (37°11’ N. lat.), San Mateo County, to the U.S./Mexico border. For all the details and regulations regarding other areas north of Pigeon Point please visit CDFW's Ocean Salmon Fishery Information web page or call the CDFW Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429.
Updated June 2026
- Reminder: Dungeness Crab Season Closing Soon
Dungeness crab season continues through June 30 south of Mendocino County. In Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties, the season will remain open through July 30. A crab trap prohibition remains in effect for recreational anglers in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 (Pigeon Point, 37°11' N. lat. to Point Conception, 34°27' N. lat.). CDFW reminds recreational crabbers that under a crab trap prohibition, the take of Dungeness crab is allowed by other methods (including hoop nets and crab snares) through the close of the season. Please be sure to regularly check the Whale Safe Fisheries web page for up-to-date information regarding the risk assessment schedule and possible crab trap prohibitions in other Fishing Zones to minimize entanglement risk.
- Survey Participation Request
Do you want to assist in the collection of valuable recreational fisheries data? CDFW conducts the Angler License Directory Online Survey (ALDOS) monthly, contacting anglers via email and inviting them to participate in a survey about their fishing experiences. Data collected through this survey is used to estimate fishing effort that cannot be estimated through field observations. The data is also used to estimate the economic importance of the fishery and learn about angler preferences. Your personal contact information and individual responses will be kept confidential. Thanks in advance for your help! Learn more about ALDOS.
- Ocean Salmon Season North of Pigeon Point Begins This Month!
For sport anglers looking to get a line in the water north of Pigeon Point (37°11’ N. lat.) recreational ocean salmon fishing begins in June. Open fishing dates and harvest guidelines are unique for each management area. For all the details and regulations regarding recreational ocean salmon fishing statewide please visit CDFW's Ocean Salmon Fishery Information web page or call the CDFW Ocean Salmon Hotline at (707) 576-3429.
Updated July 2026
- Ocean Salmon Season Tracking
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife launched a new digital tool to track the recreational and commercial ocean salmon harvest in-season. To confirm your fishing area is still open to salmon fishing this summer, be sure to check CDFW's Ocean Salmon Fishing Information web page before heading out.
- California Grunion Season Reopened July 1
Following the seasonal closure from April 1 to June 30 to protect peak spawning, the recreational California grunion season reopened July 1. During the open season, a California sport fishing license (and an Ocean Enhancement Validation south of Pt. Arguello, Santa Barbara County) is required for people 16 years and older. Grunion may be taken by hand only; no nets or other equipment are allowed. No holes may be dug in the beach to entrap them. The daily bag and possession limit for grunion is 30 fish. Check the location of marine protected areas and their associated regulations before you head out. Learn more from the California Grunion Enhanced Status Report and the California Grunion Facts and Expected Runs web page.
- Dungeness Crab Season Closed South of Mendocino County
The last day of Dungeness crab season was June 30 in all counties EXCEPT Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino. These three counties in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 remain open through July 30. CDFW's Whale Safe Fisheries web page has the latest information on the Dungeness crab 2025-2026 fishery status. Please check there for any crab trap restrictions that are in place to minimize whale and sea turtle entanglement risk. For more information on this fishery please visit CDFW's Crabs web page.
- Rockfish, Cabezon, Greenlings (RCG Complex) and Lingcod Boat-Based Season South of Point Conception Now Inshore ONLY
Starting July 1, boat-based anglers south of Point Conception (34°27' N latitude), can target and retain nearshore, shelf and slope rockfish, lingcod, cabezon and greenlings only inshore of the 50-fathom Rockfish Conservation Area line. Boat-based anglers north of Point Conception can continue to fish for the RCG Complex and lingcod at all depths. Please visit CDFW’s Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations web page for up-to-date regulations.
Angler update for August 2026
- Ocean Salmon Season – Fall Fishing Dates
Ocean salmon fishing is scheduled to continue this fall from 38°02' N. lat. (near Point Reyes) to the U.S./Mexico border. There is a fall harvest guideline (across open areas) of 20,000 Chinook salmon. The 38°02' N. lat. to Pigeon Point subarea will be open September 1 through October 31, and the Pigeon Point to the U.S./Mexico border subarea will be open September 1 through September 30. Any salmon species may be taken except coho (silver) salmon. Inseason action may be taken to adjust or close open dates when total harvest approaches the harvest guideline. Anglers may take 2 salmon per day that meet the minimum size limit of 20 inches total length. No more than two daily bag limits may be possessed when on land. Salmon may not be filleted on any boat. For more information, including catch estimates for open areas, visit the Ocean Salmon Fishery Information web page.
- Recreational Take of Surfperch Reopens in San Francisco Bay
The recreational surfperch season in San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay reopened August 1 with a 5-fish aggregate limit. This aggregate limit excludes shiner perch which has a separate 20-fish bag limit and no seasonal closure. Redtail surfperch must be a minimum total length of 10½ inches to be kept.
- Dungeness Crab Season Closed Statewide
Dungeness crab season closed July 30 in Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties – joining the rest of the state in the seasonal closure for this fishery. Dungeness crab season is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Angler update for September 2026
- Ocean Salmon Season – Fall Fishing Begins
The ocean salmon fishery reopened under a separate fall harvest guideline of 20,000 Chinook salmon on September 1, in waters between 38°02' N. lat. (near Point Reyes) and the U.S./Mexico border. The season will continue through October 31 between 38°02' N. lat. and Pigeon Point, and through September 30 between Pigeon Point and the U.S./Mexico border, or until the 20,000 Chinook salmon harvest guideline is attained. Inseason action may be taken to modify ocean salmon season dates or close the season when the total catch approaches the harvest guideline. Please review the Ocean Salmon Fishery Information web page for the most up-to-date information on inseason catch estimates, regulations, and season dates.
- Bug Season Starts Soon - California Spiny Lobster Season Set to Open October 2
The 2026-2027 recreational spiny lobster season is scheduled to open Friday, October 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Spiny Lobster Report Cards are on sale now and required for any person fishing for spiny lobster. Spiny lobster can only be taken by hand or hoop net and must be measured immediately when taken. Any lobster measuring less than 3.25 inches carapace length must be released immediately into the water and cannot be kept or placed in any type of receiver, bag or other container. For more information, please visit CDFW's Recreational Lobster Fishing web page.
- Pismo Clam Season Reopens in Santa Cruz, Monterey Counties
On September 1, the recreational Pismo clam season reopened in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Pismo clams may be taken statewide. The bag and possession limit is 10 Pismo clams per person, with a minimum size limit of 5 inches north of the San Luis Obispo/Monterey county line and 4.5 inches south of the San Luis Obispo/Monterey county line. For the complete Pismo clam regulations, please review the Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations guide.
Angler update for October 2026
- California’s 2025-2026 Spiny Lobster Season Begins Tonight
The 2026-2027 recreational spiny lobster season opens Friday, October 2, at 6 p.m. If you plan to join the hunt, make sure to record all lobster fishing attempts on your Spiny Lobster Report Card – even if an attempt resulted in no lobsters kept. You must record the date, fishing location and gear type before any attempt begins. Divers must measure lobsters while they are still in the water, and hoop netters must immediately measure lobsters upon removal from the water. Undersized lobsters may not be in your possession and cannot be placed in any type of receiver, bag or other container – they must be promptly released back into the ocean. For more information, please review our spiny lobster web page.
- ATTENTION – Groundfish Fishing SOUTH of 34°27' N. Latitude (Point Conception) Offshore-Only Beginning October 1
September was the last month for inshore-only groundfish fishing south of Point Conception (34°27’ N. latitude). As of October 1, and through the end of the year, boat-based anglers targeting groundfish may only fish in waters seaward of the 50-fathom Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line. Only shelf rockfish, slope rockfish and lingcod may be retained, while take and possession of nearshore rockfish, cabezon and greenling are prohibited during the offshore-only fishery. Please visit CDFW’s Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations web page for up-to-date regulations.
- Reminder - Dungeness Crab Season Set to Open November 7!
The 2026-2027 recreational Dungeness crab season is scheduled to open Saturday, November 7, 2026. For those using crab traps, make sure that you have a recreational crab trap validation – this is not required when taking crabs via hoop nets or crab loop traps. The limit is 10 crabs that meet the minimum size of five and three-quarter inches. To stay up to date on whale entanglement risk announcements regarding trap restrictions, please visit our Whale Safe Fisheries web page and consider subscribing to receive updates from CDFW about Whale Safe Fisheries efforts.
Angler update for November 2025
- Recreational Dungeness Crab Season is Open with Restrictions
The recreational Dungeness crab season opened in portions of the State on Saturday, November 1. State health agencies determined that crab in some areas of northern California contained unhealthy levels of domoic acid and recommended delaying the opening of the fishery from the CA/OR border to the Sonoma/Mendocino county line. Additionally, the use of the crab traps is temporarily prohibited between the Sonoma/Mendocino county line and Lopez Point, Monterey County due to entanglement risk with humpback whales. For announcements on trap restriction changes visit the Whale Safe Fisheries web page. If using crab traps, make sure you have a recreational crab trap validation — this is not required when taking crabs via hoop nets or crab loop traps. For more information, see Recreational Dungeness Crab Fishing Begins Nov. 1 with Limitations, Commercial Season Delayed.
- ATTENTION - Final Days for 2025 Pacific Halibut Season!
The northern California (north of Point Arena) recreational Pacific halibut fishery closes Saturday, Nov. 15 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific halibut catch is limited by a federal quota; visit CDFW’s Pacific Halibut web page to track the progress of the year’s catch towards filling the quota.
Angler update for December 2025