California Species List

Saltwater Species

Anchovy (Northern Anchovy, Engraulis mordax)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; often used as bait. Hook-and-line or nets allowed for sport fishing.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Small jigs, sabiki rigs, or tiny spoons (e.g., 1/8 oz Kastmaster); live bait like shrimp or small fish pieces also work.
Location: Found in large schools in nearshore coastal waters, often in bays and estuaries like San Francisco Bay or San Diego Bay.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–68°F; most active in cooler coastal waters.
Other Info: Common forage fish; often caught for bait.

Barracuda (Pacific Barracuda, Sphyraena argentea)

Size Limit: Minimum 28 inches
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line only. Possession limit is 20 fish.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Trolling lures like Rapala X-Rap or Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow; live bait such as sardines or anchovies; metal spoons (e.g., Krocodile spoons).
Location: Found in nearshore and offshore waters along the Southern California coast, often around kelp beds and rocky reefs; common near Channel Islands.
Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F; prefers warmer coastal waters.
Other Info: Aggressive predator; often caught while trolling.

Black Rockfish (Sebastes melanops)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within Rockfish, Cabezon, and Greenling complex limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; open season typically March 1–December 31 in Southern California. Depth restrictions apply.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Jigs with soft plastics (e.g., Berkley Gulp! Jerk Shad); live bait like squid or anchovies; vertical jigs (e.g., Shimano Butterfly Jigs).
Location: Found in rocky reefs and kelp forests along the California coast, often in 50–200 feet; common from Monterey Bay to Point Conception.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–60°F; prefers cooler waters.
Other Info: Part of the RCG complex; popular for sport fishing.

Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within the Rockfish, Cabezon, and Greenling complex limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; part of the RCG complex. Open season varies by region (e.g., March 1–December 31 in Southern California). Depth restrictions apply.
Protected Status: Not protected, but managed under groundfish regulations
Recommended Baits: Jigs with soft plastics (e.g., Berkley Gulp! Jerk Shad); live bait like squid or anchovies; vertical jigs (e.g., Shimano Butterfly Jigs).
Location: Found in deep offshore waters (50–300 feet) along the California coast, often over rocky reefs and drop-offs; common in the Channel Islands.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–60°F; prefers cooler, deeper waters.
Other Info: Deep-water rockfish; vulnerable to overfishing.

Bonito (Pacific Bonito, Sarda chiliensis)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line only.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Trolling lures (e.g., Rapala X-Rap); live bait like sardines or anchovies; small spoons (e.g., Kastmaster).
Location: Found in nearshore and offshore waters along Southern California; common near Catalina Island and San Diego.
Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F; prefers warmer waters.
Other Info: Fast-swimming; often caught in schools.

Cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus)

Size Limit: Minimum 15 inches
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within the RCG complex limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; open season typically March 1–December 31 in Southern California.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Jigs with shrimp or squid imitation (e.g., Berkley Gulp! Shrimp); live bait like crabs or shrimp; soft plastics (e.g., Zoom Fluke).
Location: Found in rocky nearshore areas, tide pools, and kelp forests along the California coast; common in Monterey Bay and north to Point Conception.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–65°F; thrives in cooler coastal waters.
Other Info: Part of the RCG complex; often caught while bottom fishing.

Calico Bass (Kelp Bass, Paralabrax clathratus)

Size Limit: Minimum 14 inches
Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line only. Possession limit is 10 fish.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Paddle tail swimbaits (e.g., Bass Assassin Sea Shad); weedless soft plastics (e.g., Zoom Fluke); live bait like sardines or anchovies; surface iron spoons.
Location: Found in kelp forests, rocky reefs, and breakwalls along the Southern California coast; popular spots include Catalina Island and San Diego Bay.
Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F; most active during summer spawning.
Other Info: Common in kelp beds; popular sport fish.

California Halibut (Paralichthys californicus)

Size Limit: Minimum 22 inches
Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; check for seasonal closures in specific areas (e.g., San Francisco Bay).
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Live bait like anchovies or sardines on a dropper rig; swimbaits (e.g., Berkley Gulp! Jerk Shad); deep-running crankbaits (e.g., Strike King 6XD).
Location: Found in sandy nearshore areas, bays, and harbors along the California coast; often along rock-sand interfaces in San Diego Bay and Mission Bay.
Desired Water Temperature: 58–70°F; prefers slightly warmer waters.
Other Info: Prized for its taste; often caught near eelgrass beds.

California Sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher)

Size Limit: Minimum 13 inches
Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line only.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Live shrimp or crabs on a jig; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Shrimp); cut bait like squid or mussels.
Location: Found in kelp forests and rocky reefs along the Southern California coast; common around Channel Islands and Point Loma.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; active in a wide range of coastal temperatures.
Other Info: Males have distinct coloration; often caught near structure.

Corbina (California Corbina, Menticirrhus undulatus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (under general finfish limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; popular in surf fishing.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Sand crabs or bloodworms on a Carolina rig; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Sandworms); small spoons (e.g., 1/4 oz Kastmaster).
Location: Found in sandy surf zones and shallow coastal waters along the Southern California coast; common at beaches like Huntington Beach and Malibu.
Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F; prefers warmer surf conditions.
Other Info: Often caught with sand crabs as bait; sight fishing in the surf is popular.

Cowcod (Sebastes levis)

Size Limit: N/A (protected)
Bag Limit: 0 (prohibited)
Regulations: Protected species; cannot be taken or possessed. If caught, must be released immediately.
Protected Status: Protected under groundfish regulations
Recommended Baits: N/A (protected species; do not target).
Location: Found in deep offshore waters (200–600 feet) along the California coast, often over rocky reefs and canyons; common off Southern California.
Desired Water Temperature: 48–58°F; prefers cold, deep waters.
Other Info: Deep-water rockfish; overfished in the past, now recovering.

Garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus)

Size Limit: N/A (protected)
Bag Limit: 0 (prohibited)
Regulations: Protected species; cannot be taken or possessed. California’s state saltwater fish.
Protected Status: Fully protected
Recommended Baits: N/A (protected species; do not target).
Location: Found in kelp forests and rocky reefs along the Southern California coast, typically in shallow waters (10–100 feet); common around Catalina Island.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; prefers temperate coastal waters.
Other Info: Bright orange; territorial and often seen by divers.

Gopher Rockfish (Sebastes carnatus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within RCG complex limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; open season typically March 1–December 31. Depth restrictions apply.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Jigs with shrimp or squid (e.g., Gulp! Shrimp); live bait like anchovies; soft plastics (e.g., Zoom Fluke).
Location: Found in rocky reefs and kelp forests along the California coast, typically 20–150 feet; common around Channel Islands.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–62°F; prefers cooler waters.
Other Info: Part of the RCG complex; often confused with other rockfish.

Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)

Size Limit: N/A (protected)
Bag Limit: 0 (prohibited)
Regulations: Protected species; cannot be taken or possessed.
Protected Status: Fully protected under state law
Recommended Baits: N/A (protected species; do not target).
Location: Found in offshore waters along the California coast, often near seal colonies; common near the Farallon Islands and Point Reyes.
Desired Water Temperature: 54–68°F; prefers cooler coastal waters.
Other Info: Apex predator; often observed during shark tours.

Greenling (Kelp Greenling, Hexagrammos decagrammus)

Size Limit: Minimum 12 inches
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within the RCG complex limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; open season typically March 1–December 31.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Small jigs with shrimp or squid (e.g., Gulp! Shrimp); live bait like worms or small crabs; spoons (e.g., 1/4 oz Acme Kastmaster).
Location: Found in rocky nearshore areas, kelp forests, and tide pools along the California coast; more common from Point Conception northward to Mendocino County.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–65°F; prefers cooler coastal waters.
Other Info: Part of the RCG complex; often caught near structure.

Horn Shark (Heterodontus francisci)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit (under general shark regulations)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line or spearfishing allowed.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Cut bait like squid or mackerel; live bait like shrimp; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Shrimp).
Location: Found in shallow rocky reefs and kelp beds along Southern California; common near La Jolla and Catalina Island.
Desired Water Temperature: 58–70°F; prefers temperate waters.
Other Info: Nocturnal; often caught by divers or bottom fishing.

Jacksmelt (Atherinopsis californiensis)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; often used as bait.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Sabiki rigs with small hooks; tiny jigs (e.g., 1/16 oz jigs); live bait like shrimp or small worms.
Location: Found in nearshore waters, bays, and estuaries along the California coast; common in San Francisco Bay and Humboldt Bay.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; active in a wide range of coastal temperatures.
Other Info: Often caught in schools; used as bait for larger fish.

Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus)

Size Limit: Minimum 22 inches
Bag Limit: 2 fish per day
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; open season typically March 1–December 31 in Southern California.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Large jigs with soft plastics (e.g., Berkley Gulp! Jerk Shad); live bait like mackerel or squid; metal jigs (e.g., Shimano Butterfly Jigs).
Location: Found in rocky reefs and deep waters (50–300 feet) along the California coast; common from Point Conception to the Oregon border.
Desired Water Temperature: 48–60°F; prefers cold, deep waters.
Other Info: Aggressive predator; often caught while bottom fishing.

Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (under general finfish limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; offshore target.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Trolling lures (e.g., Williamson Trolling Lures); live bait like ballyhoo or small mackerel; soft plastics (e.g., Berkley Gulp! Jerk Shad).
Location: Found in warm offshore waters (beyond 20 miles) along the Southern California coast; often near floating debris or weed lines.
Desired Water Temperature: 72–82°F; prefers warm tropical waters.
Other Info: Known for vibrant colors; often caught while trolling.

Opaleye (Girella nigricans)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (under general finfish limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line or spearfishing.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Live bait like mussels or shrimp; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Sandworms); seaweed or algae imitations.
Location: Found in rocky shores and kelp forests along Southern California; common in Palos Verdes and Laguna Beach.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; active in temperate waters.
Other Info: Herbivorous; popular with shore anglers.

Pacific Mackerel (Scomber japonicus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Sabiki rigs with small hooks; small spoons (e.g., Clarkspoon); live bait like anchovies or shrimp.
Location: Found in schools in nearshore and offshore waters along the California coast; common in Monterey Bay and San Diego Bay.
Desired Water Temperature: 58–72°F; active in a wide range of coastal temperatures.
Other Info: Common bait fish; often caught in large numbers.

Pacific Sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; deeper waters.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Small jigs with squid strips (e.g., 1/4 oz jigs); live bait like shrimp or anchovies; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Sandworms).
Location: Found in sandy bottoms of deeper waters (50–300 feet) along the California coast; common off Santa Barbara and San Diego.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–65°F; prefers cooler, deeper waters.
Other Info: Flatfish; often caught while bottom fishing.

Sardine (Pacific Sardine, Sardinops sagax)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; used as bait.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Sabiki rigs with small hooks; tiny jigs (e.g., 1/16 oz jigs); live bait like shrimp or small worms.
Location: Found in large schools in nearshore and offshore waters along the California coast; common in Monterey Bay and San Pedro.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–68°F; prefers cooler coastal waters.
Other Info: Important forage fish; often caught for bait.

Shovelnose Guitarfish (Rhinobatos productus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit (under general shark/ray regulations)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line or spearfishing.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Cut bait like squid or mackerel; live bait like shrimp; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Sandworms).
Location: Found in sandy bottoms and bays along Southern California; common in San Diego Bay and Huntington Beach.
Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F; prefers warmer waters.
Other Info: Often caught while surf fishing; ray-like body.

Smoothhound Shark (Mustelus californicus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Cut bait like squid or mackerel on a Carolina rig; live bait like shrimp; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Shrimp).
Location: Found in nearshore waters, bays, and estuaries along the California coast; common in San Francisco Bay and Humboldt Bay.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; active in a wide range of coastal temperatures.
Other Info: Also called gray smoothhound; often caught while bottom fishing.

Spotfin Croaker (Roncador stearnsii)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (under general finfish limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; surf fishing.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Sand crabs or bloodworms on a Carolina rig; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Sandworms); small spoons (e.g., 1/4 oz Kastmaster).
Location: Found in sandy surf zones and shallow coastal waters along the Southern California coast; common at beaches like Newport Beach and Long Beach.
Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F; prefers warmer surf conditions.
Other Info: Similar to yellowfin croaker; often caught while surf fishing.

Striped Marlin (Kajikia audax)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 1 fish per day (billfish limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; deep-sea target.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Trolling lures (e.g., Williamson Trolling Lures); live bait like mackerel or ballyhoo; large plugs (e.g., Rapala X-Rap Magnum).
Location: Found in deep offshore waters (beyond 20 miles) along the Southern California coast; often near the continental shelf or seamounts.
Desired Water Temperature: 68–80°F; prefers warm offshore waters.
Other Info: Offshore game fish; known for acrobatic fights.

Surfperch (Barred Surfperch, Embiotoca lateralis)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (under general finfish limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; surf fishing.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Sand crabs, bloodworms, or shrimp on a Carolina rig; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Sandworms); small jigs (e.g., 1/8 oz jigs).
Location: Found in sandy surf zones and shallow coastal waters along the California coast; common at beaches like Santa Cruz and Pismo Beach.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; active in a wide range of coastal temperatures.
Other Info: Popular with shore anglers; often caught in the surf.

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 1 fish per day (billfish limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; deep-sea target.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Deep trolling lures (e.g., Williamson Trolling Lures); live bait like squid or mackerel; vertical jigs (e.g., Shimano Butterfly Jigs).
Location: Found in deep offshore waters (beyond 20 miles) along the California coast; often near the continental shelf or deep canyons.
Desired Water Temperature: 65–78°F; prefers warm offshore waters.
Other Info: Often targeted at night; known for powerful fights.

Tuna (Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus orientalis)

Size Limit: Often 24 inches minimum (check CDFW for updates)
Bag Limit: 2 fish per day
Regulations: No trading or bartering of sport-caught tuna; no catch-and-release unless over limit.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Trolling lures (e.g., Williamson Trolling Lures); live bait like sardines or mackerel; vertical jigs (e.g., Shimano Butterfly Jigs).
Location: Found in deep offshore waters (beyond 20 miles) along the California coast; often near the continental shelf or seamounts.
Desired Water Temperature: 60–72°F; prefers cooler offshore waters.
Other Info: Highly prized; often caught while trolling or jigging.

Tuna (Yellowfin Tuna, Thunnus albacares)

Size Limit: Minimum 24 inches
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day
Regulations: No trading or bartering; no catch-and-release unless over limit.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Trolling lures (e.g., Williamson Trolling Lures); live bait like sardines or mackerel; vertical jigs (e.g., Shimano Butterfly Jigs).
Location: Found in warm offshore waters (beyond 20 miles) along the Southern California coast; often near weed lines or floating debris.
Desired Water Temperature: 70–82°F; prefers warm offshore waters.
Other Info: Known for speed; often caught while trolling.

White Seabass (Atractoscion nobilis)

Size Limit: Minimum 28 inches
Bag Limit: 3 fish per day (March 15–June 15); 1 fish per day (rest of the year)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; seasonal bag limit changes apply.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Live bait like squid or mackerel on a dropper rig; swimbaits (e.g., Bass Assassin Sea Shad); spoons (e.g., Krocodile spoons).
Location: Found in nearshore waters, kelp forests, and sandy bottoms along the Southern California coast; common around Channel Islands and Santa Barbara.
Desired Water Temperature: 58–72°F; prefers temperate coastal waters.
Other Info: Popular sport fish; often caught near structure.

Yellowfin Croaker (Umbrina roncador)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (under general finfish limit)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; surf fishing.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Sand crabs or bloodworms on a Carolina rig; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Sandworms); small spoons (e.g., 1/4 oz Kastmaster).
Location: Found in sandy surf zones and shallow coastal waters along the Southern California coast; common at beaches like Venice Beach and Coronado.
Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F; prefers warmer surf conditions.
Other Info: Often caught with sand crabs; popular for surf fishing.

Freshwater Species

Amargosa Pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis)

Size Limit: N/A (protected)
Bag Limit: 0 (prohibited)
Regulations: Protected species; cannot be taken or possessed.
Protected Status: Endangered; protected under state and federal law
Recommended Baits: N/A (protected species; do not target).
Location: Found in isolated springs in the Amargosa Valley, Death Valley region; limited to specific habitats like Ash Meadows.
Desired Water Temperature: 68–86°F; prefers warm spring waters.
Other Info: Small fish; critical to desert ecosystem.

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 25 fish per day (combined with other sunfish)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; common in lakes like Silverwood.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Live worms, crickets, or small minnows on a size 8–12 hook; tiny jigs (e.g., 1/32 oz jigs); soft plastics (e.g., small Gulp! Minnows).
Location: Found in warm, shallow lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers throughout California; common in Silverwood Lake and Lake Perris.
Desired Water Temperature: 70–85°F; most active in warm waters.
Other Info: Small panfish; popular with beginners.

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Size Limit: None (general regulation)
Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
Regulations: Some waters have catch-and-release only or seasonal closures (e.g., during spawning); check local rules.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Small spoons (e.g., 1/8 oz Acme Kastmaster); spinners (e.g., Blue Fox Vibrax); live bait like worms or minnows; flies (e.g., nymphs or streamers).
Location: Found in coldwater streams, rivers, and lakes in the Sierra Nevada and Northern California; common in the Kern River and Crowley Lake.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–60°F; prefers cold waters.
Other Info: Often stocked; wary and challenging to catch.

Carp (Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; often considered invasive.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Dough balls, corn, or boilies on a hair rig; bread or worms on a size 6–8 hook; chumming with corn can attract them.
Location: Found in warm, slow-moving waters like lakes, ponds, and rivers throughout California; common in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Clear Lake.
Desired Water Temperature: 70–85°F; thrives in warm waters.
Other Info: Can grow large; strong fighters.

Catfish (Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 5 fish per day (general regulation)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line only in some waters.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Cut bait like mackerel or chicken liver on a Carolina rig; live bait like worms or minnows; stink baits (e.g., prepared dough baits).
Location: Found in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs throughout California; common in the Sacramento River and San Joaquin Valley canals.
Desired Water Temperature: 75–85°F; most active in warm waters.
Other Info: Nocturnal feeder; often caught at night.

Catfish (White Catfish, Ameiurus catus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 5 fish per day (general regulation)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line only in some waters.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Cut bait like mackerel or chicken liver on a Carolina rig; live bait like worms or shrimp; stink baits (e.g., prepared dough baits).
Location: Found in lakes, rivers, and estuaries throughout California; common in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Pablo Bay.
Desired Water Temperature: 70–80°F; prefers warm waters.
Other Info: Similar to channel catfish; often caught while bottom fishing.

Clear Lake Hitch (Lavinia exilicauda)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit (check local regulations)
Regulations: Species of special concern; catch-and-release recommended.
Protected Status: Not fully protected but monitored
Recommended Baits: Small jigs (e.g., 1/32 oz jigs); live bait like worms; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Minnows).
Location: Found in Clear Lake and its tributaries, Lake County; rare outside this region.
Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F; prefers temperate waters.
Other Info: Native minnow; declining due to habitat loss.

Crappie (Black Crappie, Pomoxis nigromaculatus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 25 fish per day (combined with other sunfish)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; common in reservoirs.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Small minnows or worms on a size 8–10 hook; tiny jigs (e.g., 1/32 oz jigs with soft plastics); crankbaits (e.g., small Rapala crankbaits).
Location: Found in lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers throughout California; common in Clear Lake and Lake Shasta.
Desired Water Temperature: 65–75°F; most active in spring and early summer.
Other Info: Schooling fish; popular panfish.

Crappie (White Crappie, Pomoxis annularis)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 25 fish per day (combined with other sunfish)
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; common in reservoirs.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Small minnows or worms on a size 8–10 hook; tiny jigs (e.g., 1/32 oz jigs with soft plastics); crankbaits (e.g., small Rapala crankbaits).
Location: Found in lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers throughout California; common in Lake Oroville and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Desired Water Temperature: 65–75°F; most active in spring and early summer.
Other Info: Similar to black crappie; often found in the same waters.

Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus)

Size Limit: N/A (protected)
Bag Limit: 0 (prohibited)
Regulations: Protected species; cannot be taken or possessed.
Protected Status: Endangered; protected under state and federal law
Recommended Baits: N/A (protected species; do not target).
Location: Found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta; primarily in brackish waters.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–68°F; prefers cooler waters.
Other Info: Small fish; indicator of Delta ecosystem health.

Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita)

Size Limit: None (general regulation)
Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
Regulations: Some waters are catch-and-release only (e.g., Golden Trout Wilderness); check local rules.
Protected Status: California’s state freshwater fish; some populations are protected
Recommended Baits: Small flies (e.g., nymphs or dry flies); spinners (e.g., Blue Fox Vibrax); live bait like worms on a size 10–12 hook.
Location: Found in high-altitude streams and lakes in the Sierra Nevada; common in the Golden Trout Wilderness and Cottonwood Lakes.
Desired Water Temperature: 48–58°F; prefers cold, pristine waters.
Other Info: Vibrant colors; often caught by fly anglers.

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Size Limit: Minimum 12 inches (varies by water body)
Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
Regulations: Some waters have catch-and-release for larger fish (e.g., trophy bass); check local rules.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Soft plastics (e.g., 3-inch plastic shad like DOA CAL Shad, Texas-rigged worms); topwater lures (e.g., frogs, poppers); spinnerbaits (e.g., Blue Fox Vibrax).
Location: Found in warm lakes, reservoirs, and ponds throughout California; common in Lake Casitas, Castaic Lake, and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Desired Water Temperature: 65–80°F; most active in warm waters.
Other Info: Popular game fish; often caught near structure.

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Size Limit: None (general regulation)
Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
Regulations: Some waters have catch-and-release or seasonal closures (e.g., during spawning); stocked in lakes like Silverwood.
Protected Status: Not protected (hatchery fish); wild populations may have special rules
Recommended Baits: Small spoons (e.g., 1/8 oz Acme Kastmaster); spinners (e.g., Blue Fox Vibrax); live bait like worms or minnows; flies (e.g., nymphs or streamers).
Location: Found in coldwater streams, rivers, and lakes throughout California; common in the Owens River, Lake Almanor, and stocked lakes like Silverwood Lake.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–60°F; prefers cold waters.
Other Info: Widely stocked; popular with anglers.

Sacramento Pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus grandis)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; considered invasive in some areas.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Live bait like minnows or worms; spinners (e.g., Blue Fox Vibrax); crankbaits (e.g., Rapala Shad Rap).
Location: Found in rivers and lakes of the Sacramento and San Joaquin systems; common in Clear Lake and Russian River.
Desired Water Temperature: 60–80°F; thrives in warm waters.
Other Info: Predatory; competes with native species.

Sacramento Sucker (Catostomus occidentalis)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Live bait like worms or insects; small jigs (e.g., 1/16 oz jigs); soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Worms).
Location: Found in streams, rivers, and lakes of Northern California; common in Sacramento River and Eel River.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–75°F; prefers temperate waters.
Other Info: Native; bottom-feeder important to ecosystems.

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

Size Limit: Minimum 12 inches (general regulation)
Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
Regulations: Some waters may be artificial lure-only or catch-and-release for larger fish.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Ned rigs with small soft plastics (e.g., Z-Man Ned Rig); crankbaits (e.g., Rapala Shad Rap); live bait like crawfish or minnows.
Location: Found in clear, rocky lakes and rivers in Northern California; common in the Feather River and Trinity Lake.
Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F; most active in cooler waters than largemouth bass.
Other Info: Prefers rocky structure; strong fighters.

Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

Size Limit: Minimum 18 inches
Bag Limit: 2 fish per day
Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and reservoirs.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Live bait like shad or anchovies on a fish finder rig; swimbaits (e.g., Bass Assassin Sea Shad); spoons (e.g., hammered spoons).
Location: Found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, San Francisco Bay, and reservoirs like San Luis Reservoir; often near channels or drop-offs.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; most active in cooler waters.
Other Info: Introduced species; popular game fish.

Anadromous Species

Chinook Salmon (King Salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Size Limit: Minimum 20 inches (ocean); varies in rivers
Bag Limit: 2 fish per day (when open)
Regulations: Currently closed until at least May 2025 in ocean waters; report card required in rivers; some areas are catch-and-release only during closures.
Protected Status: Not protected, but heavily managed due to population declines
Recommended Baits: Trolling lures (e.g., Rapala X-Rap); live bait like anchovies or herring; spoons (e.g., Krocodile spoons); flies (e.g., egg patterns in rivers).
Location: Found in coastal waters and rivers like the Sacramento and Klamath Rivers; common in San Francisco Bay during migration.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–60°F; prefers cold waters.
Other Info: Major sport fish; often caught during spawning runs.

Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch)

Size Limit: N/A (prohibited)
Bag Limit: 0 (prohibited)
Regulations: Cannot be taken in any waters of the state; if caught, must be released immediately.
Protected Status: Protected due to population declines
Recommended Baits: N/A (protected species; do not target).
Location: Found in coastal streams and rivers like the Smith River; historically in San Francisco Bay during migration.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–60°F; prefers cold waters.
Other Info: Endangered in many areas; often seen in hatchery programs.

Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Size Limit: None (general regulation)
Bag Limit: 2 hatchery steelhead per day (marked by clipped adipose fin)
Regulations: Wild steelhead are catch-and-release only; report card required; some rivers have seasonal closures.
Protected Status: Wild populations are protected; hatchery fish can be kept
Recommended Baits: Flies (e.g., egg patterns, streamers); spinners (e.g., Blue Fox Vibrax); spoons (e.g., 1/4 oz Acme Little Cleo); live bait like roe or worms.
Location: Found in coastal rivers like the Eel, Klamath, and Russian Rivers; common in Northern California during winter runs.
Desired Water Temperature: 45–58°F; prefers cold waters.
Other Info: Anadromous form of rainbow trout; challenging to catch.

White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)

Size Limit: 40–60 inches (slot limit)
Bag Limit: 1 fish per day; 3 per year (report card required)
Regulations: Catch-and-release outside slot limit; no boat limits apply; tagging required. Catch-and-release season begins October 1, 2024, after a closure.
Protected Status: Not protected, but heavily managed
Recommended Baits: Live bait like shrimp, pile worms, or lamprey on a heavy-duty rig; cut bait like salmon roe or shad.
Location: Found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, San Francisco Bay, and lower Sacramento River; often in deep channels.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–65°F; active in cooler waters.
Other Info: Ancient species; powerful fighters.

Crustacean Species

Blue Mud Shrimp (Upogebia pugettensis)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit
Regulations: Can be taken in saltwater using legal methods (e.g., hand, hoop nets); not subject to freshwater closures.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: N/A (caught directly using baited hoop nets or by hand; often used as bait for other fish).
Location: Found in muddy coastal areas, estuaries, and tidal flats along the California coast; common in Humboldt Bay and Tomales Bay.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–65°F; prefers cooler coastal waters.
Other Info: Often harvested for bait; burrows in mud.

California Spiny Lobster (Panulirus interruptus)

Size Limit: Minimum 3.25 inches (carapace length)
Bag Limit: 7 lobsters per day
Regulations: Open season typically October to March; can be taken by hand or hoop nets. Report card required.
Protected Status: Not protected, but managed
Recommended Baits: Baited hoop nets with squid, mackerel, or fish scraps; chumming with fish parts.
Location: Found in rocky reefs and kelp beds along Southern California; common near San Diego and Channel Islands.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; prefers temperate waters.
Other Info: Popular for sport and commercial harvest.

Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister)

Size Limit: Minimum 5.75 inches (carapace width)
Bag Limit: 10 crabs per day
Regulations: Open season typically November to June in most areas; can be taken with hoop nets or by hand in the North Coast District and Sonoma/Mendocino counties. Check for seasonal closures due to domoic acid levels.
Protected Status: Not protected, but managed
Recommended Baits: Baited hoop nets or crab pots with squid, mackerel, or chicken; chumming with fish scraps can attract them.
Location: Found in coastal waters, sandy bottoms, and eelgrass beds along the California coast; common from Monterey Bay to Crescent City.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–60°F; prefers cooler coastal waters.
Other Info: Popular for its sweet meat; often caught with crab pots.

Ghost Shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: 50 shrimp per day (in combination with other shrimp species)
Regulations: Can be taken in saltwater using legal methods; not subject to freshwater closures.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: N/A (caught directly using baited hoop nets or by hand; often used as bait for other fish).
Location: Found in sandy coastal areas, tidal flats, and estuaries along the California coast; common in San Francisco Bay and Morro Bay.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; active in a wide range of coastal temperatures.
Other Info: Often harvested for bait; burrows in sand.

Pacific Mole Crab (Emerita analoga)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit
Regulations: Can be taken by hand or small nets in surf zones; no catch-and-release requirement.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: N/A (caught directly by hand or net; often used as bait for surfperch).
Location: Found in sandy beaches and surf zones along the California coast; common at Santa Cruz and Pismo Beach.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; active in temperate waters.
Other Info: Also called sand crab; key prey for shorebirds and fish.

Red Rock Crab (Cancer productus)

Size Limit: Minimum 5 inches (carapace width)
Bag Limit: 35 crabs per day
Regulations: Can be taken with hoop nets, traps, or by hand; check for seasonal closures due to domoic acid.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Baited hoop nets with squid or fish scraps; chumming with mackerel.
Location: Found in rocky intertidal zones and bays along the California coast; common in Monterey Bay and San Francisco Bay.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–65°F; prefers cooler waters.
Other Info: Edible but less common than Dungeness Crab.

Shasta Crayfish (Pacifastacus fortis)

Size Limit: N/A (protected)
Bag Limit: 0 (prohibited)
Regulations: Protected species; cannot be taken or possessed in certain waters (e.g., Hat Creek drainage, Fall River upstream of Spring Creek Bridge).
Protected Status: Fully protected; endangered
Recommended Baits: N/A (protected species; do not target).
Location: Found in specific freshwater streams and rivers in Shasta County, such as Hat Creek and Fall River; limited distribution due to habitat loss.
Desired Water Temperature: 50–65°F; prefers cold, clear waters.
Other Info: Threatened by habitat loss; small populations remain.

Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)

Size Limit: None
Bag Limit: No limit
Regulations: Can be taken by hand, hook-and-line, dip net, or traps (not over 3 feet in dimension); traps need not be closely attended. Not subject to trout season closures when using non-hook-and-line methods.
Protected Status: Not protected
Recommended Baits: Baited traps with fish scraps, chicken, or cat food; chumming with meat can attract them.
Location: Found in freshwater streams, lakes, and rivers throughout California; common in the Sacramento River and Lake Tahoe basin.
Desired Water Temperature: 55–75°F; active in a wide range of freshwater temperatures.
Other Info: Often invasive; competes with native species.

This list includes common and regulated species. California has over 500 marine fish species, hundreds of freshwater species, and numerous crustaceans. For a complete list, refer to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website at wildlife.ca.gov. Regulations may vary by region or water body, and a fishing license is required for anglers over 15 years old.