California Fishing Species List

California Fishing Species List (December 2025)



Saltwater Fish, Sharks & Rays

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.
  • State Record: No state record maintained (small forage fish; typically under 0.1 lbs and 7 inches).
  • Other Info: Common forage fish; often caught for bait.
  • Identification: Small slender body; large mouth extending past eye; silver sides with blue-green back; single dorsal fin.

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.
  • State Record: 15 lbs 3 oz, 47.5 inches, caught off San Diego, July 16, 1958.
  • Other Info: Aggressive predator; often caught while trolling.
  • Identification: Long slender body; prominent jaw with sharp teeth; two widely separated dorsal fins; silver with dark bars on upper sides.

Black Rockfish (Sebastes melanops)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within RCG complex)
  • Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; depth restrictions apply.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Jigs with soft plastics; live anchovies or squid.
  • Location: Rocky reefs, kelp forests 50–200 ft north of Point Conception.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 50–60°F
  • State Record: 10 lbs 8 oz
  • Other Info: Part of the RCG complex; popular for sport fishing.
  • Identification: Black or dark gray body; white or pinkish belly; spiny dorsal fin; large mouth.

Blue Rockfish (Sebastes mystinus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within RCG complex)
  • Regulations: Depth restrictions apply.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Jigs, soft plastics, live bait.
  • Location: Rocky reefs, kelp forests Northern CA.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 48–58°F
  • State Record: 11 lbs 4 oz
  • Other Info: Blue-gray body; part of groundfish management.
  • Identification: Blue-black body; dark blotches; spiny fins.

Bocaccio (Sebastes paucispinis)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within RCG complex)
  • Regulations: Depth restrictions apply.
  • Protected Status: Managed
  • Recommended Baits: Vertical jigs, soft plastics.
  • Location: Deeper waters 100–300 ft, Channel Islands.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 50–60°F
  • State Record: 21 lbs 0 oz
  • Identification: Pinkish-red body; large mouth; long lower jaw.

Canary Rockfish (Sebastes pinniger)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within RCG complex)
  • Regulations: Depth restrictions apply.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Jigs, live bait.
  • Location: Deep offshore 100–400 ft Central/Northern CA.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 48–58°F
  • State Record: 11 lbs 4 oz
  • Identification: Bright yellow-orange body; black spots on fins.

Chilipepper Rockfish (Sebastes goodei)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within RCG complex)
  • Regulations: Depth restrictions apply.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Jigs, soft plastics.
  • Location: Offshore 50–300 ft Southern CA.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 50–60°F
  • State Record: 8 lbs 0 oz
  • Identification: Reddish-orange body; long anal fin.

Gopher Rockfish (Sebastes carnatus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within RCG complex)
  • Regulations: Depth restrictions apply.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Shrimp, squid, soft plastics.
  • Location: Rocky reefs 20–150 ft, Channel Islands.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 50–62°F
  • State Record: 4 lbs 7 oz
  • Identification: Brownish body with white blotches; large head.

Vermilion Rockfish (Sebastes miniatus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 fish per day (within RCG complex)
  • Regulations: Depth restrictions apply.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Jigs, live bait.
  • Location: Rocky reefs 50–300 ft Central/Southern CA.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 50–60°F
  • State Record: 15 lbs 2 oz
  • Other Info: Bright red color.
  • Identification: Crimson red body; dark blotches; spiny dorsal fin.

Bonito (Pacific Bonito, Sarda chiliensis)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 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.
  • State Record: 21 lbs 12 oz, 39 inches, caught off Malibu, August 30, 1978.
  • Other Info: Fast-swimming; often caught in schools.
  • Identification: Streamlined body; dark blue back with oblique stripes; finlets behind dorsal and anal fins.

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; live bait like crabs or shrimp; soft plastics.
  • Location: Found in rocky nearshore areas, tide pools, and kelp forests along the California coast; common in Monterey Bay and north.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 50–65°F; thrives in cooler coastal waters.
  • State Record: 23 lbs 0 oz, 33 inches, caught off Fort Bragg, July 2, 1990.
  • Other Info: Part of the RCG complex; often caught while bottom fishing.
  • Identification: Large head with fleshy flap on snout; mottled green/brown/red body; no scales, thick skin.

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; weedless soft plastics; 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.
  • State Record: 14 lbs 7 oz, 28 inches, caught off Newport Beach, January 22, 1993.
  • Other Info: Common in kelp beds; popular sport fish.
  • Identification: Brown or olive with white blotches (calico pattern); two dorsal fins connected; large mouth.

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.
  • State Record: 67 lbs 4 oz, 58 inches, caught off Santa Rosa Island, July 10, 1999.
  • Other Info: Prized for its taste; often caught near eelgrass beds.
  • Identification: Left-eyed flatfish; dark brown/gray upper side, white below; large mouth; arched lateral line.

Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 1 fish per day
  • Regulations: Quota-based season (typically May–Oct); depth restrictions; check CDFW for 2025 dates.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Large jigs with herring or squid; whole anchovies or salmon bellies.
  • Location: Deep offshore waters Northern/Central CA.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 45–55°F
  • Other Info: Highly prized flatfish.
  • Identification: Right-eyed flatfish; large mouth; diamond-shaped body; dark brown upper, white lower.

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.
  • State Record: 30 lbs 8 oz, 37 inches, caught off Newport Beach, December 21, 1992.
  • Other Info: Males have distinct coloration; often caught near structure.
  • Identification: Thick lips; prominent forehead bulge in males; black head/red body in males, dull red in females/juveniles.

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.
  • State Record: 7 lbs 1 oz, 27 inches, caught off Imperial Beach, August 14, 1984.
  • Other Info: Often caught with sand crabs as bait; sight fishing in the surf is popular.
  • Identification: Silvery body; single chin barbel; long dorsal fin; slightly forked tail.

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.
  • State Record: 8 lbs 2 oz, 27 inches, caught off San Clemente, July 25, 1986.
  • Other Info: Similar to yellowfin croaker; often caught while surf fishing.
  • Identification: Silver body; black spot at pectoral fin base; long dorsal fin.

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.
  • State Record: 5 lbs 2 oz, 22 inches, caught off Long Beach, July 10, 1991.
  • Other Info: Often caught with sand crabs; popular for surf fishing.
  • Identification: Yellow fins; no chin barbel; silvery body.

Surfperch (Barred Surfperch, Amphistichus argenteus)

  • 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.
  • State Record: 4 lbs 2 oz, 17 inches, caught off San Francisco, August 12, 1983.
  • Other Info: Popular with shore anglers; often caught in the surf.
  • Identification: Deep oval body; barred species have vertical bars; silver/bronze with black bars.

White Seabass (Atractoscion nobilis)

  • Size Limit: Minimum 28 inches
  • Bag Limit: 3 fish per day
  • 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.
  • State Record: 93 lbs 0 oz, 62 inches, caught off San Clemente Island, April 29, 1982.
  • Other Info: Popular sport fish; often caught near structure.
  • Identification: Silvery blue-gray body; long raised dorsal fin in juveniles; large mouth.

Yellowtail (Seriola lalandi)

  • 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: Live bait like sardines or mackerel on a dropper loop; surface iron jigs (e.g., Tady 45); trolling lures (e.g., Rapala X-Rap).
  • Location: Found in nearshore and offshore waters along Southern California; common near Catalina Island and San Clemente Island.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 65–78°F; prefers warmer waters.
  • State Record: 80 lbs 0 oz, 60 inches, caught off San Diego, September 20, 2003.
  • Other Info: Strong fighter; popular sport fish in Southern California.
  • Identification: Yellow tail and stripe along side; forked tail; brass-colored when mature.

California Scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata)

  • Size Limit: Minimum 10 inches
  • Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
  • Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; open season typically March 1–December 31 in Southern California. Handle with care due to venomous spines.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Cut bait like squid or anchovies on a dropper loop; small jigs (e.g., 1/2 oz jigs); live bait like shrimp.
  • Location: Found in rocky reefs and sandy bottoms along Southern California; common off Los Angeles and San Diego.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; active in temperate waters.
  • State Record: 8 lbs 3 oz, 23 inches, caught off San Diego, November 15, 1990.
  • Other Info: Venomous spines require caution; popular bottom fish.
  • Identification: Mottled brown/red body; large head; spiny dorsal fin; venomous spines.

Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 2 fish per day
  • Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line only. Must be landed whole for inspection.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Whole mackerel or squid on heavy tackle; trolling lures (e.g., Williamson Trolling Lures); chumming with fish scraps.
  • Location: Found in offshore waters (beyond 20 miles) along the California coast; common off Southern California near seamounts.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F; prefers temperate offshore waters.
  • State Record: 1,221 lbs 0 oz, 132 inches, caught off Santa Barbara, July 26, 1999.
  • Other Info: Known for speed and jumps; prized offshore game fish.
  • Identification: Slender body; pointed snout; long pectoral fins; dark blue-gray upper, white lower; large eyes.

Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 2 fish per day
  • Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line only. Must be landed whole for inspection.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Whole mackerel or sardines on heavy tackle; trolling lures (e.g., Rapala X-Rap Magnum); chumming with fish scraps.
  • Location: Found in offshore and nearshore waters along the California coast; common off Southern California near kelp beds.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 58–72°F; prefers temperate waters.
  • State Record: 345 lbs 0 oz, 108 inches, caught off Santa Monica, April 29, 1984.
  • Other Info: Known for long tail and acrobatic fights; popular offshore target.
  • Identification: Extremely long upper caudal fin (nearly body length); small head; dark blue-gray upper, white lower.

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.
  • State Record: 20 lbs 0 oz, 48 inches, caught off San Francisco Bay, May 15, 1983.
  • Other Info: Also called gray smoothhound; often caught while bottom fishing.
  • Identification: Gray body; small mouth; no anal fin; two dorsal fins; smooth skin.

Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: No limit
  • Regulations: Hook-and-line only; must be landed whole for inspection.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Whole mackerel or squid; chumming.
  • Location: Offshore waters statewide.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F
  • Identification: Slender body; long pectoral fins; blue-gray upper, white lower; long snout.

Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata)

  • Size Limit: Minimum 36 inches
  • Bag Limit: 3 fish per day
  • Regulations: No catch-and-release requirement; hook-and-line or spearfishing allowed.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Cut bait like squid or mackerel on a Carolina rig; live bait like shrimp or small fish; soft plastics (e.g., Gulp! Shrimp).
  • Location: Found in shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters 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.
  • State Record: 47 lbs 0 oz, 66 inches, caught off San Diego, June 25, 1991.
  • Other Info: Popular with shore anglers; often caught in shallow waters.
  • Identification: Dark saddle markings and spots on gray body; short rounded snout; small dorsal fins.

Bat Ray (Myliobatis californica)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: No limit
  • Regulations: Hook-and-line or spearfishing allowed.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Cut bait like squid or mackerel on a heavy Carolina rig; live bait like shrimp or small fish; soft plastics.
  • Location: Found in sandy bottoms, bays, and estuaries along the California coast; common in San Francisco Bay and San Diego Bay.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 55–70°F; active in a wide range of coastal temperatures.
  • State Record: 181 lbs 0 oz, 72 inches (wingspan), caught off Huntington Beach, May 20, 1978.
  • Other Info: Known for strong fights; often caught while surf fishing.
  • Identification: Diamond-shaped disc with wide wings; long whip-like tail with venomous spine near base; small dorsal fin; dark upper, white lower

Round Stingray (Urobatis halleri)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: No limit
  • Regulations: Hook-and-line or spearfishing allowed.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Cut bait like squid or mackerel; live bait like shrimp; soft plastics.
  • Location: Found in sandy bottoms and shallow bays along Southern California; common in Santa Monica Bay and Long Beach.
  • Desired Water Temperature: 60–75°F; prefers warmer waters.
  • Identification: Almost perfectly round disc; short tail with caudal fin and venomous spine midway; mottled brown/gray pattern

Thornback Ray (Platyrhinoidis triseriata)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: No limit
  • Regulations: Hook-and-line or spearfishing allowed.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Squid, anchovies, worms
  • Location: Shallow coastal waters, bays
  • Identification: Rounded disc with three rows of large thorns along back/tail; two dorsal fins; non-venomous spines

Shovelnose Guitarfish (Pseudobatos productus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: No limit
  • Regulations: Hook-and-line or spearfishing allowed.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Squid, shrimp
  • Location: Sandy bottoms Southern CA
  • State Record: 27 lbs 0 oz, 48 inches, caught off Huntington Beach, June 12, 1990.
  • Other Info: Often caught while surf fishing; ray-like body.
  • Identification: Shark-like elongated body; broad triangular snout; two dorsal fins; long tail without stinger; no thorns

Butterfly Ray (Gymnura marmorata)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: No limit
  • Regulations: Hook-and-line or spearfishing allowed.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Squid, shrimp
  • Location: Sandy bottoms Southern CA
  • Identification: Very wide diamond-shaped disc (wider than long); no tail spine; mottled pattern.

Diamond Stingray (Hypanus dipterura)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: No limit
  • Regulations: Hook-and-line or spearfishing allowed.
  • Protected Status: Not protected
  • Recommended Baits: Squid, cut bait
  • Location: Shallow sandy/muddy bottoms Southern CA
  • Identification: Large diamond-shaped disc; long sharp spine; uniform color or faint spots.

Freshwater Species

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

  • Size Limit: Minimum 12 inches (most waters)
  • Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
  • Location: Warm lakes, reservoirs statewide
  • Identification: Dark lateral stripe; large mouth extending past eye

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

  • Size Limit: Minimum 12 inches
  • Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
  • Location: Clear rocky waters Northern CA
  • Identification: Vertical bars; mouth to mid-eye; bronze color

Spotted Bass (Micropterus punctulatus)

  • Size Limit: Minimum 12 inches
  • Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
  • Location: Reservoirs Central/Northern CA
  • Identification: Row of spots below lateral line; mouth to front of eye

Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

  • Size Limit: Minimum 18 inches
  • Bag Limit: 2 per day
  • Location: Delta, bays, surf
  • Identification: 7-8 dark horizontal stripes; two dorsal fins separated

Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 per day (combined catfish)
  • Recommended Baits: Cut bait, chicken liver, stink baits, worms
  • Location: Lakes, rivers, Delta, Colorado River
  • Desired Water Temperature: 75–85°F
  • Identification: Deeply forked tail; blue/gray body with spots (fading in large adults); rounded anal fin 24–29 rays; 8 barbels

Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 per day (combined catfish)
  • Recommended Baits: Live bluegill, tilapia, goldfish, cut bait
  • Location: Lower Colorado River system
  • Desired Water Temperature: 75–85°F
  • Identification: Flat broad head; projecting lower jaw; mottled brown/yellow body; square or slightly notched tail

Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 per day (combined catfish)
  • Recommended Baits: Cut shad, live baitfish
  • Location: San Joaquin Valley reservoirs, some Colorado River sections
  • Identification: Deeply forked tail; straight anal fin 30+ rays; slate blue no spots

White Catfish (Ameiurus catus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 per day (combined catfish)
  • Recommended Baits: Worms, stink bait, cut bait
  • Location: Delta, estuaries
  • Identification: Moderately forked tail; white chin barbels; upper jaw projects beyond lower; shorter anal fin (19–23 rays)

Bullhead Catfish (Black/Brown Bullhead, Ameiurus spp.)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 per day (combined catfish)
  • Recommended Baits: Worms, dough bait
  • Location: Ponds, slow rivers
  • Identification: Square or rounded tail; chin barbels often white or mottled; dark body; pectoral spines strong

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 25 (combined sunfish)
  • Location: Warm lakes, ponds statewide
  • Identification: Deep body; dark ear flap; bluegill pattern on sides

Crappie (Black Crappie, Pomoxis nigromaculatus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 25 (combined sunfish)
  • Location: Lakes, reservoirs
  • Identification: Dark spots; black dorsal fin; deep body

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

  • Size Limit: None (general)
  • Bag Limit: 5 fish per day
  • Location: Stocked statewide
  • Identification: Pink stripe; black spots on body and tail

White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)

  • Size Limit: Catch-and-release only
  • Bag Limit: 0 (no retention)
  • Regulations: Report card required; barbless hooks encouraged
  • Protected Status: Candidate for listing under CESA
  • Location: Delta, San Pablo Bay, lower rivers
  • Identification: Bony plates (scutes); shark-like tail; barbels near mouth

Crustaceans

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.
  • Identification: Spiny body without claws; long antennae; reddish-brown

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. 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.
  • Identification: Large claws; reddish-brown shell; 10 legs

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.
  • Identification: Red upper shell; black claw tips; wide carapace

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
  • 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.
  • Identification: Translucent body; large claws; long abdomen

Shellfish (Mollusks)

Red Abalone (Haliotis rufescens)

  • Size Limit: N/A
  • Bag Limit: 0 (prohibited)
  • Regulations: Recreational fishery closed until April 1, 2036
  • Protected Status: Closed due to population decline and kelp forest loss
  • Location: Northern CA rocky reefs (historically)
  • Identification: Large red shell with holes; iridescent interior

California Mussel (Mytilus californianus)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 pounds (in shell)
  • Regulations: Annual quarantine May 1–Oct 31; check biotoxin advisories year-round
  • Location: Rocky intertidal zones statewide
  • Identification: Dark blue-black shell; clustered on rocks; byssal threads attach to substrate

Pismo Clam (Tivela stultorum)

  • Size Limit: Minimum 4.5 inches (south of Monterey); 5 inches north
  • Bag Limit: 10 per day
  • Regulations: Digging allowed; measuring device required; rebury undersized
  • Location: Sandy beaches Central/Southern CA (e.g., Pismo Beach)
  • Identification: Thick triangular shell; smooth shiny brown exterior

Gaper Clam (Tresus nuttallii)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 per day
  • Location: Muddy bays Northern CA
  • Identification: Large siphons; thick shell

Littleneck Clam (Leukoma staminea)

  • Size Limit: Minimum 1.5 inches
  • Bag Limit: 50 per day
  • Location: Gravelly beaches Northern CA
  • Identification: Concentric rings; white/gray shell

Washington Clam (Saxidomus nuttalli)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: Part of general clam limit
  • Location: Mud flats Northern CA
  • Identification: Large oval shell; dark periostracum

Rock Scallop (Crassedoma giganteum)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: 10 pounds (in shell)
  • Regulations: May be taken in intertidal; check quarantines
  • Location: Rocky coasts
  • Identification: Large pink/purple shell attached to rocks

Native Oyster (Ostrea lurida)

  • Size Limit: None
  • Bag Limit: Limited take allowed in some areas
  • Regulations: Rare; check local restrictions and biotoxin advisories
  • Location: Estuaries, bays
  • Identification: Irregular shaped shell; attached to hard substrate