Contact Information
Main Office: 20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite 100
Monterey, CA 93940
Information: (831) 649-2870, AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov
Acting Regional Manager:
Paul Hamdorf
Marine Region Ocean Fishing California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations Map Current Ocean Fishing Regulations: San Francisco Bay DistrictCurrent California Ocean Recreational Fishing Regulations
San Francisco Management Area: San Francisco Bay District
(Includes San Francisco and San Pablo bays, plus all their tidal bays, tidal portions of their rivers and streams, sloughs and estuaries between the Golden Gate Bridge and Carquinez Bridge)
This summary of current regulations was updated on May 1, 2013.
Click on a fishery below for more detailed information.
- Surfperch
(except shiner perch) - Dungeness Crab
- Abalone
Safe Fish and Shellfish Eating Guidelines for San Francisco Bay (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment website)
Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks and other manmade objects connected to the shore.
Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object.
Boat-based anglers are fishermen angling from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.
Fishing Restrictions
While fishing in San Francisco and San Pablo bays you can only use one fishing line with no more than three separate hooks or lures. When fishing from a boat, fishing is restricted to daylight hours only (one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset). While fishing from public piers inside San Francisco and San Pablo bays you can not use more than two rods and lines, two hand lines, or two nets, traps or other appliances used to take crabs. Every person while taking invertebrates (crabs, clams) which have a size limit shall carry a device which is capable of accurately measuring the size of the species taken.
Important Information
- The recreational fisheries for lingcod, rockfish, sub-groups of rockfish, California scorpionfish, cabezon, kelp and rock greenlings, California sheephead, ocean whitefish and other federal groundfish may close early if the annual harvest guideline for any one specie or species group is met or is expected to be met prior to the end of the year.
- Check this website, call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, send an e-mail to AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov, or call the nearest CDFW office for the latest information (Note: Your questions sent to AskMarine@wildlife.ca.gov, and CDFW's response, may be posted on the Internet or published in periodicals to help others with similar questions. If you do not wish your question to be used in this manner, please indicate this in your email).
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The recreational fishery for rockfish (Sebastes sp.) is open to divers2 and shore-based anglers year-round (see important NOTE at the end of this section). The fishery is closed to boat-based anglers as of January 1, 2012, and is expected to reopen on June 1, 2013 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). These species may only be taken or possessed3 in waters less than 180 feet (30 fathoms) deep*. The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish in combination of all species within the RCG Complex (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings) per person, with a sub-limit on bocaccio (2 per person, minimum size limit of 10 inches total length, also included in the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit). Yelloweye rockfish, canary rockfish, bronzespotted rockfish, and cowcod may not be retained (bag limit: zero).
View a summary of groundfish regulations.
The recreational fishery for cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) is open to divers2 and shore-based anglers year-round (see important NOTE at the end of this section). The fishery is closed to boat-based anglers as of January 1, 2012, and is expected to reopen on June 1, 2013 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). Cabezon may only be taken or possessed3 in waters less than 180 feet (30 fathoms) deep*. The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish within the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings), with a minimum size limit of 15 inches total length. Note that new regulations require anglers to use no more than one line and two hooks for cabezon– same as rockfish and lingcod.
View a summary of groundfish regulations.
Kelp Greenling and Rock Greenling
The recreational fishery for kelp and rock greenlings (Hexagrammos spp.) is open to divers2 and shore-based anglers year-round (see important NOTE at the end of this section). The fishery is closed to boat-based anglers as of January 1, 2012, and is expected to reopen on June 1, 2013 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). Greenlings may only be taken or possessed3 in waters less than 180 feet (30 fathoms) deep*. The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit (includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenlings), with a minimum size limit of 12 inches total length.
Note that new regulations have changed the bag limit to 10 fish within the RCG Complex aggregate bag limit effective May 1, 2012. Recent regulation changes also require anglers to use no more than one line and two hooks for kelp greenling and rock greenling– same as rockfish and lingcod.
View a summary of groundfish regulations.
The recreational fishery for lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) is open to divers2 and shore-based anglers year-round (see important NOTE at the end of this section). The fishery is closed to boat-based anglers as of January 1, 2012, and is expected to reopen on June 1, 2013 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). Lingcod may only be taken or possessed3 in waters less than 180 ft (30 fm) deep. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 fish, with a minimum size limit of 22 inches total length.
View a summary of groundfish regulations.
The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) inside San Francisco Bay is open year-round to boat-based anglers, divers2 and shore-based anglers. The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
View a summary of groundfish regulations.
Soupfin Shark and Spiny Dogfish
The recreational fisheries for soupfin shark (Galeorhinus zyopterus) and spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) are open year-round to divers2 and shore-based anglers. These fisheries are closed to boat-based anglers as of January 1, 2012, and are expected to reopen on June 1, 2013 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). These species may only be taken or possessed3 in waters less than 180 feet (30 fathoms) deep*. The bag and possession limit for soupfin shark is one fish with no minimum size limit. The daily bag and possession limit for spiny dogfish is 10 fish within the 20-fish general bag limit, and there is no minimum size limit.
View a summary of groundfish regulations.
All Other Federally Managed Groundfish and Associated State-Managed Species1
The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish and associated state-managed species1 are open year-round to divers2 and shore-based anglers. These fisheries are closed to boat-based anglers as of January 1, 2012, and are expected to reopen on June 1, 2013 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). These species may only be taken or possessed3 in waters less than 180 feet (30 fathoms) deep*. Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for size limits, bag limits and other regulations pertaining to these species.
View a summary of groundfish regulations.
April 6 through May 31: The recreational fishery for ocean salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) is open every day. The daily bag and possession limit for ocean salmon is 2 salmon of any species except coho, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches total length.
June 1 through July 9: The recreational fishery for ocean salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) is open Wednesday through Sunday only (closed Monday and Tuesday). See closure calendar. The daily bag and possession limit for ocean salmon is 2 salmon of any species except coho, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches total length.
July 10 through November 10: The recreational fishery for ocean salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) is open every day. The daily bag and possession limit for ocean salmon is 2 salmon of any species except coho.
- July 10 through July 31: The minimum size limit is 24 inches total length.
- August 1 through November 10: The minimum size limit is 20 inches total length.
For important information on gear restrictions and other ocean salmon sport fishing regulations, see the 2013 Ocean Salmon Sport Regulations flyer and Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet. You may also call the Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429 for ocean salmon sport fishing information.
For more information about the ocean salmon fishery, please visit the California Ocean Salmon Seasons webpage.
Open all year, except that white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) may not be taken or possessed at any time. The bag limits for sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus) and sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) allow take of one fish per day with no size limit. The bag limits for shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), and blue shark (Prionace glauca) allow take of two fish per day with no size limit.
Pacific Sanddab and Other Flatfish
The recreational fishery is open year-round to all anglers and divers2 for the following species: Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus), butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus). Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for size limits, bag limits and other regulations pertaining to these species.
View a summary of groundfish regulations.
The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open from May 1 through October 31, 2013. The daily bag and possession limit is one fish, with no minimum size limit.
The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year round. The daily bag and possession limit is three fish north of Point Sur, Monterey County. The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.
Read the 2009 California Halibut Fact Sheet.
The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) remains open all year. The daily bag and possession limit is one fish that must be between 40 inches and 60 inches fork length. The annual limit is three (3) sturgeon per person. Short or oversized sturgeon must be released unharmed immediately; note that white sturgeon greater than 68 inches fork length may not be removed from the water prior to their immediate release. No snare may be used to assist in landing sturgeon. Only one single barbless hook may be used on a line to take sturgeon. The sturgeon must voluntarily take the bait or lure in its mouth. No sturgeon may be taken by trolling, snagging, or by the use of firearms. Sturgeon may not be gaffed, nor shall any person use any type of firearm to assist in landing or killing any sturgeon. Any person fishing for sturgeon shall have in their possession a non-transferable Sturgeon Fishing Report Card and complete it in accordance with Section 27.90, Title 14 California Code of Regulations.
Sturgeon may not be taken in the following described area between January 1 and March 15: That portion of San Francisco Bay included within the following boundaries: A direct line between Pt. Chauncy (National Marine Fisheries Laboratory) and Pt. Richmond, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and a direct line between Pt. Lobos and Pt. Bonita.
View a map of the sturgeon closure area.
Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) may not be removed from the water, taken, or possessed at any time. Green sturgeon must be released immediately without being removed from the water.
See this flyer or the 2013-2014 Ocean and/or Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for complete information on new sturgeon fishing regulations effective January 1, 2013.
The recreational fishery for striped bass (Morone saxitilis) is open year-round with a daily bag and possession limit of two fish and a minimum size limit of 18 inches in length. No striped bass may be taken while using a sinker weighing over four pounds, or while using any power-driven gurdy or winch.
The recreational fishery for shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) is open year-round. The bag and possession limit for shiner perch is 20 fish. This bag limit is separate from the 5-fish bag limit for other surfperch during the open season in San Francisco and San Pablo bays.
Identification Guide: Common Surfperches of California
Open all year from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. It is unlawful to be on any clam beach with any instrument capable of being used to dig clams during the closed night time hours. The limit on Littleneck Clams, Soft-shell Clams, Chiones, Northern Quahogs, and Cockles is 50 in combination. All softshell clams dug, regardless of size or broken condition, must be retained until the bag limit is reached.
The recreational season for California sea mussel (Mytilus californianus) and bay mussel (Mytilus trossulus) remains open year-round. The daily bag and possession limit is 10 pounds (in the shell) of California sea mussels and bay mussels in combination.
Note that the California Department of Public Health monitors and annually quarantines mussels to prevent human cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid poisoning.The quarantine is usually in effect from May through October, and applies only to sport-harvested mussels intended for human consumption. For updated information on quarantines and naturally-occurring shellfish toxins, call the California Department of Public Health's Shellfish Bio-toxin Information Line at (510) 412-4643 or toll-free at (800) 553-4133.
The fishery for all crabs of the genus Cancer except Dungeness crabs, but including: yellow crabs, rock crabs, red crabs, and slender crabs is open all year with a limit of 35 crabs. Minimum size is four inches measured by the shortest distance through the body, from edge of shell to edge of shell at the widest part. No undersize crabs may be placed in any type of receiver, kept on the person or retained in any person's possession or under his direct control; all crabs shall be measured immediately and any undersize crabs shall be released immediately into the water.
Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister) may not be taken from, or possessed if taken from, San Francisco and San Pablo bays at any time.
Limit: Five pounds
Ghost Shrimp and Blue Mud Shrimp
Limit: 50 in combination of species.
There is a 25 pound (including plants) wet weight limit on the take of herring eggs.
The daily bag limit on all marine aquatic plants for which the take is authorized is 10 pounds wet weight in the aggregate, except that 25 pounds of herring eggs on kelp may be collected. No eel grass, surf grass, or sea palm may be cut or disturbed at any time.
See the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for complete regulations, including regulations for species not covered here.
NOTE - CDFW may modify the seasons, depth constraints, bag limits or size limits for any species of federally-managed groundfish, California sheephead, ocean whitefish and greenlings of the genus Hexagrammos. Check this website regularly or call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline ((831) 649-2801) for the latest information.
The recreational fishery for surfperch (family Embiotocidae) inside San Francisco and San Pablo bays is closed from April 1, 2013 to July 31, 2013, and will reopen on August 1, 2013. Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) are exempt from the surfperch fishery closure.
Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister) may not be taken from, or possessed if taken from, San Francisco and San Pablo bays at any time.
For complete regulation information, see the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.
The recreational fishery for abalone (Haliotis sp.) is closed year-round south of the mouth of San Francisco Bay.
Some marine protected areas restrict or prohibit sport fishing. Please visit the MPA website for more information.
For complete regulation information, see the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations.
* The 180 ft (30 fm) depth limit is defined as waters shoreward of a line approximating the 30-fathom depth contour, as defined by the set of 30-fathom waypoints adopted in Federal regulations, 50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G.