Current California Ocean Recreational Fishing Regulations

North-Central 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 June 17, 2008.

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Click on a fishery below for more detailed information. What's Open Rockfish Cabezon Kelp and Rock Greenlings Lingcod Leopard Shark Pacific Sanddab and "Other Flatfish" Other Federally-managed groundfish and associated state-managed species California Halibut Pacific Halibut Shiner Perch Sturgeon Striped Bass Sharks Clams Mussels Crabs Shrimp Herring Eggs Kelp Other species Partial Closure* None at this time What's Closed Surfperch Ocean Salmon Dungeness Crab Additional Information Public Health Advisories On Sport Fish Consumption in the San Francisco Bay and Delta Region * Partial closure enforced by fishing mode (diver, boat-based, shore-based). For more information, read below.   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 that fish from boats or vessels of any size or any other type of floating object, including kayaks and float tubes.   The Bay-Delta Sport Fishing Enhancement Stamp is required for fishing in the tidal waters of San Francisco Bay east of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Pablo Bay, Carquinez Strait, and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.   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 Note - 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 web site, call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at (831) 649-2801, send an e-mail to AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov, or call the nearest DFG office for the latest information. Note: Your questions sent to AskMarine@dfg.ca.gov, and the Department'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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What's Open:

Rockfish

The recreational fishery for rockfish (Sebastes sp.) is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section).   These species may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 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 (1 per person, minimum size limit of 10 inches total length, also included in the 10 fish RCG Complex aggregate limit). Yelloweye rockfish, canary rockfish and cowcod may not be retained (bag limit: zero).

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Cabezon

The recreational fishery for cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers. This fishery isopen to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section).  Cabezon may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep. The daily bag and possession limit is 1 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.

Kelp Greenling and Rock Greenling

The recreational fishery for kelp and rock greenlings (Hexagrammos sp.) is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section).  Greenlings may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 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.

Lingcod

The recreational fishery for lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) is open to divers² and shore-based anglers only from April 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). Lingcod may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 fish, with a minimum size limit of 24 inches total length.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Leopard Shark

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. Leopard sharks may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms). The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Pacific Sanddab and "Other Flatfish"³

The recreational fishery for Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus) and "other flatfish" is open year-round to boat-based anglers, divers² and shore-based anglers, with certain gear restrictions during closed periods and in closed areas³. Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for size limits, bag limits and other regulations pertaining to these species.

Click here for 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 species¹ is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers.This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). These species may only be taken or possessed⁴ in waters less than 120 feet (20 fathoms) deep. The fishery for these species is open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers. Refer to the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for size limits, bag limits and other regulations pertaining to these species.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

California Halibut

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.

Pacific Halibut

The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open from May 1, 2008 through October 31, 2008. The daily bag and possession limit is one fish with no minimum size limit.

Shiner Perch

The recreational fishery for shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) is open year-round. Shiner perch may be taken and possessed up to their daily bag limit of 20 fish. Note that the recreational fishery for surfperch (family Embiotocidae) inside San Francisco and San Pablo Bays is closed from April 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008.

Sturgeon

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 46 inches and 66 inches total length. The yearly limit is three (3) sturgeon per year. Short or oversized sturgeon must be released unharmed immediately. 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.

Click here to view a map of the sturgeon closure area.

Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) may not be taken or possessed at any time.

See the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations for complete sturgeon information

Striped Bass

Open year round with a limit of two striped bass and a minimum size of 18 inches. Method of take: No striped bass may be taken while using a sinker weighing over four pounds, or while using any power driven gurdy or winch. Striped bass may only be taken by angling as defined by Section 1.05, Title 14, CCR; snagging is an illegal method of take.

Sharks (other than soupfin shark and spiny dogfish - see below)

Open all year, except that white sharks may not be taken or possessed at any time. Limit on sixgill and sevengill sharks is one fish with no size limit. The limit on leopard sharks is three fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length. Leopard sharks are exempt from regulations affecting other federally managed species, such as soupfin shark and spiny dogfish (see below).

Soupfin Shark and Spiny Dogfish

The recreational fisheries for soupfin shark (Galeorhinus zyopterus) and spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) in San Francisco Bay are open year-round to divers² and shore-based anglers. This fishery is open to boat-based anglers from June 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 (see important NOTE at the end of this section). 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 ten fish with no minimum size limit.

Click here for a summary of groundfish regulations.

Clams

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.

Mussels

Limit is 10 pounds (in the shell) of California sea mussels and bay mussels in combination.

Crabs

All crabs of the genus Cancer except Dungeness crabs, but including: yellow crabs, rock crabs, red crabs, and slender crabs are 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 or possessed while fishing in San Francisco and San Pablo bays at any time.

Bay Shrimp (Grass Shrimp)

Limit: Five pounds

Ghost Shrimp and Blue Mud Shrimp

Limit: 50 in combination of species.

Herring Eggs

There is a 25 pound (including plants) wet weight limit on the take of herring eggs.

Kelp

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.

Other Species

See the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for complete regulations, including regulations for species not covered here.

NOTE - The Department 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 Web site regularly or call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline ((831) 649-2801) for the latest information.

 

What's Closed:

Surfperch

The recreational fishery for surfperch (family Embiotocidae) inside San Francisco and San Pablo Bays is closed from April 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008. Shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) are exempt from this seasonal closure and may be taken and possessed up to their daily bag limit of 20 fish.

Ocean Salmon

The recreational fishery for ocean salmon is closed. In April, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the California Fish and Game Commission adopted a complete closure of the ocean salmon sport fishery in California for the remainder of the 2008 season.

Click here for a comprehensive news and FAQ page describing salmon fishery changes.

For additional information, please visit the PFMC Web site at www.pcouncil.org/whatsnew.html.

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister) may not be taken or possessed (while fishing) in San Francisco and San Pablo bays at any time.

For complete regulation information, see the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

Existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Click here for information on existing MPAs in this region.

For complete regulation information, see the California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations.

 

¹ Associated state managed species include cabezon, greenlings, California sheephead and ocean whitefish.

² Except for spearfishing gear, all other types of fishing gear are prohibited to be aboard a vessel or non-motorized watercraft while spearfishing for the purpose of retaining federal groundfish and associated state managed species during a seasonal closure affecting boat-based anglers.

³ In closed areas or during closed periods, Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus) and "other flatfish" as defined in Section 1.91(a)(10) 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) may ONLY be taken using the following gear: up to 12 no. 2 (or smaller) hooks and up to 2 lb. of weight.

⁴ These species may be possessed aboard vessels that are transiting deeper waters only when all fishing gear is stowed.

 

Public Health Advisories On Sport Fish Consumption in the San Francisco Bay and Delta Region

Note: Additional site-specific advisory information can be found on the OEHHA (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment) Web Site.

Because of elevated levels of mercury, PCBs, and other chemicals, the following interim advisory* has been issued.

• Women beyond their childbearing years and adult males should eat no more than two meals per month of San Francisco Bay sport fish, including sturgeon and striped bass caught in the delta. Women beyond their childbearing years and adult males should not eat any striped bass over 35 inches long.
• Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children should not eat more than one meal of fish per month. In addition, they should not eat any striped bass over 27 inches or any shark.
• This advisory does not apply to salmon, anchovies, herring, and smelt caught in the bay; other sport fish caught in the delta or ocean; or commercial fish.
• Richmond Harbor Channel area: In addition to the above advice, no one should eat any croakers, surfperches, bullheads, gobies or shellfish taken within the Richmond Harbor Channel area because of high levels of chemicals detected there.

* A final state advisory is being developed. Follow this advice in the interim.