Recreational California Halibut Fishery

Recreational anglers enjoy fishing for California halibut. Common methods of angling for this species include trolling or drifting by boat with a baited hook-and-line or lure; hook-and-line fishing from jetties, piers, and beaches, or diving with a spear gun (freediving or scuba diving). Consult the most recent edition of the Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet for up-to-date size restrictions and bag limits. For information on California halibut in San Francisco Bay, please see the Halibut Fact Sheet.

• Ocean Sport Fishing: Provides links to current Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations, California Code and Regulations, Title 14, in-season regulation changes, closures, and more.
• California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations Map: View or print an easy to understand summary of fishing seasons and basic fishing regulations by clicking on a coastal area where you plan to fish.
• 2009 San Francisco Bay Halibut Fact Sheet: The fact sheet provides a summary of information about California halibut, with a focus on San Francisco Bay.

Recreational effort for California halibut in San Francisco Bay has increased in recent years. CDFW biologists augment the California Recreational Fishery Survey (CRFS) by interviewing anglers returning from halibut trips at Berkeley Marina and Oyster Point Launch ramps.