Can I Keep?California Halibut Regulations in California (2026)
Paralichthys californicus
Recreational california halibut rules in California saltwater, as published by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational California Halibut rules in California
- Where
- Northern Management Area
- Size limit
- The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and total possession limit is two fish north of Point Sur, Monterey County.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- Where
- Mendocino Management Area
- Size limit
- The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and total possession limit is two fish north of Point Sur, Monterey County.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- Where
- San Francisco Management Area
- Size limit
- The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and total possession limit is two fish north of Point Sur, Monterey County.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- Where
- Central Management Area
- Size limit
- The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and total possession limit is five fish south of Point Sur, Monterey County.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- Where
- Southern Management Area
- Size limit
- The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is five fish south of Point Sur, Monterey County.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- Where
- San Francisco Bay District (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and total possession limit is two fish north of Point Sur, Monterey County.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Ocean
- Size limit
- No California halibut may be taken, possessed, or sold that measures less than 22 inches in total length.
- Season
- Hook-and-line: open all year (digest calendar)
- Trawling in the California Halibut Trawl Grounds: Digest calendar: California Halibut (Trawling) Open 6/16/2026 to 3/14/2027
- Please refer to T14 CCR §189, and to the federal groundfish regulations with regard to special provisions involving California halibut.
- License: Any resident 16 years of age or older who uses or operates, or assists in using or operating, any boat, aircraft, net, trap, line, or other appliance to take fish or amphibia for commercial purposes, or who causes to be brought ashore any fish or amphibia at any point in the state for the purpose of selling them in a fresh state, or who contributes materially to the activities on board a commercial fishing vessel is required to have a commercial fishing license. (FGC §7850).
- Source: 2026 California Commercial Fishing Digest (CDFW); regulations may change in-season.
Quick answers
What is the california halibut size limit in California?
The minimum size limit is 22 inches total length. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many california halibut can I keep in California?
The daily bag and total possession limit is two fish north of Point Sur, Monterey County. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is california halibut season in California?
The recreational fishery for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) remains open year-round.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More inshore in California
All California saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a California saltwater license or registry: get one here.