Can I Keep?California Scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin) Regulations in California (2026)
Scorpaena guttata
Recreational california scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin) 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 Scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin) rules in California
- Where
- San Francisco Management Area
- Size limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with no minimum size limit.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with no minimum size limit.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) is open year-round, at all depths.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- Where
- Central Management Area
- Size limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with no minimum size limit.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with no minimum size limit.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) is open year-round, at all depths.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- Where
- Southern Management Area
- Size limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with no minimum size limit.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with no minimum size limit.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) is open year-round, at all depths.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- Where
- San Francisco Bay District (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with no minimum size limit.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with no minimum size limit.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) is open year-round, at all depths.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Quick answers
What is the california scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin) size limit in California?
The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with no minimum size limit. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many california scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin) can I keep in California?
The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish with no minimum size limit. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is california scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin) season in California?
The recreational fishery for California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) is open year-round, at all depths.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More groundfish & flatfish in California
- Bronzespotted Rockfish
- Cabezon
- California Scorpionfish
- Cowcod
- Kelp and rock greenlings
- Lingcod
- Nearshore rockfish
- Ocean Whitefish
- Other Federally Managed Groundfish
- Pacific Halibut
- Pacific Sanddab and Other Flatfish
- Petrale Sole and Starry Flounder
- Quillback Rockfish
- Shelf and slope rockfish
- Yelloweye Rockfish
All California saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a California saltwater license or registry: get one here.