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Leopard Shark Regulations in California (2026)

Triakis semifasciata

Recreational leopard shark 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.

Size limit
36 in minimum
Bag limit
3 per person
Season
The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is…

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Recreational Leopard Shark rules in California

Where
Northern Management Area
Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Season
The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Where
Mendocino Management Area
Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Season
The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Where
San Francisco Management Area
Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Season
The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Where
Central Management Area
Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Season
The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Where
Southern Management Area
Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Season
The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Where
San Francisco Bay District (bays & inshore)
Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length.
Season
The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) is open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule
Where
Statewide
Size limit
Leopard shark less than 36 inches in total length shall not be taken, possessed, sold, or purchased for commercial purposes (FGC §8388.5).
  • 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.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the leopard shark size limit in California?

The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many leopard shark can I keep in California?

The daily bag and possession limit is 3 fish with a minimum size limit of 36 inches total length. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is leopard shark season in California?

The recreational fishery for leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) 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 offshore & pelagic 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.