Can I Keep?Ocean Whitefish Regulations in California (2026)
Caulolatilus princeps
Recreational ocean whitefish 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 Ocean Whitefish rules in California
- Where
- Central Management Area
- Size limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for ocean whitefish (opens in new tab) (Caulolatilus princeps) 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 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for ocean whitefish (Caulolatilus princeps) is open year-round, at all depths.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Quick answers
What is the ocean whitefish size limit in California?
The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many ocean whitefish can I keep in California?
The daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish within the general daily bag limit of 20 fish total, with no minimum size limit. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is ocean whitefish season in California?
The recreational fishery for ocean whitefish (opens in new tab) (Caulolatilus princeps) 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
- California Scorpionfish (a.k.a. sculpin)
- Cowcod
- Kelp and rock greenlings
- Lingcod
- Nearshore rockfish
- 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.