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Other Federally Managed Groundfish Regulations in California (2026)

Recreational other federally managed groundfish 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
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits…
Bag limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits…
Season
The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish…

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Recreational Other Federally Managed Groundfish rules in California

Where
Northern Management Area
Size limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Bag limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Season
The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish species (soupfin shark, Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish, skates, ratfish, grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish, and thornyheads) are open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Where
Mendocino Management Area
Size limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Bag limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Season
The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish species (soupfin shark, Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish, skates, ratfish, grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish, and thornyheads) are open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Where
San Francisco Management Area
Size limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Bag limit
Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species.
Season
The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish species (soupfin shark, Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish, skates, ratfish, grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish, and thornyheads) are open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Where
Central Management Area
Size limit
For complete regulation information, including size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.
Bag limit
For complete regulation information, including size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.
Season
The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish species (soupfin shark, Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish, skates, ratfish, grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish, and thornyheads) are open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Where
Southern Management Area
Size limit
For complete regulation information, including size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.
Bag limit
For complete regulation information, including size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.
Season
The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish species (soupfin shark, Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish, skates, ratfish, grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish, and thornyheads) are open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Where
San Francisco Bay District (bays & inshore)
Size limit
For complete regulation information, including size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.
Bag limit
For complete regulation information, including size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.
Season
The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish species (soupfin shark, Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish, skates, ratfish, grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish, and thornyheads) are open year-round, at all depths.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the other federally managed groundfish size limit in California?

Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many other federally managed groundfish can I keep in California?

Refer to California ocean sport fishing regulations for size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is other federally managed groundfish season in California?

The recreational fisheries for all other federally managed groundfish species (soupfin shark, Dover sole, English sole, arrowtooth flounder, spiny dogfish, skates, ratfish, grenadiers, finescale codling, Pacific cod, Pacific whiting, sablefish, and thornyheads) are 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

All California saltwater fishing regulations →

Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a California saltwater license or registry: get one here.