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Pacific Halibut Regulations in California (2026)

Hippoglossus stenolepis

Recreational pacific 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.

Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish…
Bag limit
1 per person
Season
The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus…

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Recreational Pacific Halibut rules in California

Where
Northern Management Area
Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.
Season
The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open as of April 1, 2026. North of Point Arena, the season will continue through November 15, 2026 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier.

Official source

Where
Mendocino Management Area
Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.
Season
The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open as of April 1, 2026. North of Point Arena, the season will continue through November 15, 2026 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier.

Official source

Where
San Francisco Management Area
Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.
Season
The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open as of April 1, 2026. South of Point Arena, the season will continue through December 31, 2026 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier.

Official source

Where
Central Management Area
Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.
Season
The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open as of April 1, 2026. South of Point Arena, Mendocino County the season will remain open through December 31, 2026 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier.

Official source

Where
San Francisco Bay District (bays & inshore)
Size limit
The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit.
Season
The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open as of April 1, 2026. South of Point Arena, the season will remain open through December 31, 2026 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the pacific halibut size limit in California?

The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many pacific halibut can I keep in California?

The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish, with no minimum size limit. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is pacific halibut season in California?

The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) is open as of April 1, 2026. North of Point Arena, the season will continue through November 15, 2026 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare Pacific Halibut limits in other states →

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.