Can I Keep?Pacific Sanddab and Other Flatfish Regulations in California (2026)
Recreational pacific sanddab and other flatfish 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 fishery is open year-round, at all depths for the…
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Recreational Pacific Sanddab and Other Flatfish 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 fishery is open year-round, at all depths for the following species: Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus), butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (PDF) (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus).
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- 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 fishery is open year-round, at all depths for the following species: Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus), butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (PDF) (opens in new tab) (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus).
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- 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 fishery is open year-round, at all depths for the following species: Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus), butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (PDF) (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus).
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- 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 fishery is open year-round, at all depths for the following species: Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus), butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (PDF) (opens in new tab) (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus).
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- Where
- Southern Management Area
- Size limit
- Refer to groundfish sport fishing regulations for complete regulation information, including size limits, bag limits, and other regulations pertaining to these species, see current ocean sport fishing regulations.
- Bag limit
- Refer to groundfish sport fishing regulations 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 fishery is open year-round, at all depths for the following species: Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus), butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (PDF) (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus).
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
- 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 fishery is open year-round, at all depths for the following species: Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus), butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (PDF) (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus).
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Quick answers
What is the pacific sanddab and other flatfish 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 pacific sanddab and other flatfish 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 pacific sanddab and other flatfish season in California?
The recreational fishery is open year-round, at all depths for the following species: Pacific sanddab (Citharichthys sordidus), butter sole (Isopsetta isolepis), curlfin sole (Pleuronichthys decurrens), flathead sole (Hippoglossoides elassodon), rex sole (PDF) (Glyptocephalus zachirus), rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata), and sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus).. 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
- Ocean Whitefish
- Other Federally Managed Groundfish
- Pacific Halibut
- 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.