Can I Keep?Striped Bass Regulations in California (2026)
Morone saxitilis
Recreational striped bass rules in California saltwater, as published by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Striped Bass rules in California
- Where
- San Francisco Bay District (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- The recreational fishery for striped bass (Morone saxitilis) is open year-round with a daily bag and possession limit of two fish and a minimum size limit of 18 inches total length.
- Bag limit
- The recreational fishery for striped bass (Morone saxitilis) is open year-round with a daily bag and possession limit of two fish and a minimum size limit of 18 inches total length.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for striped bass (Morone saxitilis) is open year-round with a daily bag and possession limit of two fish and a minimum size limit of 18 inches total length.
- No striped bass may be taken while using a sinker weighing over four pounds, or while using any power-driven gurdy or winch.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (greencircle.png).
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- Prohibited: may not be taken or possessed for commercial purposes.
- Digest 'Prohibited Species' list: • Striped bass
- 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.
Quick answers
What is the striped bass size limit in California?
The recreational fishery for striped bass (Morone saxitilis) is open year-round with a daily bag and possession limit of two fish and a minimum size limit of 18 inches total length..
How many striped bass can I keep in California?
The recreational fishery for striped bass (Morone saxitilis) is open year-round with a daily bag and possession limit of two fish and a minimum size limit of 18 inches total length..
When is striped bass season in California?
The recreational fishery for striped bass (Morone saxitilis) is open year-round with a daily bag and possession limit of two fish and a minimum size limit of 18 inches total length.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Striped Bass limits in other states →
More inshore 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.