Can I Keep?Sturgeon Regulations in California (2026)
Recreational sturgeon 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
White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed…
Bag limit
The daily bag and possession limit for white sturgeon is zero (0)…
Season
The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)…
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Recreational Sturgeon rules in California
- Where
- Northern Management Area
- Size limit
- White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit for white sturgeon is zero (0) fish.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is open from October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in ocean waters, except for the long-standing area closure between January 1 and March 15 as described in California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 27.90(i).
- Only one single barbless hook may be used on a line to take sturgeon.
- No sturgeon may be taken by trolling, snagging, or by the use of firearms.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (yellowcircle.png); yellow = 'Partially closed fishing season or alert'.
- White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately.
- Lip gripper devices may not be used.
- Sturgeon may not be gaffed, nor shall any person use any type of firearm or snare to take any sturgeon.
- Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) may not be removed from the water, taken, or possessed at any time.
- Where
- Mendocino Management Area
- Size limit
- White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit for white sturgeon is zero (0) fish.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is open from October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in ocean waters, except for the long-standing area closure between January 1 and March 15 as described in California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 27.90(i).
- Only one single barbless hook may be used on a line to take sturgeon.
- No sturgeon may be taken by trolling, snagging, or by the use of firearms.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (yellowcircle.png); yellow = 'Partially closed fishing season or alert'.
- White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately.
- Lip gripper devices may not be used.
- Sturgeon may not be gaffed, nor shall any person use any type of firearm or snare to take any sturgeon.
- Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) may not be removed from the water, taken, or possessed at any time.
- Where
- San Francisco Management Area
- Size limit
- White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit for white sturgeon is zero (0) fish.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is open from October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in ocean waters, except for the long-standing area closure between January 1 and March 15 as described in California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 27.90(i).
- Only one single barbless hook may be used on a line to take sturgeon.
- No sturgeon may be taken by trolling, snagging, or by the use of firearms.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (yellowcircle.png); yellow = 'Partially closed fishing season or alert'.
- White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately.
- Lip gripper devices may not be used.
- Sturgeon may not be gaffed, nor shall any person use any type of firearm or snare to take any sturgeon.
- Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) may not be removed from the water, taken, or possessed at any time.
- Where
- Central Management Area
- Size limit
- White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit for white sturgeon is zero (0) fish.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is open from October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in ocean waters, except for the long-standing area closure between January 1 and March 15 as described in CCR T14, Section 27.90(i).
- Only one single barbless hook may be used on a line to take sturgeon.
- No sturgeon may be taken by trolling, snagging, or by the use of firearms.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (yellowcircle.png); yellow = 'Partially closed fishing season or alert'.
- White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately.
- Sturgeon may not be held out of water suspended by the gills, gill plates, mouth, or solely by the tail, and may not be dragged across the ground, boat decks, or piers, regardless of size.
- Lip gripper devices may not be used.
- Sturgeon may not be gaffed, nor shall any person use any type of firearm or snare to take any sturgeon.
- Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) may not be removed from the water, taken, or possessed at any time.
- Where
- San Francisco Bay District (bays & inshore)
- Size limit
- White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately.
- Bag limit
- The daily bag and possession limit for white sturgeon is zero (0) fish.
- Season
- The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is open from October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in ocean waters, except for the long-standing area closure between January 1 and March 15 as described in California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 27.90(i).
- Only one single barbless hook may be used on a line to take sturgeon.
- No sturgeon may be taken by trolling, snagging, or by the use of firearms.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (yellowcircle.png); yellow = 'Partially closed fishing season or alert'.
- White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately.
- Lip gripper devices may not be used.
- Sturgeon may not be gaffed, nor shall any person use any type of firearm or snare to take any sturgeon.
- Green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) may not be removed from the water, taken, or possessed at any time.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- Prohibited: may not be taken or possessed for commercial purposes.
- Digest 'Prohibited Species' list: • Sturgeon
- 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 sturgeon size limit in California?
White sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many sturgeon can I keep in California?
The daily bag and possession limit for white sturgeon is zero (0) fish. (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is sturgeon season in California?
The recreational fishery for white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is open from October 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in ocean waters, except for the long-standing area closure between January 1 and March 15 as described in California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 27.90(i).. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More salmon & trout 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.