2026 regulation year
California California halibut 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules
Paralichthys californicus
Last updated
California halibut hold north and south of the Point Sur split, with different bag limits in each zone. They are a flatfish, not the larger Pacific halibut, and 22-in minimum applies statewide.
Season
Open year-round Open year-round in both zones; bag differs by zone.
Bag & possession
- Daily bag
- 3 / day north of Point Sur; 5 / day south of Point Sur
- Possession
- Equal to daily bag (24-hour rule)
Size, slot, trophy rules
- Size
- 22 in minimum statewide
Gear restrictions
- Hook-and-line, gaff, or spearing legal
- No multi-hook bait rigs in some MPAs
Named water-body overrides
Where statewide rules differ on specific California waters:
San Francisco Bay
Statewide 22 in / 3 fish; report-card requirement enforced at the boat ramp
Santa Monica Bay
South-of-Point-Sur 5 / day applies
Half Moon Bay
North-of-Point-Sur 3 / day applies
Monterey Bay
Bag transitions at Point Sur — verify zone before retaining
Official source
California Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes the authoritative 2026 Californiafishing regulations. Always verify the current rule before fishing — emergency closures and in-season changes can override what's published here.