2026 regulation year
California Largemouth bass 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules
Micropterus salmoides
Last updated
California's Central-Valley and Southern-California reservoirs grow Florida-strain largemouth to world-class sizes. Statewide rule is a 5-bass daily / 12-in minimum but several historic trophy reservoirs carry tighter slot rules.
Season
Open year-round Open year-round statewide.
Bag & possession
- Daily bag
- 5 / day (black bass combined — largemouth + smallmouth + spotted)
- Possession
- 10 in possession
Size, slot, trophy rules
- Size
- 12 in minimum (most waters)
Gear restrictions
- Pole-and-line only on public waters
- No live-imported bait fish on most reservoirs
- Some reservoirs require lead-tackle limits to protect waterfowl
Named water-body overrides
Where statewide rules differ on specific California waters:
Clear Lake
Statewide 12 in / 5 fish rule; tournament release strongly encouraged
Castaic Lake
Historic trophy water; standard 12 in / 5 fish applies
Diamond Valley Lake
Permit + boat-launch rules layer on top of state regs
California Delta
Statewide rule; striper + bass combined trip enforcement
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.