2026 regulation year
California Lingcod 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules
Ophiodon elongatus
Last updated
Lingcod are the top predator of California's rocky reefs and a prized groundfish target taken alongside rockfish. They are managed under the same five-area recreational groundfish framework as the RCG complex — but with their own 2-fish daily bag and a firm 22-inch minimum size. Like rockfish, the open season and depth limit are set per management area each year and can change in-season.
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Season
Set annually by management area, not statewide. The boat-based season generally runs spring through December for most management areas, under the same depth (fathom) limits and in-season closures as the rest of the groundfish fishery. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from the season and depth restrictions. Verify the current open dates and depth limit for your management area before each trip.
Bag & possession
- Daily bag
- 2 / day
Size, slot, trophy rules
- Size
- 22 in total length minimum; fillets retained at sea must keep the entire skin attached and be at least 14 in long
Gear restrictions
- Taken under the same management-area season and depth limits as rockfish — lingcod is part of the groundfish trip
- Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from the boat-based season and depth restrictions
- Use a descending device or venting tool when releasing rockfish caught alongside lingcod from deep water
- Boat-based season, depth (fathom) limit, and open management area are set annually and can change in-season — verify the current rule before fishing
Named water-body overrides
Where statewide rules differ on specific California waters:
Northern Management Area
California/Oregon border south to Cape Mendocino; own annual season and depth limit
Mendocino Management Area
Cape Mendocino south to Point Arena; own annual season and depth limit
San Francisco Management Area
Point Arena south to Pigeon Point; own annual season and depth limit
Central Management Area
Pigeon Point south to Point Conception; own annual season and depth limit
Southern Management Area
Point Conception south to the US/Mexico border; own annual season and depth limit
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.
The lingcod rules on this page are sourced from California Department of Fish and Wildlife's official lingcod regulation page.
Visit official California fishing regulations →
Emergency-order channel
Lingcod closures, slot-limit changes, and harvest pauses are posted to California Department of Fish and Wildlife's emergency-order feed — check it before any California trip during the active season.
Frequently asked questions
- When is lingcod season in California?
- Set annually by management area, not statewide. The boat-based season generally runs spring through December for most management areas, under the same depth (fathom) limits and in-season closures as the rest of the groundfish fishery. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from the season and depth restrictions. Verify the current open dates and depth limit for your management area before each trip. Those are the 2026 California dates; always confirm against California Department of Fish and Wildlife before a trip, because an emergency order can shift an opener with little notice.
- What is the California bag limit for lingcod?
- The California daily bag limit for lingcod is 2 / day. Some named waters set a different limit — check the water-body overrides above.
- What size lingcod can you keep in California?
- The California size rule for lingcod is 22 in total length minimum; fillets retained at sea must keep the entire skin attached and be at least 14 in long.
- Do you need a license to fish for lingcod in California?
- Yes. California requires a valid fishing license to fish for lingcod, with the usual exemptions for young children, state free-fishing days, and some senior or disabled-veteran categories. A license is valid only in the state that issued it, so non-residents need a California license — compare resident and non-resident California fees on the state regulations page below.
- Are there gear restrictions for lingcod in California?
- Yes. In California, lingcod fishing carries these gear rules: Taken under the same management-area season and depth limits as rockfish — lingcod is part of the groundfish trip; Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from the boat-based season and depth restrictions; Use a descending device or venting tool when releasing rockfish caught alongside lingcod from deep water; Boat-based season, depth (fathom) limit, and open management area are set annually and can change in-season — verify the current rule before fishing.
- Do specific California waters have different lingcod rules?
- Yes. 5 named California waters carry rules that override the statewide lingcod regulation, including Northern Management Area, Mendocino Management Area, San Francisco Management Area, and 2 more. See the named water-body overrides above for the exact rule on each.