California Fishing Regulations: Bag Limits, Size Limits and Seasons

These are the statewide daily bag limits and length limits California anglers work under, taken from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) guide for March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027. Statewide means the default: most states, California included, override these on specific lakes, rivers and coastal zones, so treat this page as the baseline and the official guide as the rule for the water you are standing on.

Inland lakes, reservoirs and ponds are open all year. Most streams and rivers follow the general trout season, the last Saturday in April through November 15, with a long list of district and special-water exceptions. Ocean seasons for rockfish, salmon and halibut are set separately each year and can close early. You will still need the California fishing license, which runs $64.54 for residents and $174.14 for non-residents; the California fishing license page covers short-term options, exemptions and where to buy.

AgencyCalifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
Regulation yearMarch 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027
Free fishingTwo Free Fishing Days a year, set annually by CDFW (Saturday July 4 and Saturday September 5 in 2026). No license needed; report cards and every other rule still apply.
Official regulation guide License cost

Limits last verified 2026-09-16.

California freshwater bag and length limits

Statewide freshwater limits. Water-specific exceptions in the official guide take precedence.
Species Daily bag Length
Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted)Many reservoirs carry a 15 in. minimum or a slot; see the special black bass table. 5 combined 12 in. minimum
Striped bassDifferent limits on some Delta and reservoir waters. 2 18 in. minimum
Trout (all species)District and special-water rules change both the limit and the size on hundreds of waters. 5 daily, 10 in possession None statewide
Sunfish and crappie 25 combined None
Catfish and bullheadA few waters set their own catfish limit. No limit None
American shad 25 None
White sturgeonStatewide zero harvest. 0 (catch-and-release only) Not applicable

How to read a bag limit

A daily bag limit is the number of that species one angler may keep in a day, and in most states also the number you may have in possession on the water. Where a row says "combined", the number is shared across every species named in it. A minimum length is measured from the tip of the closed mouth to the tip of the tail with the tail pinched; a slot means fish inside the range must go back. When a lake has its own rule in the official guide, that rule replaces the statewide one for that water only.

Related: the California fishing license page for the fee and where to buy, non-resident fishing license fees across states, and fishing regulations for every state.

Frequently asked questions

What is the bass limit in California?

Statewide, California allows 5 combined black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted) per day, with a length rule of 12 in. minimum. Many reservoirs carry a 15 in. minimum or a slot; see the special black bass table. Individual lakes often carry a different slot or minimum, so check the water-specific exceptions in the official guide.

How many crappie can you keep in California?

The statewide daily limit is 25 combined, size rule none.

What is the catfish limit in California?

Catfish and bullhead: no limit per day, none. A few waters set their own catfish limit.

What is the trout limit in California?

Trout (all species): 5 daily, 10 in possession per day, none statewide. District and special-water rules change both the limit and the size on hundreds of waters.

Is there a closed season for fishing in California?

Inland lakes, reservoirs and ponds are open all year. Most streams and rivers follow the general trout season, the last Saturday in April through November 15, with a long list of district and special-water exceptions. Ocean seasons for rockfish, salmon and halibut are set separately each year and can close early.

When can you fish without a license in California?

Two Free Fishing Days a year, set annually by CDFW (Saturday July 4 and Saturday September 5 in 2026). No license needed; report cards and every other rule still apply.

Do I need a license to fish in California?

Yes for most adults. The annual California fishing license costs $64.54 for residents and $174.14 for non-residents. Report cards for specific species (salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, etc.) are separate add-ons. CDFW fees adjust yearly with California CPI. See the California fishing license page for short-term options and where to buy.

Where do these California limits come from?

Every figure on this page was read from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulation guide for March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027 and last checked on 2026-09-16. The guide, not this page, is the legal document. Use the official source link above before you keep a fish.