REGULATIONS / CALIFORNIA
California · Curated reference from cited public sources · listings, not permission to fish or retain a catch · This selected California ocean-sport reference subset is not a complete rulebook.
2026SOURCECDFW ocean sport fishing regulations ↗UPDATED JULY 17, 2026 · CHECKED AUG 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCChecked Aug 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCRules vary by location, method, vessel, and emergency closure.The CDFW page is an informational summary; the California Code of Regulations (Title 14) and emergency orders are authoritative. LISTINGCLOSEDListed closedReopens October 2, 2026
SPECIESLISTED SEASON WINDOWSJFMAMJJASONDBAGMIN SIZELISTING
California Spiny Lobster[confirmed] Official rule is from 6:00 p.m. on the Friday preceding the first Wednesday in October through the first Wednesday after the 15th of March. The booklet gives the 2025-26 dates as September 26, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. through March 18, 2026, and 2026-27 dates as October 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. through March 17, 2027; calendar-year 2026 windows are split above. Minimum size is 3 and 1/4 inches carapace length. · Listed season windows: Jan 1, 2026 through Mar 18, 2026 · 7 fish listed · Oct 2, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 7 fish listedListed closed——CLOSED - LISTED SEASON WINDOWS
- Jan 1, 2026 through Mar 18, 2026 · 7 fish listed
- Oct 2, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 7 fish listed
- APPLICABILITY
- [confirmed] Official rule is from 6:00 p.m. on the Friday preceding the first Wednesday in October through the first Wednesday after the 15th of March. The booklet gives the 2025-26 dates as September 26, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. through March 18, 2026, and 2026-27 dates as October 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. through March 17, 2027; calendar-year 2026 windows are split above. Minimum size is 3 and 1/4 inches carapace length.
- SOURCE AUTHORITY
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2026 California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet, T14 CCR §29.90 (last updated July 17, 2026)
UPDATED July 17, 2026 · CHECKED Aug 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · EFFECTIVE YEAR 2026
CDFW ocean sport fishing regulations ↗The CDFW page is an informational summary; the California Code of Regulations (Title 14) and emergency orders are authoritative.
This reference does not grant permission to fish or retain a catch. Location, method, vessel, species identification, and emergency closures can change what applies. Verify the applicable official rules.