China Rockfish in California
Limits, records and where CDFW flags china rockfish.
- 10 a daydaily bag
- 4 lbs., 1 oz.record
china rockfish in California
China rockfish (Sebastes nebulosus) is one of the rockfish species CDFW covers on salt water. Under the Northern Groundfish Management Area (CA-OR border (42°00′ N) to Cape Mendocino ( rule, the bag is 10 a day with a size of none.
The record book shows 4 lbs., 1 oz. from Point Saint George (2021). Its range on the Marine Species Portal covers the north, central and south coast.
CDFW on china rockfish
“China rockfish occur from Kodiak Island in the western Gulf of Alaska to Redondo Beach and San Nicolas Island in southern California, but they are most abundant from southeastern Alaska to central California.”
“Larger juveniles and adults settle on rocky reefs but can also be found in kelp forests. China rockfish are most common in depths between 3 and 128 meters (10 to 420 feet). China rockfish tend to have small home territories and individuals may stay on the same reef for years.”
- SizeA maximum length of 45 centimeters (17.7 inches).
- SeasonRecreational and commercial fishing seasons and other regulations for China rockfish vary by fishing sector, geographic area, and time of year, and are subject to changes inseason in response to recent stock and catch information. For curre
- GearLegal recreational gears for China rockfish include hook and line and spear. Legal commercial gears for China rockfish vary by sector and may include a variety of hook and line gears as well as gill nets, trawls, and traps.
- Where fishedTake of China rockfish is allowed statewide, but area closures by depth, geographic area, and time of year may exist.
- Other namesyellow stripe
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
California limits on china rockfish
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Groundfish Management Area (CA-OR border (42°00' N) to Cape Mendocino (40°10' N)) | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Mendocino Groundfish Management Area (Cape Mendocino (40°10' N) to Point Arena (38°57.5' N)) | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| San Francisco Groundfish Management Area (Point Arena (38°57.5' N) to Pigeon Point (37°11' N)) | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Central Groundfish Management Area (Pigeon Point (37°11' N) to Point Conception (34°27' N)) | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Southern Groundfish Management Area (Point Conception (34°27' N) to U.S.-Mexico border) | 10 a day | none | Apr. 1 – Jun. 30: open all depths; Jul. 1 – Sep. 30: 50 fathom – inshore only (take prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom RCA line) |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
china rockfish in the record book
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Lure | 4 lbs., 1 oz. | Point Saint George | 2021 |
| Ocean diving | Free | 3 lbs., 2 oz. | Fort Ross | 2021 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Species near china rockfish
- Black RockfishRockfish
- Black-and-Yellow RockfishRockfish
- Blue RockfishRockfish
- Bocaccio RockfishRockfish
- Brown RockfishRockfish
- Calico RockfishRockfish
- Canary RockfishRockfish
- Chilipepper RockfishRockfish
- Copper RockfishRockfish
- CowcodRockfish
- Flag RockfishRockfish
- Gopher RockfishRockfish
California china rockfish, answered
How many china rockfish can I keep in California?
10 a day (Northern Groundfish Management Area (CA-OR border (42°00' N) to Cape Mendocino (), size none.
What does the California record china rockfish weigh?
4 lbs., 1 oz. from Point Saint George (2021).
Where can I catch china rockfish in California?
Take of China rockfish is allowed statewide, but area closures by depth, geographic area, and time of year may exist.
Do hatcheries raise china rockfish?
No.
What does china rockfish look like?
A maximum length of 45 centimeters (17.7 inches).
What months can I keep china rockfish?
April 1 – December 31: open all depths
Do I need a report card for china rockfish?
The $64.54 resident license covers it; sturgeon, steelhead and lobster need cards.
Do party boats target china rockfish?
No listing names it.
Find china rockfish near you
Open a water above for launches and limits.