Jacksmelt in California
Limits, records and where CDFW flags jacksmelt.
- 20 a daydaily bag
- 1 lbs., 8 oz.record
jacksmelt in California
Jacksmelt (Atherinopsis californiensis) is one of the other species CDFW covers on salt water. Under the Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay rule, the bag is 20 a day with a size of none.
The record book shows 1 lbs., 8 oz. from San Nicholas Island (1998). Its range on the Marine Species Portal covers the north, central and south coast.
CDFW on jacksmelt
“Jacksmelt range from Yaquina Bay, Oregon to Santa Maria Bay, Baja California, Mexico.”
“Jacksmelt are found in shallow habitats, typically in estuaries, bays, kelp canopy, and along sandy beaches. Juveniles and adults school in nearshore waters from 5 to 50 feet (1.5 to 15 meters) in depth, although they can be found in depths down to 95 feet (29 meters).”
- SizeThe maximum measured length of jacksmelt is 19.3 inches fork length (494 millimeters) weighing 0.57 kilograms (1.26 pounds); however, a 22-inch (559 millimeter) fish was reported. For state angling and diving records, see our Fishing and Di
- SeasonThere are no closed seasons for jacksmelt.
- GearCommercial landings are comprised primarily by hook and line and round haul gear. Sport anglers targeting jacksmelt use “sabiki” bait jigs, small strips of squid on hooks, artificial lures, and flies.
- Where fishedJacksmelt are distributed statewide; however, most commercial landings originate from Monterey Bay hook and line vessels. They are commonly caught by boat-based and shore-based anglers statewide including within bays.
- Other namesHorse smelt, blue smelt
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
California limits on jacksmelt
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay | 20 a day | none | see rule |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
jacksmelt in the record book
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean angling | Lure | 1 lbs., 8 oz. | San Nicholas Island | 1998 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Species near jacksmelt
- Barred Sand BassOther
- Barred Surfperch and Redtail SurfperchOther
- Black CroakerOther
- Black PerchOther
- BlacksmithOther
- CabezonOther
- Calico SurfperchOther
- California CorbinaOther
- California Moray EelOther
- California ScorpionfishOther
- California SheepheadOther
- DolphinfishOther
California jacksmelt, answered
How many jacksmelt can I keep in California?
20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
What does the California record jacksmelt weigh?
1 lbs., 8 oz. from San Nicholas Island (1998).
Where can I catch jacksmelt in California?
Jacksmelt are distributed statewide; however, most commercial landings originate from Monterey Bay hook and line vessels. They are commonly caught by boat-based and shore-based anglers statewide including within bays.
Do hatcheries raise jacksmelt?
No.
What does jacksmelt look like?
The maximum measured length of jacksmelt is 19.3 inches fork length (494 millimeters) weighing 0.57 kilograms (1.26 pounds); however, a 22-inch (559 millimeter) fish was reported. For state angling and diving records, se
What months can I keep jacksmelt?
see rule
Do I need a report card for jacksmelt?
The $64.54 resident license covers it; sturgeon, steelhead and lobster need cards.
Do party boats target jacksmelt?
No listing names it.
Find jacksmelt near you
Open a water above for launches and limits.