Night Smelt in California
Bag rules, records and waters: night smelt.
- 20 a daydaily bag
About California night smelt
CDFW groups Night smelt (Spirinchus starksi) with its other species, on salt water. Anglers may keep 20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
It shows up along the north and central coast, per CDFW.
The CDFW profile of night smelt
“Night smelt are distributed coast-wide from southeast Alaska to Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County.”
“Night smelt occur in the surf and in depths from the surface to approximately 400 feet (122 meters).”
- SizeNight smelt measure less than 6 inches total length (140 millimeters) weighing to 11 grams. Males are slightly longer and heavier than females.
- SeasonFishing occurs during the spawning season—January to September.
- GearFishermen fish from shore using A-frame dip nets.
- Where fishedHistorically, fishing occurred from Moss Landing, Monterey County to the Oregon border. Currently, fishing occurs from San Mateo County to Del Norte County.
- Other namesNight fish
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Bag limits for night smelt
| 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.
Other fish like night smelt
- 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
night smelt in California: what people ask
What are the rules for keeping night smelt?
20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
What is the California record night smelt?
The record table has no entry.
Which California lakes hold night smelt?
Historically, fishing occurred from Moss Landing, Monterey County to the Oregon border. Currently, fishing occurs from San Mateo County to Del Norte County.
Does CDFW stock night smelt?
No 2026 plants are listed.
What Latin name does CDFW use for night smelt?
Night smelt measure less than 6 inches total length (140 millimeters) weighing to 11 grams. Males are slightly longer and heavier than females.
When is the season for night smelt?
see rule
Which license do I buy for night smelt?
License from 16 ($64.54); some species need report cards too.
Which charters catch night smelt?
See the guides page.