Northern Anchovy in California
northern anchovy: California limits and records.
- 20 a daydaily bag
northern anchovy, the California picture
On salt water, Northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) belongs to the baitfish group in CDFW references. The Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay row reads 20 a day, size none.
The north, central and south coast holds it, per the portal.
What CDFW writes about northern anchovy
“Northern anchovy range from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico; also found in the Gulf of California.”
“Pelagic , open ocean, environment. Northern anchovy are typically found within 30 kilometers (19 miles) of shore and between the surface and about 380 meters (1250 feet) deep.”
- SizeNorthern anchovy can grow up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) in length.
- SeasonThe fishery is open year-round, but they are primarily caught April – December.
- GearCommercially fished with purse seine and recreationally with hook and line.
- Where fishedAnchovy may be found statewide. The commercial purse seine fishery mainly harvests northern anchovy around Monterey Bay and in southern California.
- Other namesNorth Pacific anchovy, California anchovy
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Keeping northern anchovy in California
| 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.
More in the group with northern anchovy
- California GrunionBaitfish
- Jack MackerelBaitfish
- Market SquidBaitfish
- Pacific HerringBaitfish
- Pacific MackerelBaitfish
- Pacific SardineBaitfish
- Shiner PerchBaitfish
- Smallhead FlyingfishBaitfish
- TopsmeltBaitfish
northern anchovy questions, answered briefly
What daily bag applies to northern anchovy in California?
20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
How big is the state record northern anchovy?
None on the CDFW list.
Where are northern anchovy found?
Anchovy may be found statewide. The commercial purse seine fishery mainly harvests northern anchovy around Monterey Bay and in southern California.
Are northern anchovy planted in California?
The 2026 plan does not include it.
What is northern anchovy also called?
Northern anchovy can grow up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) in length.
Can I fish for northern anchovy all year?
see rule
Is a validation needed for northern anchovy?
A California sport fishing license ($64.54 resident) from age 16; report cards apply to steelhead, sturgeon, North Coast salmon and lobster.
Who guides for northern anchovy?
No charter lists it.