Pacific Whiting in California
Pacific whiting: California limits and records.
- 20 a daydaily bag
Pacific whiting, the California picture
On salt water, Pacific whiting (Merluccius productus) belongs to the other 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 Pacific whiting
“Pacific whiting occur from the Gulf of Alaska to Bahía Magdalena, southern Baja California, Mexico. As well as the Gulf of California to Colombia, including the Islas Revillagigedos.”
“Pacific whiting school in midwater but have also been observed resting on the seafloor. They’re most common in water between 164 and 1,640 feet deep, but adults are found in water over 3,000 feet deep and 250 miles or more offshore.”
- SizePacific whiting weigh approximately 635 grams (1.4 pounds), and can measure up to 91.44 centimeters (3 feet).
- SeasonThe fishery for the coastal population of Pacific whiting occurs along the coasts of northern California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia primarily during May-November.
- GearPacific whiting are primary caught commercially with mid-water trawl gear . They may be caught on hook and line gear with salmon or groundfish baits such as squid, herring or anchovy .
- Where fishedPacific whiting are fished statewide, with a concentration in the northeast Pacific.
- Other namesPacific hake, whitefish, haddock, butterfish, California hake, popeye, silver hake, oatmeal fish
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Keeping Pacific whiting 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 Pacific whiting
- 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
Pacific whiting questions, answered briefly
What daily bag applies to Pacific whiting in California?
20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
How big is the state record Pacific whiting?
None on the CDFW list.
Where are Pacific whiting found?
Pacific whiting are fished statewide, with a concentration in the northeast Pacific.
Are Pacific whiting planted in California?
The 2026 plan does not include it.
What is Pacific whiting also called?
Pacific whiting weigh approximately 635 grams (1.4 pounds), and can measure up to 91.44 centimeters (3 feet).
Can I fish for Pacific whiting all year?
see rule
Is a validation needed for Pacific whiting?
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 Pacific whiting?
No charter lists it.