Rosethorn Rockfish in California
Where rosethorn rockfish live in California, with limits.
- 10 a daydaily bag
Angling for rosethorn rockfish across the state
Rosethorn rockfish (Sebastes helvomaculatus) is a salt water species CDFW lists in its rockfish group. Bag and size (Northern Groundfish Management Area): 10 a day, none.
CDFW maps it along the north, central and south coast.
rosethorn rockfish in CDFW words
“From Kodiak Island, Alaska to Guadalupe Island, Baja California, Mexico. Rare south of San Francisco, California.”
“Bottom dwelling species that is found in environments over mixed rock and mud substrate at depths between 79 meters (260 feet) and 350 meters (1,150 feet) with water temperatures that can be as low as 4.1º Celsius (39º Fahrenheit).”
- SizeThey reach a maximum of 43 centimeters (17 inches) long and of 1.5 kilograms (3.2 pounds).
- SeasonRockfish have complex seasons and area restrictions that change based on various stock assessments and other factors. For current fishing information see: Summary of Recreational Groundfish Regulations (by Management Area) Commercial Ground
- GearCommercially taken by trawl and longline. Recreationally taken by Hook and line.
- Where fishedMay be taken statewide but more common north of San Francisco.
- Other namesrock cod, rosy rockfish, red snapper rocote moteado
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Rules for rosethorn rockfish
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Groundfish Management Area | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Mendocino Groundfish Management Area | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| San Francisco Groundfish Management Area | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Central Groundfish Management Area | 10 a day | none | April 1 – December 31: open all depths |
| Southern Groundfish Management Area | 10 a day | none | Apr. 1 – Jun. 30: open all depths; Jul. 1 – Sep. 30: 50 fathom – inshore only; Oct. 1 – Dec. 31: 50 fathom – offshore only (take prohibited shoreward of the 50 |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Related to rosethorn rockfish
- Black RockfishRockfish
- Black-and-Yellow RockfishRockfish
- Blue RockfishRockfish
- Bocaccio RockfishRockfish
- Brown RockfishRockfish
- Calico RockfishRockfish
- Canary RockfishRockfish
- Chilipepper RockfishRockfish
- China RockfishRockfish
- Copper RockfishRockfish
- CowcodRockfish
- Flag RockfishRockfish
Short answers on rosethorn rockfish
Does California set a size limit on rosethorn rockfish?
10 a day (Northern Groundfish Management Area), size none.
Is there a state record for rosethorn rockfish?
No record is on the CDFW table.
Where in California should I fish for rosethorn rockfish?
May be taken statewide but more common north of San Francisco.
Will CDFW plant rosethorn rockfish this year?
It is not in the 2026 plan.
How big do rosethorn rockfish get?
They reach a maximum of 43 centimeters (17 inches) long and of 1.5 kilograms (3.2 pounds).
When can I target rosethorn rockfish?
April 1 – December 31: open all depths
Do I need a license for rosethorn rockfish?
The $64.54 resident annual, with cards for steelhead, sturgeon and lobster.
Where do I hire a boat for rosethorn rockfish?
No operator reports it; try the guides page.
Chase rosethorn rockfish statewide
Each water named here opens to its own page.