Sand Sole in California
Where sand sole live in California, with limits.
- 10 a daydaily bag
Angling for sand sole across the state
Sand sole (Psettichthys melanostictus) is a salt water species CDFW lists in its flatfish group. Bag and size (Statewide): 10 a day, none.
CDFW maps it along the north, central and south coast.
sand sole in CDFW words
“From the southeastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Redondo Beach, southern California.”
“Adult sand sole are found in shallow waters with sandy and muddy substrates along the Pacific Coast in depths from the intertidal to 325 meters (1,066 feet). Juveniles stay in estuaries with sand or mud bottom along the same range.”
- SizeThe largest observed sand sole was 63 centimeters (25 inches) long, and around 2.25 kilograms (5 pounds).
- SeasonOpen year-round.
- GearTaken commercially with bottom trawl gear. Taken recreationally by hook and line.
- Where fishedAllowed statewide.
- Other namesfringe sole, sand flounder, spotted flounder
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
Rules for sand sole
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 10 a day | none | Year round |
| Statewide | see rule | none | Year round |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Related to sand sole
- California HalibutFlatfish
- Diamond TurbotFlatfish
- Pacific HalibutFlatfish
- Pacific SanddabFlatfish
- Starry FlounderFlatfish
Short answers on sand sole
Does California set a size limit on sand sole?
10 a day (Statewide), size none.
Is there a state record for sand sole?
No record is on the CDFW table.
Where in California should I fish for sand sole?
Allowed statewide.
Will CDFW plant sand sole this year?
It is not in the 2026 plan.
How big do sand sole get?
The largest observed sand sole was 63 centimeters (25 inches) long, and around 2.25 kilograms (5 pounds).
When can I target sand sole?
Year round
Do I need a license for sand sole?
The $64.54 resident annual, with cards for steelhead, sturgeon and lobster.
Where do I hire a boat for sand sole?
No operator reports it; try the guides page.
Chase sand sole statewide
Each water named here opens to its own page.