Smallhead Flyingfish in California
How to find and keep smallhead flyingfish in California.
- 20 a daydaily bag
Where smallhead flyingfish fit in California
The baitfish group in CDFW references includes Smallhead flyingfish (Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus), a salt water fish. The Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay limit is 20 a day, size none.
CDFW places it in the north, central and south regions of the coast.
CDFW notes on smallhead flyingfish
“Found circumglobally. In the eastern Pacific Ocean flyingfish are found from Oregon to the tip of Baja California, Mexico including the southern Gulf of California.”
“Found in surface waters both inshore and offshore in depths from 0 to 10 meters (0 to 33 feet).”
- SizeFlyingfish reach lengths of up to 48 centimeters (19 inches).
- SeasonAllowed year-round.
- GearTaken recreationally on hook and line. The primary commercial gear used is brail, or dipnets used to scoop the fish off the surface sometimes in conjunction with purse seines.
- Where fishedWhile fishing is allowed statewide, flyingfish are taken almost exclusively in Southern California and primarily around Catalina Island.
- Other namesCalifornia flying fish (Formerly Cypselurus californicus)
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
smallhead flyingfish bag and size rules
| 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.
Neighbors of smallhead flyingfish on the list
- California GrunionBaitfish
- Jack MackerelBaitfish
- Market SquidBaitfish
- Northern AnchovyBaitfish
- Pacific HerringBaitfish
- Pacific MackerelBaitfish
- Pacific SardineBaitfish
- Shiner PerchBaitfish
- TopsmeltBaitfish
smallhead flyingfish: the usual questions
Can I keep smallhead flyingfish in California?
20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
What is the biggest smallhead flyingfish caught in California?
No record is kept for it.
Where do anglers catch smallhead flyingfish?
While fishing is allowed statewide, flyingfish are taken almost exclusively in Southern California and primarily around Catalina Island.
Where does CDFW plant smallhead flyingfish?
CDFW lists no 2026 plants.
How can I tell smallhead flyingfish apart?
Flyingfish reach lengths of up to 48 centimeters (19 inches).
Is smallhead flyingfish season open now?
see rule
What stamps apply to smallhead flyingfish?
From 16 you need a license ($64.54 resident); some species add a report card.
Can I book a trip for smallhead flyingfish?
The guides page lists every operator.
Target smallhead flyingfish this season
Each water in these lists opens to its own page.