Speckled Rockfish in California
California rules, records and waters for speckled rockfish.
- 10 a daydaily bag
California speckled rockfish at a glance
CDFW covers Speckled rockfish (Sebastes ovalis) among its rockfish species, found on salt water. CDFW sets a Northern Groundfish Management Area bag of 10 a day and a size rule of none.
The Marine Species Portal lists the north, central and south regions.
How CDFW describes speckled rockfish
“Speckled rockfish are found from northern Washington to Cabo Colonet, central Baja California, Mexico.”
“Pelagic, open ocean, rocky shelf of the continental basin in water depths from 30 to 366 meters (100–1,200 feet).”
- SizeThey reach a maximum of 56 centimeters (22 inches) in length, with females being larger than males.
- SeasonRecreational and commercial fishing seasons and other regulations for speckeled rockfish vary by fishing sector, geographic area, and time of year, and are subject to changes inseason in response to recent stock and catch information. For c
- GearTaken using hook and line and gill nets in the commercial fishery. Recreationally taken with hook and line.
- Where fishedAvailable statewide.
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
How many speckled rockfish you may keep
| 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.
If you like speckled 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
Things to know about speckled rockfish
What is the California bag limit on speckled rockfish?
10 a day (Northern Groundfish Management Area), size none.
Where was the record speckled rockfish caught?
CDFW lists no record for it.
Which California waters hold speckled rockfish?
Available statewide.
Is speckled rockfish part of the stocking plan?
Not in the 2026 trout and inland salmon plan.
How do I identify speckled rockfish?
They reach a maximum of 56 centimeters (22 inches) in length, with females being larger than males.
Does California close the season on speckled rockfish?
April 1 – December 31: open all depths
Which California license covers speckled rockfish?
A license from age 16 at $64.54; check the card rules for salmon and sturgeon.
Which landings report speckled rockfish?
None list it in their counts; see the guides page.
Plan a speckled rockfish trip
Choose a water from the lists on this page.