Surf Smelt in California
How to find and keep surf smelt in California.
- 20 a daydaily bag
Where surf smelt fit in California
The other group in CDFW references includes Surf smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus), a salt water fish. The Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay limit is 20 a day, size none.
CDFW places it in the north and central regions of the coast.
CDFW notes on surf smelt
“Surf smelt are distributed coast-wide from southeast Alaska to Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County.”
“Surf smelt occur in the surf and in depths from the surface to 400 feet (122 meters).”
- SizeSurf smelt measure up to 305 millimeters total length (12 inches).
- SeasonFishing occurs during the spawning season—April to September.
- GearFishing occurs from shore using A-frame dip nets and cast nets and lampara gear in Humboldt Bay
- Where fishedHistorically, fishing occurred from Moss Landing, Monterey County to the Oregon border. Contemporary fishing occurs from San Mateo County to Del Norte County.
- Other namesDay Smelt
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
surf smelt 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 surf smelt on the list
- 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
surf smelt: the usual questions
Can I keep surf smelt in California?
20 a day (Statewide ocean and San Francisco Bay), size none.
What is the biggest surf smelt caught in California?
No record is kept for it.
Where do anglers catch surf smelt?
Historically, fishing occurred from Moss Landing, Monterey County to the Oregon border. Contemporary fishing occurs from San Mateo County to Del Norte County.
Where does CDFW plant surf smelt?
CDFW lists no 2026 plants.
How can I tell surf smelt apart?
Surf smelt measure up to 305 millimeters total length (12 inches).
Is surf smelt season open now?
see rule
What stamps apply to surf smelt?
From 16 you need a license ($64.54 resident); some species add a report card.
Can I book a trip for surf smelt?
The guides page lists every operator.
Target surf smelt this season
Each water in these lists opens to its own page.