Walleye Surfperch in California
Limits, records and where CDFW flags walleye surfperch.
- 20 a daydaily bag
walleye surfperch in California
Walleye surfperch (Hyperprosopon argenteum) is one of the other species CDFW covers on salt water. Under the Statewide (except SF and San Pablo bays) rule, the bag is 20 a day with a size of none.
Its range on the Marine Species Portal covers the north, central and south coast.
CDFW on walleye surfperch
“From Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada to Point San Rosarito in central Baja California, Mexico.”
“Bay and shallow nearshore environment from the surface and intertidal zone to depths up to 182 meters (597 feet). This species is found in dense schools along sandy beaches, near rocks and around piers. They appear to move into embayments such as Humboldt Bay during summer.”
- SizeTo 30.5 centimeters (12 inches); most caught from piers are less than 10 inches. Fish caught in northern California tend to be larger than those caught in the south.
- SeasonRecreationally open year-round except surfperch may not be taken or possessed recreationally in San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay between April 1 and July 31, inclusive. Commercially may be taken only between August 1 and April 30 statewi
- GearTaken with hook and line.
- Where fishedAvailable statewide.
- Other nameswalleye surf fish, walleye seaperch, china pompano, white perch
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
California limits on walleye surfperch
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide (except SF and San Pablo bays) | 20 a day | none | Year round |
| San Francisco and San Pablo bays | 5 a day | none | Year round except April 1 – July 31 |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Species near walleye surfperch
- 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
California walleye surfperch, answered
How many walleye surfperch can I keep in California?
20 a day (Statewide (except SF and San Pablo bays)), size none.
What does the California record walleye surfperch weigh?
CDFW shows no record.
Where can I catch walleye surfperch in California?
Available statewide.
Do hatcheries raise walleye surfperch?
No.
What does walleye surfperch look like?
To 30.5 centimeters (12 inches); most caught from piers are less than 10 inches. Fish caught in northern California tend to be larger than those caught in the south.
What months can I keep walleye surfperch?
Year round
Do I need a report card for walleye surfperch?
The $64.54 resident license covers it; sturgeon, steelhead and lobster need cards.
Do party boats target walleye surfperch?
No listing names it.
Find walleye surfperch near you
Open a water above for launches and limits.