Northern California Rockfish
This page provides helpful descriptions of rockfish species and essential fishing regulations for Northern California. For the most up-to-date information, including daily or hourly changes, please refer to the California Department of Fish and Game website through the provided link. While we strive to keep this page as current as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure you are following the latest regulations.
Black Rockfish (Sebastes melanops)
Identified by their dark gray to black coloration, these fish are commonly found in rocky reefs and kelp forests. They are popular among anglers for their fighting ability.
California Department of Fish and Game
Blue Rockfish (Sebastes mystinus)
Featuring a bluish-gray body with darker mottling, blue rockfish inhabit coastal waters and are often found schooling near the surface.
Canary Rockfish (Sebastes pinniger)
Recognizable by their bright orange color with gray mottling and three orange stripes across the head, canary rockfish are typically found in deeper waters.
China Rockfish (Sebastes nebulosus)
Distinguished by their black or dark blue body with a distinctive yellow stripe along the lateral line, these fish prefer rocky bottoms and are less commonly encountered.
Copper Rockfish (Sebastes caurinus)
With a color range from copper to reddish-brown and a light-colored belly, copper rockfish are versatile, inhabiting both shallow and deep waters.
Daily Bag Limit 1 Fish Per Person IN CALIFORNIA
Gopher Rockfish (Sebastes carnatus)
Featuring a dark brown or black body with pink or white blotches, gopher rockfish are commonly found in rocky crevices and are a favorite among nearshore anglers.
Quillback Rockfish (Sebastes maliger)
Identified by their dark brown to black body with yellow or orange mottling and long, sharp dorsal spines, quillback rockfish inhabit rocky reefs and are known for their longevity.
MAY NOT BE TAKEN OR POSSESSED IN CALIFORNIA
Vermilion Rockfish (Sebastes miniatus)
Known for their bright red to orange coloration, vermilion rockfish are typically found in deeper rocky areas and are highly prized for their taste.
Daily Bag Limit 2 Fish Per Person IN CALIFORNIA
Yelloweye Rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus)
Easily recognizable by their bright orange-red body and yellow eyes, these long-lived fish are found in deep, rocky habitats and are considered a species of concern due to overfishing.
MAY NOT BE TAKEN OR POSSESSED IN CALIFORNIA
Yellowtail Rockfish (Sebastes flavidus)
Featuring an olive to yellowish-brown body with a distinctive yellow tail, these fish are commonly found in midwater schools over rocky reefs.
Bronzespotted Rockfish (Sebastes gilli)
This species is characterized by a reddish to brownish body adorned with prominent bronze or gold spots, which serve as its namesake. The Bronzespotted Rockfish can grow up to 48 cm (19 inches) in length.
MAY NOT BE TAKEN OR POSSESSED IN CALIFORNIA
Cowcod (Sebastes levis)
Cowcod are among the largest rockfish species, capable of reaching lengths up to 39 inches (100 cm) and weights exceeding 30 pounds (13.6 kg). They exhibit a robust, deep-bodied structure with a large head and pronounced, fleshy lips. Their coloration varies from pale to deep reddish-brown, often interspersed with lighter patches, which provides effective camouflage within rocky marine environments.
MAY NOT BE TAKEN OR POSSESSED IN CALIFORNIA
Cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus)
Cabezon can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) in length and weigh over 24 pounds (11 kilograms), with females typically larger than males of the same age. Their coloration varies, ranging from shades of brown, red, to green, often with darker mottling that provides effective camouflage among rocky substrates and kelp beds. Females usually exhibit a greenish hue, while males tend to be more reddish. Distinctive features include a broad bony support extending from the eye across the cheek, a stout spine before the eye, and fleshy flaps on the snout and just behind the eyes. Notably, they lack scales, distinguishing them from similar species like the lingcod.