Saltwater · Northern
Flatfish-Pacific Halibut
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
FLATFISH
Season
May 1 through Jun 15, Jul 1 through 15, Aug 1 through 15, and Sept 1 through Oct 31, or until the quota is reached
Season notes
brown black white
Depth limit
No depth limit
Daily bag limit
One fish per person per day
Minimum size
No Size Limit
Gear restrictions
Method of take: When angling, gear is restricted to not more than two hooks and one line. For purposes of this section, a hook is a single hook, or a double or treble hook with multiple points connected to a common shank.
Identification
Pacific halibut are almost always right-eyed, but may be left-eyed. The body is large with an elongate diamond shape. The eyed side is greenish brown to dark brown or black with lighter blotches, and the blind side is milky white. This species has a caudal fin that is crescent-shaped and often indented near the edges. The lateral line has a high arch over the pectoral fin and the accessory dorsal branch is absent. Halibut have a medium to large mouth with two rows of teeth on the upper jaw and one on the lower. The maxillary reaches to below the middle of the lower eye. The area between the eyes is flat and slightly concave. This species has an anal spine and small, smooth scales on both sides of the body.