Saltwater · Northern
Rockfish - Silvergrey
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
ROCKFISH
Season
Open: Apr 1–Dec 31 Closed: Jan 1–Mar 31
Season notes
Boat-based anglers. Shore anglers and spear divers are largely exempt from groundfish season/depth limits (except no-retention species). Regulations can change in-season — verify with CDFW.
Depth limit
Open at all depths during the open season (Apr 1–Dec 31). Jan 1–Mar 31: Closed — unlawful to possess in all waters (boat-based). Descending device required when taking/possessing federal groundfish from a boat. Always confirm current CDFW Groundfish Management Area rules before fishing.
Daily bag limit
10 fish in combination per person within the RCG complex (rockfish, cabezon, greenling), subject to species sub-bags (e.g. copper, vermilion/sunset, canary).
Minimum size
No minimum size limit. Fillets must have the entire skin attached.
Gear restrictions
Method of take: When angling, gear is restricted to not more than two hooks and one line. A hook is a single hook, or a double or treble hook with multiple points connected to a common shank. Descending device required aboard when taking/possessing federal groundfish.
Identification
The silvergray rockfish is a slim rockfish species with reduced head spines. They have dusky lips and a lower jaw that is long and protrudes beyond the upper jaw. They have a prominent symphyseal knob at the tip of their lower jaw. Underwater, silvergray are greenish to dark gray dorsally with tan sides, and are white, pink or cream ventrally. The anal, pelvic, and pectoral fins, including their bases and the underside of the head are tinged with orange or pink. Underwater they may be confused with bocaccio. However, bocaccio tend to be red, pink or brown, often have small dark spots, lack a strong symphyseal knob, and have a larger mouth.