Saltwater · Mendocino
Rockfish - Copper
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
1 fish per person. Counts within the 10-fish RCG complex bag (rockfish, cabezon, greenling).
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 body shape of the copper rockfish is moderately deep and compressed with a large head. The mouth is large with the lower jaw projecting slightly. Copper rockfish are variable in color from olive brown to copper to orange, with pink or yellow blotches. The rear two thirds of the lateral line are light pink to white and the belly is white. Several copper orange, brown or yellowish bars radiate back from the eyes. Dorsal fins are dark copper brown to black with some white. Underwater they can resemble quillback rockfish. The copper rockfish has a characteristic light-colored horizontal band along the lateral line, which is noticeable underwater. Hybridization between brown, copper and quillback rockfish is present in Puget Sound, sometimes making species identification difficult.