Saltwater · Mendocino
Rockfish - Yelloweye
Take is prohibited / do not catch this species in this area context.
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
ROCKFISH
Season
Closed year-round
Season notes
No retention at any time in California waters. Verify current CDFW list of prohibited rockfish.
Depth limit
No retention at any depth
Daily bag limit
Take is prohibited (0 fish)
Minimum size
Take is prohibited
Gear restrictions
Take is prohibited
Identification
Yelloweye rockfish are very large rockfish that reach up to 3.5 feet (~1 m) in length and about 40 pounds (18 kg) in weight. They are orange-red to orange-yellow in color and may have black on their fin tips. Their eyes are bright yellow. Adults usually have a light to white stripe on the lateral line; juveniles have 2 light stripes, one on the lateral line and a shorter one below the lateral line.