Saltwater · Southern
Lingcod
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
Southern Management Area (Point Conception to U.S.–Mexico border): Apr 1–Jun 30: Open all depths Jul 1–Sep 30: Take prohibited seaward of the 50-fathom (300 ft) RCA line (inshore only) Oct 1–Dec 31: Nearshore rockfish/cabezon/greenling closed; shelf & slope rockfish and lingcod — take prohibited shoreward of the 50-fathom RCA line (offshore only) Jan 1–Mar 31: Closed Descending device required when taking/possessing federal groundfish from a boat.
Daily bag limit
2 fish per person
Minimum size
22 inches total length. Fillets aboard vessel: minimum 14 inches with 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
Lingcod are a large and elongate species. The body is gray to brown, greenish or bluish, with darker and lighter spotting. The belly is lighter. There is a prominent whitish lateral line and the body is covered with cycloid (round) scales. The dorsal fin is long with spinous and soft-rayed parts nearly separated by a notch. The anal fin has 3 spines. The mouth is large with the upper jaw extending rearward past the eyes. Teeth are large and canine-like. The head is unscaled and there is a cirrus above the eye.