Saltwater · Northern
Anchovy
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
ANCHOVY
Season
Open all year.
Depth limit
No Limit
Daily bag limit
No Limit
Minimum size
No Limit
Gear restrictions
Dip nets of any size and baited hoop nets not greater than 36 inches in diameter may be used to take Anchovie. Hawaiian type throw nets may be used north of Point Conception to take such species.
Identification
Anchovies are small, green fish with blue reflections due to a silver-colored longitudinal stripe that runs from the base of the caudal (tail) fin. They range from 2 to 40 cm (0.79 to 15.75 in) in adult length, and their body shapes are variable with more slender fish in northern populations. The snout is blunt with tiny, sharp teeth in both jaws. The snout contains a unique rostral organ, believed to be sensory in nature, although its exact function is unknown. The mouth is larger than that of herrings and silversides, two fish which anchovies closely resemble in other respects. The anchovy eats plankton and recently hatched fish.