Quick reference for the major Central Coast seasons. Always double-check current regs at wildlife.ca.gov before you fish - quotas can shut a season early.
Salmon (ocean)
- Opener: April 11, 2026
- Tentative close: May 16, 2026 (or when 28,100 fish quota is hit, whichever comes first)
- Reopens: September 1, 2026
- Source: Bayside Marine + CDFW announcements
Rockfish / lingcod (Central Management Area)
- Open: typically May 1 through Dec 31, depths and species vary by month
- Check CDFW Groundfish regs for current depth restrictions
Halibut (California)
- Open year-round in most of the Central Coast, 22" minimum, 3 fish bag
Dungeness crab (recreational)
- Open: Nov 1 through June 30 (subject to whale-entanglement delays)
Striped bass / surf species
- Open year-round, check size and bag limits
Reply with corrections or additions and I will update the post.
