The California Fish and Game Commission has approved emergency regulation changes for the 2025 recreational groundfish season, expanding fishing access for northern and central California anglers. The action, taken August 14, lifts depth restrictions put in place in 2023 to protect quillback rockfish, after a new stock assessment found the species to be healthy and not overfished. These findings reverse earlier results from 2021, which were based on limited California-specific data, and mean anglers can now fish in all depths north of Point Conception through December 31.
While quillback rockfish retention remains prohibited statewide until new catch limits are established, the updated rules allow for greater flexibility when targeting other groundfish. Canary rockfish now have a two-fish sub-bag limit statewide, and vermilion and sunset rockfish will be managed together due to their similar appearance, with sub-bag limits varying by region. The Central Groundfish Management Area will also revert to a single management zone, removing the Lopez Point boundary.
CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham praised the collaborative work between state and federal partners, fishing groups, and anglers that contributed to the positive outcome. Charter captain and advisory member Tim Klassen called the move an example of “good fishery management,” noting its benefits for both the resource and those who depend on it.
The expanded all-depth access north of Point Conception will allow anglers to combine trips for multiple species without depth constraints, though bag limits specific to each Groundfish Management Area still apply when transiting between regions. Southern California regulations remain unchanged due to limits on copper, vermilion, and sunset rockfish.
Full details on the new regulations, including updated boundaries and species limits, will be posted on CDFW’s Marine Management News blog once the changes take effect. Anglers are reminded to use descending devices for any released groundfish and to review the latest rules before fishing.
