Southern California rockfish anglers should take note: Starting July 1, 2025, depth restrictions for the recreational rockfish season are set to change, shifting access to fishing grounds and species for the summer months. This change is part of the state’s three-part seasonal framework aimed at conserving fish populations while still allowing opportunities for anglers throughout the year.
Currently, through June 30, anglers have full access to all depths. That means they can legally target nearshore, shelf, and slope rockfish, as well as lingcod, cabezon, and greenlings, at any depth between the California/Oregon border and the Mexico border. This broad accessibility has been in place since the season opened on April 1.
But once July 1 hits, the rules change: recreational groundfish fishing will be limited to depths within the 20-fathom line, which equates to about 120 feet of water. This restriction will remain in effect through September 30. Anglers fishing deeper than this mark during these months could face citations or other penalties, making it critical to understand how to interpret federal waypoints and use depth-finding technology.
Federal waypoints define the depth contours used to manage groundfish fisheries. These waypoints are a set of latitude and longitude coordinates, published by NOAA and the Pacific Fishery Management Council, that outline specific depth boundaries along the coast. They act as virtual fences that distinguish inshore waters from deeper zones. Anglers can input these coordinates into their GPS or chartplotter to ensure they are fishing legally within the 20-fathom zone. While they might not always match local bathymetry perfectly, these legally defined boundaries are what enforcement officers will use to determine compliance.
The 20-fathom restriction means nearshore species such as vermilion rockfish, black-and-yellow rockfish, copper rockfish, and other common shallow-water catches will still be accessible. However, shelf and slope species typically found in deeper waters will be off-limits until the next depth window opens in the fall.
Beginning October 1, the rockfish season transitions again. From October 1 through December 31, fishing is permitted only beyond the 50-fathom line, approximately 300 feet deep. During this fall period, anglers can once again target shelf and slope rockfish and lingcod, but nearshore species including cabezon, greenlings, and most shallow-dwelling rockfish will be off limits.
The seasonal structure, including the summer restriction to inshore depths, is a conservation strategy developed in cooperation between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and federal fisheries managers. It helps to reduce pressure on vulnerable deep-water species and spread out fishing opportunity across the calendar year.
To ensure compliance, anglers are encouraged to use GPS units, depth finders, and current maps provided by regulatory agencies. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and NOAA Fisheries both provide online tools, waypoint downloads, and interactive charts to assist anglers in navigating these seasonal rules.
With July fast approaching, anglers should plan their trips accordingly. This is the last opportunity until fall to target rockfish in deeper waters. Come July 1, sticking to the shallows will be more than just good practice — it will be the law.
For more information and access to depth waypoints, visit the CDFW Ocean Sport Fishing Rules website or contact your local enforcement office.
