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California regulations

Spiny Lobster Regulations in California 2026

California spiny lobster 2026 open seasons vary by 9 management regions. Pick your region in the rule table below. Sourced from CDFW.

CDFWOfficial source

About Spiny Lobster →

Rules (16)

California statewideOpen
Status
Permitted
Report card requirements apply to any person fishing for or taking this species regardless of whether a sport fishing license is required.
Verified · View official source ↗
All Other CountiesOut of season
Season opens
Oct 1
Season closes
Mar 22
Daily bag
7 fish
Min size
3.25"
Friday October 1, 2027, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday March 22, 2028
Verified · View official source ↗
Anacapa Island State And Federal Marine Conservation AreasOpen
Status
Permitted
The recreational take of spiny lobster is allowed.
Verified · View official source ↗
Cat Harbor State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
Status
Permitted
spiny lobster is allowed.
Verified · View official source ↗
Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation AreaOpen
Status
Permitted
spiny lobster is allowed.
Verified · View official source ↗
Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area3Open
Status
Permitted
The recreational take of spiny lobster is allowed.
Verified · View official source ↗
Laguna Beach State Marine ReserveOpen
Status
Permitted
The recreational take of spiny lobster is allowed.
Verified · View official source ↗
OceanOut of season
Season opens
Oct 2
Season closes
Mar 19
Gear
Report Card Required
will reopen on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. closed as of March 19, 2026 Anglers who are not required to have a sport fishing license are required to have report cards to fish for California spiny lobster
Verified · View official source ↗
Painted Cave State Marine Conservation Area (Santa Cruz Island)Open
Status
Permitted
the recreational take of spiny lobster is allowed.
Verified · View official source ↗
Point Conception To U.s.-Mexico BorderOut of season
Season opens
Oct 2
Season closes
Mar 18
will reopen on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. closed as of March 19, 2026
Verified · View official source ↗

Other California fish regulations

Other regulated species in California with current rule pages — same CDFW source, same verification cadence.

Also known as

Spiny Lobster is also called California Spiny Lobster. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in California.

Frequently asked questions

When is Spiny Lobster season in California?

Spiny Lobster season in California runs from Oct 1 to Mar 22 per CDFW.

What is the size limit for Spiny Lobster in California?

Minimum size for Spiny Lobster in California is 3.25 inches in All Other Counties, per CDFW. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.

What is the daily bag limit for Spiny Lobster in California?

Daily bag limit for Spiny Lobster in California is 7 fish in All Other Counties, per CDFW.

Official sources cited

Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with CDFW before keeping a catch.

← All California fishing regulations