California regulations
Spiny Lobster Regulations in California 2026
California Spiny Lobster regulations as of 2026-05-08: Daily bag 7 fish; Season end Mar 22; Season start Oct 1. Sourced from CDFW.
Rules (17)
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
All SpeciesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Report card requirements apply to any person fishing for or taking this species regardless of whether a sport fishing license is required.
Anacapa Island State And Federal Marine Conservation AreasOpen
- Status
- Permitted
The recreational take of spiny lobster is allowed.
Anadromous Waters Of The Klamath, Trinity, And Smith River BasinsOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Report card requirements apply to any person fishing for or taking California spiny lobster
Cat Harbor State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
spiny lobster is allowed.
Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation AreaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
spiny lobster is allowed.
Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area3Open
- Status
- Permitted
The recreational take of spiny lobster is allowed.
Laguna Beach State Marine ReserveOpen
- Status
- Permitted
The recreational take of spiny lobster is allowed.
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
Painted Cave State Marine Conservation Area (Santa Cruz Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
the recreational take of spiny lobster is allowed.
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
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
- https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=239985&inline
- https://www.eregulations.com/california/fishing
- https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=209090&inline
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with CDFW before keeping a catch. Last verified .