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California regulations

Stripers (Striped Bass) Regulations in California 2026

California stripers season runs Jan 1 – Dec 31 in 2026. Statewide rules: 2 fish/day, 18″ min size. Sourced from CDFW.

CDFWOfficial source

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Rules (35)

California statewideOpen year-round
Season opens
Jan 1
Season closes
Dec 31
Daily bag
2 fish/day
Min size
18"
Verified · View official source ↗
All
Daily bag
2 fish
Gear
No Power Driven Gurdy Or Winch
Verified · View official source ↗
All Ocean Waters
Daily bag
2 fish
Gear
Bow And Arrow Fishing Tackle
No striped bass may be taken while using a sinker weighing over four pounds, or while using any power driven gurdy or winch. Striped bass may only be taken by angling as defined in Section 1.05, Title 14, CCR, spearfishing pursuant to Section 1.76, and bow and arrow fishing tackle; snagging is an illegal method of take.
Verified · View official source ↗
American River Upstream Of Howe Ave. BridgeClosed
Status
Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Black Butte LakeIn season
Season opens
May 1
Season closes
Sep 15
Gear
No Spearfishing
from May 1 through September 15 no spearfishing is permit[ted]
Verified · View official source ↗
Black Butte Lake (Tehama County)Open
Status
Permitted
Season opens
May 1
Season closes
Sep 15
Gear
Spearfishing
spearfishing is permitted from May 1 through September 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Butte CreekClosed
Status
Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Colorado River District
Daily bag
10 fish/day
Verified · View official source ↗
Feather River Below Oroville DamClosed
Status
Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Merced River Upstream Of N. Santa Fe Drive (J7) BridgeClosed
Status
Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Mokelumne River Upstream Of Elliot Road BridgeClosed
Status
Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Verified · View official source ↗
New Hogan
Daily bag
10
Verified · View official source ↗
New Hogan Lake
Daily bag
10 fish/day
Verified · View official source ↗
North Of Pt. Conception
Min size
18 inches total length
Verified · View official source ↗
Ocean Finfish
Daily bag
2 fish
Verified · View official source ↗
San Antonio
Daily bag
10
Verified · View official source ↗
San Antonio Lake
Daily bag
10 fish/day
Verified · View official source ↗
San Joaquin River Upstream Of State Route 99 BridgeClosed
Status
Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Santa Margarita Lake
Daily bag
10 fish/day
Verified · View official source ↗
Santa Margarita Lakes
Daily bag
10
Verified · View official source ↗
Southern District
Daily bag
10 fish/day
Verified · View official source ↗
Stanislaus River Upstream Of S. Santa Fe Road (J7) BridgeClosed
Status
Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Tuolumne River Upstream Of The Geer Road (J14) BridgeClosed
Status
Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Valley District
Gear
Spearfishing
from May 1 through September 15
Verified · View official source ↗
Yuba River Upstream Of Simpson Lane BridgeClosed
Status
Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
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

Stripers is also called Stripers (Striped Bass), Striped Bass, striped bass. 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 Stripers season in California?

Stripers season in California runs from May 1 to Sep 15 per CDFW.

What is the size limit for Stripers in California?

Minimum size for Stripers in California is 18 inches total length in North Of Pt. Conception, per CDFW. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.

What is the daily bag limit for Stripers in California?

Daily bag limit for Stripers in California is 2 fish in All, 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