Waterbody · California
Catalina Island Fishing Regulations 2026
Catalina Island fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are yellowtail, calico bass. 43 current rules across 11 species from CDFW.
Rules (43)
CDFW regulates 43 rules across 11 species at this water.
Yellowtail
Ocean
- Min size
- 24"
Twenty-four inches fork length except that: Five fish less than twenty-four inches fork length
Point Conception To U.s.-Mexico BorderOpen
- Status
- Open
- Possession
- 10 fish
open year-round
California statewide
- Daily bag
- 10 fish
- Min size
- 24 inches fork length
Five fish less than twenty-four inches fork length may be taken or possessed.
Pelagic Finfish
Blue Cavern Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Spearfishing
The recreational take of pelagic finfish5[subsection 632(a)(3)], by hook and line or by spearfishing [Section 1.76], is allowed
Farnsworth Onshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Spearfishing
The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of pelagic finfish5[subsection 632(a)(3)] is allowed.
Farnsworth Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Spearfishing
The recreational take of pelagic finfish5[subsection 632(a)(3)] by hook and line or by spearfishing [Section 1.76] is allowed.
White Seabass
Blue Cavern Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Spearfishing
white seabass by spearfishing [Section 1.76] is allowed
Farnsworth Onshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Spearfishing
The recreational take by spearfishing [Section 1.76] of white seabass is allowed.
Farnsworth Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Spearfishing
white seabass by spearfishing [Section 1.76] is allowed.
All Species
Long Point State Marine Reserve (Catalina Island)Closed
- Status
- Prohibited
It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.
Blue Cavern Onshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Closed
- Status
- Prohibited
It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.
Casino Point State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
Feeding of fish for marine life viewing is allowed.
Lover’s Cove State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Angling Only
The recreational take by hook and line from the Cabrillo Mole is allowed.
Arrow Point To Lion Head Point State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
All recreational take is allowed in accordance with current regulations
Market Squid
Blue Cavern Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
market squid by hand-held dip net [Section 1.42] is allowed
Farnsworth Onshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
market squid by hand-held dip net [Section 1.42] is allowed.
Farnsworth Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
market squid by hand-held dip net [Section 1.42] is allowed.
Cat Harbor State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Angling Only
market squid by hookand-line is allowed.
Marlin
Farnsworth Onshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Trolling
marlin by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)] is allowed.
Farnsworth Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Trolling
marlin by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)] is allowed.
Tunas
Farnsworth Onshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Trolling
tunas by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)] is allowed.
Farnsworth Offshore State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Trolling
tunas by trolling [subsection 27.80(a)(3)] is allowed.
Finfish
Cat Harbor State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- Spearfishing
The recreational take of finfish [subsection 632(a)(2)] by hook and line or by spearfishing [Section 1.76] is allowed.
Spiny Lobster
Cat Harbor State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
spiny lobster is allowed.
Sea Urchin
Cat Harbor State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Open
- Status
- Permitted
sea urchin is allowed.
Invertebrates
Arrow Point To Lion Head Point State Marine Conservation Area (Catalina Island)Closed
- Status
- Prohibited
the recreational take of invertebrates is prohibited.
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Catalina Island?
CDFW regulates fishing on Catalina Island.
What species can I target on Catalina Island?
Catalina Island is best known for yellowtail, calico bass. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize CDFW's published content. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.