Waterbody · California
Delta Fishing Regulations 2026
Delta fishing regulations as of 2026-05-08: 44 current rules from CDFW. Anglers target striped bass, largemouth bass.
Rules (44)
CDFW regulates 44 rules across 6 species at this water.
Striped Bass
All
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
- Gear
- No Power Driven Gurdy Or Winch
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.
American River Upstream Of Howe Ave. BridgeClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
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]
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
Butte CreekClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Colorado River District
- Daily bag
- 10 fish/day
Feather River Below Oroville DamClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Merced River Upstream Of N. Santa Fe Drive (J7) BridgeClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Mokelumne River Upstream Of Elliot Road BridgeClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
New Hogan
- Daily bag
- 10
New Hogan Lake
- Daily bag
- 10 fish/day
North Of Pt. Conception
- Min size
- 18 inches total length
Ocean Finfish
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
San Antonio
- Daily bag
- 10
San Antonio Lake
- Daily bag
- 10 fish/day
San Joaquin River Upstream Of State Route 99 BridgeClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Santa Margarita Lake
- Daily bag
- 10 fish/day
Santa Margarita Lakes
- Daily bag
- 10
Southern District
- Daily bag
- 10 fish/day
Stanislaus River Upstream Of S. Santa Fe Road (J7) BridgeClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Tuolumne River Upstream Of The Geer Road (J14) BridgeClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
Valley District
- Gear
- Spearfishing
from May 1 through September 15
Yuba River Upstream Of Simpson Lane BridgeClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
no spearfishing permitted from May 1 through September 15
California statewideOpen year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 18"
All Species
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
- Gear
- Multiple Hooks
No person shall use any multiple hook with a gap greater than 3/4 inch.
Sacramento River And Northern DeltaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Safe Eating Guidelines
Delta, Central And SouthOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Safe Eating Guidelines
Black Bass
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
Largemouth Bass
California statewide
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
Catfish
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
- Gear
- Bow And Arrow
Bullheads
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
- Gear
- Bow And Arrow
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Delta?
CDFW regulates fishing on Delta.
What species can I target on Delta?
Delta is best known for striped bass, largemouth bass. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
When was this last updated?
These rules were last verified against CDFW on 2026-05-08. 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. Last verified .