Pacific Halibut (also known as Halibut, Barn Door) in California. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the CDFW guide, 2026.
In California, Pacific Halibut has no minimum legal size and the daily bag limit is 1 per person. Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current California rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current California rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Season end differs north vs. south of Point Arena (Mendocino County); subject to early closure on quota attainment. Dates are set annually — do not rely on specific dates. STATE and federal/offshore waters; IPHC-managed under an annual California quota (4.0% of the non-tribal Area 2A allocation under the Catch Sharing Plan). Short season set annually; the fishery can close early on quota attainment, with end dates differing north vs. south of Point Arena. Confirm current dates — season can close early.
These limits are pulled from the CDFW ocean sport fishing regulations. Last verified September 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. California Department of Fish and Wildlife updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
California requires a sport fishing licence for anyone aged 16 or older; an Ocean Enhancement Validation is also required to fish ocean waters south of Point Arguello. CDFW licences.
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