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Fishing regulations at San Nicolas Island, CA
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in California can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching California sheephead as of April 1st, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
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The recreational fishery is open year-round to divers and shore-based anglers. This fishery is closed to boat-based anglers from January 1, 2023 through February 28, 2023. The daily bag and possession limit is 2 fish, with a minimum size limit of 12 inches total length. Review California sport fishing regulations for further information pertaining to California sheephead.
Fillets must be a minimum of 6 and three-quarter inches in length and shall bear the entire skin intact.
Divers, Shore-based Anglers: Open year-round. Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. However, when spear fishing during a boat-based closure, only spear fishing gear is allowed aboard any vessel or watercraft. Also, when angling from shore during a boat- based closure, no vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in taking or possessing species included in this table.
For the latest information, call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at 1-813-649-2801.
Semicossyphus pulcher
Regulations for
FAQ about San Nicolas Island fishing
- California sheephead - 18 members reported to have caught this fish
- Lingcod - 17 members reported to have caught this fish
- Vermilion rockfish - 14 members reported to have caught this fish
- @Epicfisher69 reported a nice California sheephead.
- @Epicfisher69 reported a nice Vermilion rockfish.
- @Epicfisher69 reported a nice Vermilion rockfish.
- @SlowRow reported a nice Olive rockfish.
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