Sturgeon, White

No closed season.

Annual bag limit = 1 white sturgeon per year statewide.

White sturgeon may not be taken in the following described area between January 1 and March 15: That portion of San Francisco Bay included within the following boundaries: A direct line between Pt. Chauncey (National Marine Fisheries Laboratory) and Pt. Richmond, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and a direct line between Pt. Lobos and Pt. Bonita.

Methods of take: Only one single point, single shank, barbless hook may be used on a line when taking sturgeon. The sturgeon must voluntarily take the bait or lure in its mouth. No sturgeon may be taken by trolling, snagging or by the use of firearms. Sturgeon may not be gaffed, nor shall any person use any type of firearm or snare to take any sturgeon. For the purposes of this section, a snare is a flexible loop made from any material that can be tightened like a noose around any part of the fish.

Removal from water. Any sturgeon greater than 68 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and shall be released immediately.

Report card required: Any person fishing for or taking sturgeon shall have in their possession a non-transferable Sturgeon Fishing Report Card issued by the department and shall adhere to all reporting and tagging requirements for sturgeon defined in Sections 1.74 and 27.92, Title 14, CCR. To learn more about the report card requirement tap here. To learn more about reporting your harvest on a report card tap here.

For regulations on take and possession of sturgeon in inland waters as defined in Section 1.53, see Section 5.80 and Section 5.81.

Sturgeon Fishing Report Card Required. All anglers must have a valid Sturgeon Fishing Report Card in their possession while fishing for or taking white sturgeon. Cardholders must complete and return the card pursuant to regulations in this Section and in Section 1.74 of these regulations.

For more information, see California Saltwater Sportfishing Regulations