The Fishing Report
Fishing seasons & conditions by region
California Halibut Paralichthys californicus
California Halibut Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 22–34 in, 5–15 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to 5 ft and 72 lb |
| Lifespan | up to 30 years |
| Range | Sandy Pacific coast and bays from northern Washington south to Baja California, best from San Francisco Bay through Southern California. |
| Habitat | Sand and sand-mud bottom in bays, the surf line and open coast — usually under 60 ft, out to about 300 ft. |
| Diet | Anchovies, sardines, smelt, grunion and squid ambushed off the bottom. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a California Halibut
- Flatfish with both eyes on the same side of the body
- Very large mouth reaching past the eye, armed with sharp teeth
- High arch in the lateral line above the pectoral fin
- Eyed (pigmented) side sandy-gray to mottled brown; blind side white
- Roughly symmetrical diamond outline; can be eyes-left or eyes-right
Tell it apart: The high arch in the lateral line over the pectoral plus the huge toothy mouth reaching past the eye positively ID a California Halibut among local flatfish.
How to Catch California Halibut
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- Best April through August — slow-drag bucktail jigs and swimbaits along sandy edges, or drift live-style swimbaits over channel drop-offs.GearBucktail jigsSwimbaits + jigheadsLive-bait drift rig
When & Where California Halibut Are in Season
Peak Good Fair Slow
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California Inshore |
California Halibut Regulations
Always check local regulations — seasons, size, and bag limits vary by state and species, and change year to year. When in doubt, release.