Bay and nearby North Coast species, using the existing photos from your Species page. Each card includes the latest status this site can confirm from official California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) sources.
Habitat: Coastal waters, Humboldt Bay approaches, and connected rivers during migration.
Can you fish for it right now? Check the status below; ocean and river/bay rules are not interchangeable.
Ocean salmon seasons and local river closures are area- and date-specific. Verify exact water and method before targeting or retaining.
Habitat: Sandy channels and coastal bays.
Can you fish for it right now? CDFW's regional ocean category is checked below; verify bay-specific rules and size limits.
The general ocean minimum is commonly 22 inches total length where applicable; confirm the current rule for your exact location.
Habitat: Sandy or muddy bay bottoms.
Can you fish for it right now? Status depends on exact flatfish species and applicable rules.
Identify the fish before keeping it; different flatfish may have different rules.
Habitat: Rocky structure and nearby coastal waters.
Can you fish for it right now? CDFW regional season category is checked below.
Rules vary by exact species, depth, location, and season; a general open category does not override local restrictions.
Habitat: Shorelines, pilings, and nearby surf zones.
Can you fish for it right now? CDFW regional season category is checked below.
Identify the surfperch species and check local bag, gear, and access rules.
Habitat: Coastal water and estuaries.
Can you fish for it right now? Not confirmed by the automatic regional status check.
Habitat: Coastal waters and sometimes estuaries.
Can you fish for it right now? Not confirmed by the automatic regional status check.
Habitat: Sandy and muddy bay bottoms.
Can you fish for it right now? Not confirmed by the automatic regional status check.
Can you keep it? No — do not retain. Release accidental catches according to current CDFW guidance.
Review CDFW rules if you accidentally catch one.
Habitat: Estuary channels and connected waters.
Can you fish for it right now? Requires the current sturgeon-specific rules and any applicable closure check.
Can you fish for or keep it? Check the current CDFW status below for the exact ocean area; bay and river rules may differ.
Salmon rules are fishery- and area-specific. Confirm current season dates before targeting or retaining.
Can you crab for it right now? The current CDFW season/closure status is checked below.
Season, public-health advisories, legal gear, and local closures all apply. Do not assume a season is open because traps or crab are visible.
Can you crab for it right now? The automatic check does not confirm a specific Humboldt Bay red rock crab status.
Confirm current minimum size, bag limit, gear restrictions, and any local closure before keeping.