50 CFR 660 Subpart G

50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries

50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (July 30, 2024)

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 50 —Wildlife and Fisheries
Chapter VI —Fishery Conservation and Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Department of Commerce
Part 660 —Fisheries off West Coast States
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq., and 16 U.S.C. 7001 et seq.
Source: 61 FR 34572, July 2, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart G West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries
§ 660.350 Purpose and scope.
§ 660.351 Recreational fishery—definitions.
§ 660.352 Recreational fishery—prohibitions.
§ 660.353 Recreational fishery—recordkeeping and reporting.
§ 660.360 Recreational fishery—management measures.
Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 660 appear at 67 FR 65906, Oct. 29, 2002, 88 FR 81358, Nov. 22,
2023.

Subpart G—West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries
Source: 75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010, unless otherwise noted.

Editorial Note: At 88 FR 83859, Dec. 1, 2023, Subpart G was amended by revising all references to “Cordell
Banks” to read “Cordell Bank” however, the amendment could not be incorporated because the term did not exist.

§ 660.350 Purpose and scope.
This subpart covers the Pacific Coast Groundfish recreational fishery.

§ 660.351 Recreational fishery—definitions.
These definitions are specific to the recreational fisheries covered in this subpart. General groundfish definitions are
defined at § 660.11, subpart C.
Bag limit means the number of fish available to an angler.
Boat limit means the number of fish available to for a vessel or boat.
Hook limit means a limit on the number of hooks on any given fishing line.
Long-leader gear (also known as Holloway gear) means fishing gear with the following: One fishing line,
deployed with a sinker and no more than three hooks, with a minimum of 30 feet (9.14 meters) between
the sinker and the lowest hook, and a non-compressible float attached to the line above the hooks. The
gear may be equipped with artificial lures and flies less than or equal to 5 inches in length. Natural bait,
and lures or flies greater than 5 inches in length, may not be used.
50 CFR 660.351 “Long-leader gear” (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries

50 CFR 660.352

[75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 83 FR 13431, Mar. 29, 2018]

§ 660.352 Recreational fishery—prohibitions.
These prohibitions are specific to the recreational fisheries. General groundfish prohibitions are found at § 660.12,
subpart C. In addition to the general groundfish prohibitions specified in § 600.12, subpart C, of this chapter, it is
unlawful for any person to:
(a) Sell, offer to sell, or purchase any groundfish taken in the course of recreational groundfish fishing.
(b) Use fishing gear other than hook-and-line or spear for recreational fishing.

§ 660.353 Recreational fishery—recordkeeping and reporting.
Recordkeeping and reporting requirements at § 660.13 (a) through (c), subpart C, apply to the recreational fishery.

§ 660.360 Recreational fishery—management measures.
(a) General. Federal recreational groundfish regulations are not intended to supersede any more restrictive
state recreational groundfish regulations relating to federally-managed groundfish. The bag limits include
fish taken in both state and Federal waters.
(b) Gear restrictions. The only types of fishing gear authorized for recreational fishing are hook-and-line and
spear. Spears may be propelled by hand or by mechanical means. More fishery-specific gear restrictions
may be required by state as noted in paragraph (c) of this section (e.g., California's recreational “other
flatfish” fishery).
(c) State-specific recreational fishery management measures. Federal recreational groundfish regulations are
not intended to supersede any more restrictive State recreational groundfish regulations relating to
federally-managed groundfish. Off the coast of Washington, Oregon, and California, boat limits apply,
whereby each fisher aboard a vessel may continue to use angling gear until the combined daily limits of
groundfish for all licensed and juvenile anglers aboard has been attained (additional state restrictions on
boat limits may apply).
(1) Washington. For each person engaged in recreational fishing off the coast of Washington, the
groundfish bag limit is 9 groundfish per day, including rockfish, cabezon and lingcod. Within the
groundfish bag limit, there are sub-limits for rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon outlined in paragraph
(c)(1)(i)(D) of this section. In addition to the groundfish bag limit of 9, there will be a flatfish limit of 5
fish, not to be counted towards the groundfish bag limit but in addition to it. The recreational
groundfish fishery will open the second Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October for
all species. In the Pacific halibut fisheries, retention of groundfish is governed in part by annual
management measures for Pacific halibut fisheries, which are published in the FEDERAL REGISTER. The
following seasons, closed areas, sub-limits and size limits apply:
(i)

Recreational groundfish conservation areas off Washington —
(A) North coast recreational yelloweye rockfish conservation area. Recreational fishing for
groundfish and halibut is prohibited within the North Coast Recreational Yelloweye
Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA). It is unlawful for recreational fishing vessels to take
and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with recreational gear within the North Coast
Recreational YRCA. A vessel fishing in the North Coast Recreational YRCA may not be in

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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
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50 CFR 660.360(c)(1)(i)(B)

possession of any groundfish. Recreational vessels may transit through the North Coast
Recreational YRCA with or without groundfish on board. The North Coast Recreational
YRCA is defined by latitude and longitude coordinates specified at § 660.70, subpart C.
(B) South coast recreational yelloweye rockfish conservation area. Recreational fishing for
groundfish and halibut is allowed within the South Coast Recreational YRCA. The South
Coast Recreational YRCA is defined by latitude and longitude coordinates specified at §
660.70, subpart C.
(C) Westport offshore recreational yelloweye rockfish conservation area. Recreational fishing
for groundfish and halibut is allowed within the Westport Offshore Recreational YRCA. The
Westport Offshore Recreational YRCA is defined by latitude and longitude coordinates
specified at § 660.70, subpart C.
(D) Recreational rockfish conservation area. Fishing for groundfish with recreational gear is
prohibited within the recreational RCA unless otherwise stated. It is unlawful to take and
retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with recreational gear within the recreational RCA
unless otherwise stated. A vessel fishing in the recreational RCA may not be in possession
of any groundfish unless otherwise stated. [For example, if a vessel participates in the
recreational salmon fishery within the RCA, the vessel cannot be in possession of
groundfish while in the RCA. The vessel may, however, on the same trip fish for and retain
groundfish shoreward of the RCA on the return trip to port.] Coordinates approximating
boundary lines at the 10-fm (18-m) through 100-fm (183-m) depth contours can be found
at § 660.71 through § 660.73. The Washington recreational fishing season structure is as
follows:

Table 1 To Paragraph (c)(1)(i)(D)—Washington Recreational Fishing Season Structure

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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries

50 CFR 660.360(c)(1)(ii)

(ii) Rockfish. In areas of the EEZ seaward of Washington (Washington Marine Areas 1-4) that are
open to recreational groundfish fishing, there is a 7 rockfish per day bag limit. Taking and
retaining yelloweye rockfish is prohibited in all Marine Areas. Taking and retaining copper
rockfish, quillback rockfish, and vermilion rockfish is prohibited in all Marine Areas during May,
June and July.
(iii) Cabezon. In areas of the EEZ seaward of Washington (Washington Marine Areas 1-4) that are
open to recreational groundfish fishing, there is a 1 cabezon per day bag limit.
(iv) Lingcod. In areas of the EEZ seaward of Washington (Washington Marine Areas 1-4) that are
open to recreational groundfish fishing and when the recreational season for lingcod is open,
there is a bag limit of 2 lingcod per day. The recreational fishing seasons for lingcod is open
from the second Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October.
(2) Oregon —
(i)

Recreational groundfish conservation areas off Oregon —
(A) Stonewall Bank yelloweye rockfish conservation area. Recreational fishing for groundfish
and halibut is prohibited within the Stonewall Bank YRCA. It is unlawful for recreational
fishing vessels to take and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with recreational gear
within the Stonewall Bank YRCA. A vessel fishing in the Stonewall Bank YRCA may not be
in possession of any groundfish. Recreational vessels may transit through the Stonewall

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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries

50 CFR 660.360(c)(2)(i)(B)

Bank YRCA with or without groundfish on board. The Stonewall Bank YRCA, and two
possible expansions that are available through inseason adjustment, are defined by
latitude and longitude coordinates specified at § 660.70, subpart C.
(B) Recreational rockfish conservation area (RCA). Fishing for groundfish with recreational
gear is prohibited within the recreational RCA, a type of closed area or groundfish
conservation area, except with long-leader gear (as defined at § 660.351). It is unlawful to
take and retain, possess, or land groundfish taken with recreational gear within the
recreational RCA, except with long-leader gear (as defined at § 660.351). A vessel fishing
in the recreational RCA may not be in possession of any groundfish unless otherwise
stated. [For example, if a vessel fishes in the recreational salmon fishery within the
recreational RCA, the vessel cannot be in possession of groundfish while within the
recreational RCA. The vessel may, however, on the same trip fish for and retain groundfish
shoreward of the recreational RCA on the return trip to port.] Off Oregon, from January 1
through December 31, recreational fishing for groundfish is allowed in all depths.
Coordinates approximating boundary lines at the 10-fm (18-m) through 100-fm (183-m)
depth contours can be found at § 660.71 through § 660.73.
(C) Essential fish habitat conservation areas. The Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Areas
(EFHCAs) are closed areas, defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates at §§
660.76 through 660.79, where specified types of fishing are prohibited. Prohibitions
applying to specific EFHCAs are found at § 660.12.
(ii) Seasons. Recreational fishing for groundfish is open from January 1 through December 31,
subject to the closed areas described in paragraph (c) of this section.
(iii) Bag limits, size limits. For each person engaged in recreational fishing off the coast of Oregon,
the following bag limits apply:
(A) Marine fish. The bag limit is 10 marine fish per day, which includes rockfish, kelp greenling,
cabezon, and other groundfish species; except the daily bag limit in the long-leader gear
fishery is 12 fish per day. The bag limit of marine fish excludes Pacific halibut, salmonids,
tuna, perch species, sturgeon, sanddabs, flatfish, lingcod, striped bass, hybrid bass,
offshore pelagic species and baitfish (herring, smelt, anchovies and sardines). The
minimum size for cabezon retained in the Oregon recreational fishery is 16 in (41 cm) total
length.
(B) Lingcod. There is a 3 fish limit per day for lingcod from January 1 through December 31.
The minimum size for lingcod retained in the Oregon recreational fishery is 22 in (56 cm)
total length. For vessels using long-leader gear (as defined in § 660.351) and fishing inside
the recreational RCA, possession of lingcod is prohibited.
(C) Flatfish. There is a 25 fish limit per day for all flatfish, excluding Pacific halibut, but
including all soles, flounders and Pacific sanddabs, from January 1 through December 31.
(D) In the Pacific halibut fisheries. Retention of groundfish is governed in part by annual
management measures for Pacific halibut fisheries, which are published in the FEDERAL
REGISTER. Between the Columbia River and Humbug Mountain, during days open to the “alldepth” sport halibut fisheries, when Pacific halibut are onboard the vessel, no groundfish,
except sablefish, Pacific cod, and other species of flatfish (sole, flounder, sanddab), may
be taken and retained, possessed or landed, except with long-leader gear (as defined at §
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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries

50 CFR 660.360(c)(2)(iii)(E)

660.351). “All-depth” season days are established in the annual management measures
for Pacific halibut fisheries, which are published in the FEDERAL REGISTER and are
announced on the NMFS Pacific halibut hotline, 1-800-662-9825.
(E) Taking and retaining yelloweye rockfish is prohibited at all times and in all areas.
(3) California. Seaward of California, for groundfish species not specifically mentioned in this paragraph,
fishers are subject to the overall 20-fish bag limit for all species of finfish, of which no more than 10
fish of any one species may be taken or possessed by any one person. Petrale sole, Pacific sanddab,
and starry flounder are not subject to a bag limit. Recreational spearfishing for all federally-managed
groundfish, is exempt from closed areas and seasons, consistent with Title 14 of the California Code
of Regulations. This exemption applies only to recreational vessels and divers provided no other
fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, is on board the vessel. California state law may provide
regulations similar to Federal regulations for kelp greenlings. Retention of cowcod, yelloweye
rockfish, quillback rockfish, and bronzespotted rockfish, is prohibited in the recreational fishery
seaward of California all year in all areas. Retention of species or species groups for which the
season is closed is prohibited in the recreational fishery seaward of California all year in all areas,
unless otherwise authorized in this section. For each person engaged in recreational fishing in the
EEZ seaward of California, the following closed areas, seasons, bag limits, and size limits apply:
(i)

Recreational groundfish conservation areas off California. A Groundfish Conservation Area
(GCA), a type of closed area, is a geographic area defined by coordinates expressed in degrees
latitude and longitude. The following GCAs apply to participants in California's recreational
fishery.
(A) Recreational rockfish conservation areas. The recreational RCAs are areas that are closed
to recreational fishing for certain groundfish. Fishing for the California rockfish, cabezon,
greenling complex (RCG Complex), as defined in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section, and
lingcod with recreational gear is prohibited within the recreational RCA. It is unlawful to
take and retain, possess, or land the RCG Complex and lingcod taken with recreational
gear within the recreational RCA, unless otherwise authorized in this section. A vessel
fishing in the recreational RCA may not be in possession of any species prohibited by the
restrictions that apply within the recreational RCA. For example, if a vessel fishes in the
recreational salmon fishery within the recreational RCA, the vessel cannot be in
possession of the RCG Complex and lingcod while in the recreational RCA. The vessel
may, however, on the same trip fish for and retain rockfish shoreward of the recreational
RCA on the return trip to port. If the season is closed for a species or species group,
fishing for that species or species group is prohibited both within the recreational RCA and
outside of the recreational RCA, unless otherwise authorized in this section. In times and
areas where a recreational RCA is closed shoreward of a recreational RCA line (i.e., when
an “off-shore only” fishery is active in that management area) possession or retention of
nearshore rockfish (defined as black rockfish, blue rockfish, black and yellow rockfish,
brown rockfish, China rockfish, copper rockfish, calico rockfish, gopher rockfish, kelp
rockfish, grass rockfish, olive rockfish, quillback rockfish, and treefish), cabezon, and
greenlings is prohibited in all depths throughout the area; and possession and retention of
all rockfish, cabezon, greenlings, and lingcod is prohibited shoreward of the recreational
RCA boundary line, except that vessels may transit through waters shoreward of the
recreational RCA line with no fishing gear in the water. Coordinates approximating

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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries

50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(i)(A)(1)

boundary lines at the 30 fm (55 m) through 100 fm (183 m) depth contours can be found
at § 660.71 through § 660.73. The recreational fishing season structure and RCA depth
boundaries seaward of California by management area and month are as follows:
(1) Between 42° N lat. (California/Oregon border) and 40°10′ N lat. (Northern
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed in
the EEZ from January 1 through March 31, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the
boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland
coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from April 1 through April 30, is
closed in the EEZ from May 1 to September 30, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of
the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland
coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from October 1 through October 31,
closed in the EEZ from November 1 through November 30, and prohibited in the EEZ
shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along
the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from December 1
through December 31.
(2) Between 40°10′ N lat. and 38°57.50′ N lat. (Mendocino Management Area),
recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed from in the EEZ from
January 1 through March 31, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from April 1 through April 30, is closed in the EEZ
from May 1 to September 30, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from October 1 through October 31, closed in the
EEZ from November 1 through November 30, and prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of
the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland
coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from December 1 through
December 31.
(3) Between 38°57.50′ N lat. and 37°11′ N lat. (San Francisco Management Area),
recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed in the EEZ from
January 1 through March 31, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from April 1 through April 30, is closed in the EEZ
from May 1 to September 30, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from October 1 through October 31, closed in the
EEZ from November 1 through November 30, and prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of
the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland
coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from December 1 through
December 31. Closures around Cordell Bank (see paragraph (c)(3)(i)(C) of this
section) also apply in this area.
(4) Between 37°11′ N lat. and 34°27′ N lat. (Central Management Area),
(i)

Between 37°11′ N lat. and 36° N lat., recreational fishing for the RCG Complex
and lingcod is closed in the EEZ from January 1 through March 31, is prohibited
in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m)
depth contour along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore

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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries

50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(i)(A)(4)(ii)

seamounts from April 1 through April 30, is closed in the EEZ from May 1 to
September 30, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and
along islands and offshore seamounts from October 1 through October 31,
closed in the EEZ from November 1 through November 30, and prohibited in the
EEZ shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth
contour along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts
from December 1 through December 31.
(ii) Between 36° N lat. and 34°27′ N lat., recreational fishing for the RCG Complex
and lingcod is closed from January 1 through March 31, is open at all depths
from April 1 through June 30; is prohibited in the EEZ seaward of a boundary
line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast
and along islands and offshore seamounts from July 1 through September 30,
and is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of a boundary line approximating the 50
fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along islands and
offshore seamounts from October 1 through December 31.
(5) South of 34°27′ N lat. (Southern Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG
Complex and lingcod is closed from January 1 through March 31, open at all depths
from April 1 through June 30; is prohibited in the EEZ seaward of a boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from July 1 through September 30, and is prohibited
in the EEZ shoreward of a boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth
contour along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from
October 1 through December 31.
(6) Emergency rule revising continuous transit requirement. Effective April 1, 2024 until
September 30, 2024, notwithstanding any other section of these regulations, in times
and areas where a recreational RCA is closed shoreward of a recreational RCA line
(i.e., when an “off-shore only” fishery is active in that management area) vessels may
stop, anchor in, or transit through waters shoreward of the recreational RCA line so
long as they do not have any hook-and-line fishing gear in the water.
(B) Groundfish exclusion areas (GEAs). The GEAs are closed areas in the Southern California
Bight, defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates (specified at § 660.70) where
commercial and recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited. It is unlawful to fish for,
take and retain, possess (except for the purpose of continuous transit) or land groundfish
within the GEAs. Recreational fishing gear for targeting groundfish may not be deployed
while transiting through a GEA. If fishing for non-groundfish species within a GEA, then no
groundfish may be on board the vessel.
(C) Cordell Bank. Recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited in waters less than 100 fm
(183 m) around Cordell Bank as defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates at §
660.70, subpart C, except that recreational fishing for petrale sole, starry flounder, and
“Other Flatfish” is permitted around Cordell Bank as specified in paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this
section.

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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
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50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(i)(D)

(D) Point St. George Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA). Recreational fishing for
groundfish is prohibited within the Point St. George YRCA, as defined by latitude and
longitude coordinates at § 660.70, subpart C, on dates when the closure is in effect. The
closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be imposed through inseason
adjustment.
(E) South reef YRCA. Recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited within the South Reef
YRCA, as defined by latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.70, subpart C, on dates
when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure may be
imposed through inseason adjustment.
(F) Reading Rock YRCA. Recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited within the Reading
Rock YRCA, as defined by latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.70, subpart C, on
dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time. This closure
may be imposed through inseason adjustment.
(G) Point Delgada (North) YRCA. Recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited within the
Point Delgada (North) YRCA, as defined by latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.70,
subpart C, on dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time.
This closure may be imposed through inseason adjustment.
(H) Point Delgada (South) YRCA. Recreational fishing for groundfish is prohibited within the
Point Delgada (South) YRCA, as defined by latitude and longitude coordinates at § 660.70,
subpart C, on dates when the closure is in effect. The closure is not in effect at this time.
This closure may be imposed through inseason adjustment.
(I)

Essential fish habitat conservation areas. The Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Areas
(EFHCAs) are closed areas, defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates at §§
660.76 through 660.79, subpart C where specified types of fishing are prohibited.
Prohibitions applying to specific EFHCAs are found at § 660.12, subpart C.

(ii) RCG complex. The California rockfish, cabezon, greenling complex (RCG Complex) includes all
rockfish, kelp greenling, rock greenling, and cabezon. This category does not include California
scorpionfish, also known as “sculpin”.
(A) Seasons. When recreational fishing for the RCG complex is open, it is permitted only
outside of the recreational RCAs described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section.
(1) Between 42° N lat. (California/Oregon border) and 40°10′ N lat. (Northern
Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed in
the EEZ from January 1 through March 31, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the
boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland
coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from April 1 through April 30, is
closed in the EEZ from May 1 to September 30, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of
the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland
coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from October 1 through October 31,
closed in the EEZ from November 1 through November 30, and prohibited in the EEZ
shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along
the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from December 1
through December 31.

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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
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50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(ii)(A)(2)

(2) Between 40°10′ N lat. and 38°57.50′ N lat. (Mendocino Management Area),
recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed from in the EEZ from
January 1 through March 31, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from April 1 through April 30, is closed in the EEZ
from May 1 to September 30, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from October 1 through October 31, closed in the
EEZ from November 1 through November 30, and prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of
the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland
coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from December 1 through
December 31.
(3) Between 38°57.50′ N lat. and 37°11′ N lat. (San Francisco Management Area),
recreational fishing for the RCG Complex and lingcod is closed in the EEZ from
January 1 through March 31, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from April 1 through April 30, is closed in the EEZ
from May 1 to September 30, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from October 1 through October 31, closed in the
EEZ from November 1 through November 30, and prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of
the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland
coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from December 1 through
December 31. Closures around Cordell Bank (see paragraph (c)(3)(i)(C) of this
section) also apply in this area.
(4) Between 37°11′ N lat. and 34°27′ N lat. (Central Management Area),
(i)

Between 37°11′ N lat. and 36° N lat., recreational fishing for the RCG Complex
and lingcod is closed in the EEZ from January 1 through March 31, is prohibited
in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m)
depth contour along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore
seamounts from April 1 through April 30, is closed in the EEZ from May 1 to
September 30, is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of the boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and
along islands and offshore seamounts from October 1 through October 31,
closed in the EEZ from November 1 through November 30, and prohibited in the
EEZ shoreward of the boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth
contour along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts
from December 1 through December 31.

(ii) Between 36° N lat. and 34°27′ N lat., recreational fishing for the RCG Complex
and lingcod is closed from January 1 through March 31, is open at all depths
from April 1 through June 30; is prohibited in the EEZ seaward of a boundary
line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast
and along islands and offshore seamounts from July 1 through September 30,
and is prohibited in the EEZ shoreward of a boundary line approximating the 50
fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along islands and
offshore seamounts from October 1 through December 31.
50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(ii)(A)(4)(ii) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries

50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(ii)(A)(5)

(5) South of 34°27′ N lat. (Southern Management Area), recreational fishing for the RCG
Complex and lingcod is closed from January 1 through March 31, open at all depths
from April 1 through June 30; is prohibited in the EEZ seaward of a boundary line
approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth contour along the mainland coast and along
islands and offshore seamounts from July 1 through September 30, and is prohibited
in the EEZ shoreward of a boundary line approximating the 50 fm (91 m) depth
contour along the mainland coast and along islands and offshore seamounts from
October 1 through December 31.
(B) Bag limits, hook limits. In times and areas when the recreational season for the RCG
Complex is open, there is a limit of two hooks and one line when fishing for the RCG
complex. The bag limit is 10 RCG Complex fish per day coastwide, with a sub-bag limit of
4 fish for vermilion rockfish between 42° N lat. and 40°10 N lat., a sub-bag limit of 2 fish
for vermilion/sunset rockfish south of 40°10 N lat., and 1 fish for copper rockfish. These
sub-bag limits count towards the bag limit for the RCG Complex and are not in addition to
that limit. Retention of yelloweye rockfish, bronzespotted rockfish, quillback rockfish, and
cowcod is prohibited. Multi-day limits are authorized by a valid permit issued by California
and must not exceed the daily limit multiplied by the value of days in the fishing trip.
(C) Size limits. The following size limits apply: cabezon may be no smaller than 15 in (38 cm)
total length; and kelp and other greenling may be no smaller than 12 in (30 cm) total
length.
(D) Dressing/filleting. Cabezon, kelp greenling, and rock greenling taken in the recreational
fishery may not be filleted at sea. Rockfish skin may not be removed when filleting or
otherwise dressing rockfish taken in the recreational fishery.
(iii) Lingcod —
(A) Seasons. When recreational fishing for lingcod is open, it is permitted only outside of the
recreational RCAs described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section.
(1) Between 42° N lat. (California/Oregon border) and 40°10′ N lat. (Northern
Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is open from April 1
through April 30, October 1 through October 31, and December 1 through December
31 (i.e., recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is closed from January 1 through
March 31, May 1 through September 30, and November 1 through November 30).
(2) Between 40°10′ N lat. and 38°57.50′ N lat. (Mendocino Management Area),
recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is open from April 1 through April 30,
October 1 through October 31, and December 1 through December 31 (i.e.,
recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is closed from January 1 through March 31,
May 1 through September 30, and November 1 through November 30).
(3) Between 38°57.50′ N lat. and 37°11′ N lat. (San Francisco Management Area),
recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is open from April 1 through April 30,
October 1 through October 31, and December 1 through December 31 (i.e.,
recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is closed from January 1 through March 31,
May 1 through September 30, and November 1 through November 30).
(4) Between 37°11′ N lat. and 34°27′ N lat. (Central Management Area),

50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(iii)(A)(4) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries

(i)

50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(iii)(A)(4)(i)

Between 37°11′ N lat. and 36° N lat., recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is
open from April 1 through April 30, October 1 through October 31, and
December 1 through December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for lingcod is closed
in the EEZ from January 1 through March 31, May 1 through September 30, and
November 1 through November 30).

(ii) Between 36° N lat. and 34°27′ N lat., recreational fishing for lingcod in the EEZ is
open from April 1 through December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for the lingcod
in the EEZ is closed from January 1 through March 31).
(5) South of 34°27′ N lat. (Southern Management Area), recreational fishing for lingcod in
the EEZ is open from April 1 through December 31 (i.e., recreational fishing for
lingcod in the EEZ is closed from January 1 through March 31).
(B) Bag limits, hook limits. In times and areas when the recreational season for lingcod is
open, there is a limit of 2 hooks and 1 line when fishing for lingcod. Multi-day limits are
authorized by a valid permit issued by California and must not exceed the daily limit
multiplied by the number of days in the fishing trip.
(1) The bag limit between 42° N lat. (California/Oregon border) and 40°10′ N lat.
(Northern Management Area) is 2 lingcod per day.
(2) The bag limit between 40°10′ N lat. and the U.S. border with Mexico (Mendocino
Management Area, San Francisco Management Area, Central Management Area, and
Southern Management Area) is 2 lingcod per day.
(C) Size limits. Lingcod may be no smaller than 22 in (56 cm) total length.
(D) Dressing/filleting. Lingcod filets may be no smaller than 14 in (36 cm) in length. Each fillet
shall bear an intact 1 in (2.6 cm) square patch of skin.
(iv) “Other Flatfish,” petrale sole, and starry flounder. “Other Flatfish” are defined at § 660.11, and
include butter sole, curlfin sole, flathead sole, Pacific sanddab, rex sole, rock sole, and sand
sole.
(A) Seasons. Recreational fishing for “Other Flatfish,” petrale sole, and starry flounder is open
from January 1 through December 31. When recreational fishing for “Other Flatfish,”
petrale sole, and starry flounder is open, it is permitted both outside and within the
recreational RCAs described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section.
(B) Bag limits, hook limits. In times and areas where the recreational season for “Other
Flatfish,” petrale sole, and starry flounder is open, “Other Flatfish” are subject to the overall
20-fish bag limit for all species of finfish, of which there may be no more than 10 fish of
any one species; there is no daily bag limit for petrale sole, starry flounder and Pacific
sanddab.
(C) Size limits. There are no size limits for “Other Flatfish,” petrale sole, and starry flounder.
(D) Dressing/Filleting. “Other Flatfish,” petrale sole, and starry flounder may be filleted at sea.
Fillets may be of any size, but must bear intact a one-inch (2.6 cm) square patch of skin.
(v) California scorpionfish. California scorpionfish predominately occur south of 40°10′ N. lat.

50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(v) (enhanced display)

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50 CFR Part 660 Subpart G (up to date as of 7/30/2024)
West Coast Groundfish—Recreational Fisheries

50 CFR 660.360(c)(3)(v)(A)

(A) Seasons. When recreational fishing for California scorpionfish is open, it is permitted both
outside of and within the recreational RCAs described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this
section. Recreational fishing for California scorpionfish is open from January 1 through
December 31.
(B) Bag limits, hook limits. South of 40°10.00′ N lat., in times and areas where the recreational
season for California scorpionfish is open there is a limit of 2 hooks and 1 line, the bag
limit is 5 California scorpionfish per day. California scorpionfish do not count against the
10 RCG Complex fish per day limit. Multi-day limits are authorized by a valid permit issued
by California and must not exceed the daily limit multiplied by the number of days in the
fishing trip.
(C) Size limits. California scorpionfish may be no smaller than 10 in (25 cm) total length.
(D) Dressing/Filleting. California scorpionfish filets may be no smaller than 5 in (12.8 cm) and
must bear an intact 1 in (2.6 cm) square patch of skin.
(d) Salmon bycatch. Recreational fisheries that are not accounted for within pre-season salmon modeling
may be closed through automatic action at § 660.60(d)(1)(v) and (vi).
[75 FR 60995, Oct. 1, 2010, as amended at 76 FR 11392, Mar. 2, 2011; 76 FR 27559, May 11, 2011; 76 FR 54714, Sept. 2, 2011; 76
FR 79133, Dec. 21, 2011; 77 FR 12504, Mar. 1, 2012; 77 FR 55158, Sept. 7, 2012; 77 FR 63761, Oct. 17, 2012; 78 FR 642, Jan. 3,
2013; 78 FR 26279, May 6, 2013; 80 FR 12601, Mar. 10, 2015; 80 FR 61766, Oct. 14, 2015; 82 FR 9668, Feb. 7, 2017; 82 FR 21951,
May 11, 2017; 82 FR 48666, Oct. 19, 2017; 82 FR 60570, Dec. 21, 2017; 83 FR 13431, Mar. 29, 2018; 83 FR 16008, Apr. 13, 2018;
83 FR 48728, Sept. 27, 2018; 83 FR 64014, Dec. 12, 2018; 84 FR 25720, June 4, 2019; 85 FR 79926, Dec. 11, 2020; 86 FR 14386,
Mar. 16, 2021; 86 FR 72873, Dec. 23, 2021; 87 FR 77033, Dec. 16, 2022; 88 FR 4919, Jan. 26, 2023; 88 FR 12868, Mar. 1, 2023; 88
FR 67665, Oct. 2, 2023; 88 FR 83363, Nov. 29, 2023; 88 FR 83859, Dec. 1, 2023; 89 FR 22350, 22355, Apr. 1, 2024]

Effective Date Note: At 89 FR 22355, Apr. 1, 2024, § 660.360 was amended by adding paragraph (c)(3)(i)(A)(6),
effective until Sept. 30, 2024.

50 CFR 660.360(d) (enhanced display)

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