Whether you’re casting from a pier, trolling offshore, or wading mountain streams, California waters hold an incredible diversity of types of fish in California.
From the massive bluefin tuna prowling the Pacific to rainbow trout dancing in Sierra Nevada creeks, these 30 species represent the state’s most common and sought-after catches across saltwater and freshwater environments.
1. California Halibut
The California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) ranks among the most prized flatfish along the Pacific Coast. This bottom-dwelling species undergoes a remarkable transformation during its early life—one eye migrates to join the other, creating the distinctive two-eyed appearance on one side of its flattened body.
You’ll recognize California halibut by their mottled grayish-brown coloring on the eyed side and white underside.
Unlike most flatfish that show consistent eye placement, roughly half of California halibut develop as left-eyed while the other half are right-eyed. The species features a large mouth filled with sharp teeth, perfectly designed for ambushing prey like anchovies and sardines from their sandy hiding spots.
Key Insight: California halibut can reach up to 60 inches in length and weigh over 70 pounds, though most catches range between 8-20 pounds. Females grow significantly larger and live longer than males.
These flatfish inhabit sandy bottoms from the surf zone to depths of 330 feet, with concentrations strongest around 100 feet. You’ll find them most abundantly from Bodega Bay southward through Baja California, though scattered populations exist as far north as Washington.
Bays and estuaries serve as critical nursery habitats where juvenile halibut spend their first year before migrating to deeper coastal waters.
2. Pacific Halibut
Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) dwarfs its California cousin in both size and northern range. This species represents true giants of the flatfish world, with individuals capable of reaching 300 pounds and stretching over 8 feet long.
The Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) thrives in colder waters than California halibut, preferring temperatures from Alaska down to northern California.
You can distinguish them by their diamond-shaped body, right-eye dominance, and slightly different mouth structure—the maxilla reaches only to the front edge of the eye rather than extending beyond it. Their coloring tends toward darker brown or olive on the eyed side.
These powerful predators inhabit depths from 20 to 1,000 feet, though commercial fishing concentrates between 90 and 900 feet. Pacific halibut feed opportunistically on octopus, cod, pollock, and other groundfish.
Their firm, white flesh makes them highly valuable both commercially and recreationally, supporting one of the most important fisheries in the North Pacific.
3. Lingcod
Despite its name, the lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) belongs to the greenling family rather than true cod. This voracious predator earns its nickname “dragon of the deep” from its aggressive strikes and powerful fights that test even experienced anglers.
Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) display mottled brown, gray, or greenish coloring with darker blotches across their elongated bodies. Their most striking feature is a large, tooth-filled mouth that reflects their predatory nature.
Some individuals have blue or greenish flesh—a natural pigment from their diet that disappears during cooking and doesn’t affect the taste.
You’ll encounter lingcod along rocky reefs and kelp beds from Alaska to Baja California, with peak populations in northern California waters. They inhabit depths from 30 to 1,400 feet, though most catches occur between 60 and 300 feet.
Females can reach 120 centimeters and live up to 20 years, while males max out around 90 centimeters with 14-year lifespans.
- Lingcod prey on nearly anything they can fit in their mouths, including octopuses, rockfish, herring, and salmon
- These solitary hunters don’t school, requiring anglers to target specific rocky structure and reef edges
- Their aggressive feeding behavior makes them susceptible to various lures and live bait presentations
- The firm, mild white meat ranks among the Pacific Coast’s finest eating fish
4. Rockfish (Multiple Species)
The genus Sebastes encompasses over 100 rockfish species, with 56 commonly found in Southern California fishing grounds.
This incredible diversity makes rockfish the most varied group among types of fish in California, displaying a rainbow of colors from vibrant reds and oranges to mottled browns and spotted patterns.
Common Rockfish Species Include:
- Vermilion rockfish – bright red with rough head ridges
- Blue rockfish – metallic blue-gray backs with yellow lateral lines
- Copper rockfish – copper-brown with pink or yellow blotches
- Yelloweye rockfish – bright red with distinctive yellow eyes
- Black rockfish – dark gray to black coloring
- Canary rockfish – bright orange with gray side stripes
- Widow rockfish – brownish-bronze coloring
Rockfish inhabit depths from the intertidal zone to nearly 10,000 feet, though recreational fishing targets them between 100-900 feet around rocky outcrops, submarine canyons, and reef structures. Different species occupy specific depth zones, creating vertical stratification that anglers can target by adjusting their fishing depths.
These bottom-dwellers feature spiny dorsal fins, large eyes adapted for low-light conditions, and swim bladders that often inflate when brought rapidly to the surface. Most rockfish species are long-lived, with some reaching 100+ years. This longevity, combined with late maturity and slow growth rates, makes them vulnerable to overfishing, leading to strict management regulations including depth restrictions, bag limits, and seasonal closures.
5. White Seabass
The white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) represents California’s premier inshore game fish, prized for its size, fighting ability, and exceptional table quality. This member of the croaker family can reach 93 pounds and stretch over 5 feet long, though most catches range between 10-40 pounds.
White seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) display elongated silvery-blue bodies with darker backs and white bellies. A raised ridge runs along the middle of their belly between the pelvic and anal fins—a key identification feature. Juveniles often show three to six dark vertical bars that fade with age.
You’ll find white seabass from Alaska to Chile, with the strongest populations between Monterey Bay and Baja California. They inhabit depths from shallow kelp beds to 400 feet, often cruising kelp forests, rocky reefs, and sandy bottoms near structure. Spring marks the peak season as fish move inshore to spawn in nearshore waters and kelp beds.
Pro Tip: White seabass feed primarily on squid, anchovies, sardines, and small mackerel. Night fishing near kelp beds during squid runs produces exceptional results, particularly during full moon phases.
6. California Yellowtail
California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) fuel the excitement of Southern California sportfishing with their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. These powerful jacks can reach 80 pounds and 5 feet in length, though fish between 15-30 pounds dominate catches.
The California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) features a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with metallic blue to olive-green backs transitioning to silver sides.
A distinctive bright yellow stripe runs from the eye to the deeply forked yellow tail, giving the species its name. Their deeply forked tail and narrow caudal peduncle power explosive bursts of speed.
These pelagic predators range from Washington to Chile, with migrations bringing schools into California waters from spring through fall. Peak fishing occurs from May through October in Southern California around kelp beds, offshore islands, and along the mainland coast.
Yellowtail prefer water temperatures between 64-72°F and often follow warm-water currents northward during summer months.
7. Pacific Mackerel
Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus) swim in massive schools throughout California’s coastal waters, providing accessible action for shore and boat anglers alike. These sleek, fast-swimming fish typically range from 8-14 inches, with occasional individuals reaching 25 inches.
You’ll identify Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus) by their metallic blue-green backs decorated with wavy dark lines and silver sides.
They lack the solid spots characteristic of Spanish mackerel and show irregular wavy markings instead. The streamlined body and forked tail enable rapid swimming for pursuing baitfish.
Pacific mackerel inhabit temperate and subtropical waters from Alaska to Mexico, with year-round populations in Southern California. These schooling fish migrate seasonally, moving inshore during warmer months and offshore to deeper waters in winter.
You’ll encounter them from the surface to 1,000 feet deep, though most fishing occurs in the top 100 feet.
- Schools form dense aggregations that anglers locate by watching for diving birds, surface boils, and baitfish activity
- They feed aggressively on anchovies, sardines, small squid, and fish larvae
- Fast-retrieval sabiki rigs, small jigs, and cast spoons effectively target these willing biters
- Pacific mackerel provide excellent bait for larger game fish when kept fresh
8. Jack Mackerel
Jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus), also called horse mackerel, share similar habits with Pacific mackerel but belong to a different family. These schooling fish typically measure 10-20 inches and occasionally reach 32 inches. Jack mackerel display metallic greenish-blue backs fading to silver sides with a distinctive dark spot on the gill cover.
Their most characteristic feature is a series of sharp, modified scales called scutes that form a raised ridge along the lateral line from head to tail. This “armored” lateral line distinguishes them from Pacific mackerel.
These abundant fish range from Alaska to Mexico, inhabiting surface to midwater depths typically between 50-300 feet. Jack mackerel form enormous schools that migrate seasonally, moving inshore during spring and summer months. They feed on small crustaceans, squid, and small fish, often mixing with Pacific mackerel schools.
Common Mistake: Many anglers confuse jack mackerel with Pacific mackerel. Feel along the lateral line—jack mackerel have rough, sharp scutes that you can easily detect by running your finger from tail to head.
9. Bluefin Tuna
Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) represent the apex of big-game fishing along California’s coast, with giants exceeding 400 pounds and 9 feet testing the limits of tackle and angler endurance. California bluefin populations face significant conservation challenges.
These fish undergo trans-Pacific migrations between California and Japanese waters, making them subject to international management. NOAA Fisheries works with international partners to rebuild bluefin stocks through catch limits and seasonal restrictions aimed at allowing younger fish to reach spawning age.
The Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) features a torpedo-shaped body built for speed, with dark blue backs transitioning to silver-gray sides and white bellies.
Short pectoral fins distinguish them from albacore, and their powerful crescent-shaped tail drives bursts approaching 40 mph. The body shows no stripes or spots, presenting a clean, streamlined profile.
California waters host bluefin seasonally, with fish arriving as early as May and remaining through October, peaking during summer months. You’ll encounter different size classes from 20-pound “footballs” to 200+ pound giants, with San Diego’s offshore waters particularly famous for trophy-class specimens.
These fish prefer water temperatures between 62-72°F and often follow schools of sardines, anchovies, and squid.
10. Albacore Tuna
Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) fuel California’s offshore fishery with their distinctive long pectoral fins and light-colored, mild-flavored meat. These fast-swimming predators typically weigh 10-40 pounds, though individuals occasionally reach 80 pounds.
You’ll recognize albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) by their exceptionally long pectoral fins that extend past the anal fin—longer than any other tuna species. Their torpedo-shaped bodies show deep blue backs, metallic blue sides, and white undersides. The tail displays white trailing edges, another helpful identification marker.
Albacore migrate through California waters seasonally, typically arriving in summer when warming currents push them toward the coast. The peak season runs July through October, with fish concentrations shifting based on water temperature and bait availability. They prefer temperatures between 58-66°F, often found along temperature breaks where cold and warm water meet.
Pro Tip: Watch for “meter marks” (surface feeding activity) and bird schools to locate feeding albacore. These visual cues often reveal schools actively pursuing bait on the surface.
11. Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) bring tropical excitement to Southern California waters during warm-water years. These beautiful tuna display brilliant yellow finlets and can exceed 400 pounds, though California catches typically range from 20-100 pounds.
The yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) features a streamlined body with metallic dark blue backs fading to silver-yellow sides and white bellies.
Bright yellow dorsal and anal fins create a distinctive appearance, while yellow finlets between the rear fins and tail complete the golden accent. Large specimens develop extremely elongated second dorsal and anal fins called “sickle fins.”
Yellowfin occur in California primarily during warm-water events when tropical conditions push northward. The species becomes more common south of Point Conception, with sporadic appearances farther north during El Niño years. They inhabit surface to midwater depths, often associating with floating debris, kelp paddies, and dolphin schools.
12. Mahi-mahi
Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), also called dorado or dolphinfish, electrify California’s offshore fishing scene when warm currents sweep them north. These stunningly colorful fish display brilliant blue, green, and gold hues that fade quickly after landing.
Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) feature compressed, elongated bodies with high, blunt foreheads in mature males (bulls). Their coloring shifts from metallic blue-green backs to golden-yellow sides decorated with electric blue spots. The deeply forked tail and long, continuous dorsal fin extending from head to tail create an unmistakable profile.
California encounters mahi-mahi primarily from August through October during warm-water years, with peak activity during El Niño events. These tropical visitors prefer water temperatures above 70°F and commonly associate with floating debris, kelp paddies, buoys, and any surface structure.
Their rapid growth allows them to reach 40 pounds in just two years, though most California catches range from 5-25 pounds.
- Mahi-mahi swim in small schools, particularly younger fish, while larger bulls often travel solo or with a single mate
- They feed voraciously on flying fish, small tuna, squid, and crustaceans
- Surface-swimming behavior makes them vulnerable to various trolling lures and fly fishing presentations
- The firm, flavorful white to pink flesh ranks among the finest eating fish in the ocean
13. Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), also called king salmon, represent California’s premier salmon species, with fish commonly reaching 20-40 pounds and occasional giants exceeding 60 pounds.
These anadromous fish spend most of their lives in the ocean before returning to natal rivers to spawn. The Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) displays a blue-green to purple back with silver sides and white belly when ocean-dwelling.
Black spots pepper the back, dorsal fin, and entire tail—this full-tail spotting distinguishes them from coho salmon. Their gums are black at the base of teeth, another key identification feature.
Major California rivers supporting Chinook runs include the Sacramento, Klamath, Trinity, Eel, and Russian systems. Ocean fishing concentrates from Monterey Bay northward, with San Francisco Bay serving as a major staging area for Sacramento River fish. Peak seasons vary by region and run timing—spring and fall runs dominate different river systems.
Important Note: Chinook salmon populations face significant conservation challenges from habitat loss, water diversions, and climate change. Many California runs receive federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. Always verify current regulations through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as strict rules protect weak stocks through size limits, bag limits, and area closures.
14. Coho Salmon
Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), also called silver salmon, once thrived in California coastal streams from Monterey northward. These beautiful fish typically weigh 6-12 pounds, with larger individuals reaching 20 pounds.
You’ll identify coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) by their metallic silver sides, dark blue backs, and white gums. Unlike Chinook salmon, coho show spots only on the upper portion of the tail rather than the entire tail. Spawning males develop distinctive hooked jaws and reddish-bronze sides.
California’s coho populations have declined dramatically, leading to federal listing as threatened or endangered throughout much of their range.
The species requires cold, clean streams with complex habitat including pools, riffles, and woody debris. Major remaining populations persist in northern California rivers like the Klamath, Smith, and Mattole systems.
15. Steelhead Trout
Steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) represent the ocean-going form of rainbow trout, undertaking anadromous migrations that can span hundreds of miles. These silvery game fish typically weigh 5-15 pounds, with trophy fish exceeding 20 pounds.
The steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) displays a silvery body with steel-blue backs when fresh from the ocean, gradually developing the pink lateral stripe and rainbow coloring as spawning approaches.
Black spots pepper the back, dorsal fin, and entire tail including adipose fin. Their streamlined shape and powerful build reflect adaptations for long-distance migration.
California hosts both summer and winter steelhead runs, with winter fish dominating most coastal streams from December through April. These fish enter rivers during high flows, navigating upstream to spawn in cold, well-oxygenated headwater tributaries.
Unlike Pacific salmon, steelhead can spawn multiple times, though most die after their first spawning migration. Major steelhead rivers include the Smith, Klamath, Trinity, Eel, Russian, and numerous smaller coastal streams.
The species faces conservation challenges similar to salmon, including habitat degradation, water diversions, and barriers to migration. Many populations receive threatened or endangered status, requiring careful attention to regulations before fishing.
16. Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) shine as California’s most widespread and popular freshwater game fish, inhabiting everything from high mountain lakes to valley reservoirs and coastal streams. These beautiful fish display incredible variety in size, coloration, and behavior across their range.
You’ll recognize rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by the characteristic pink to red lateral stripe extending from head to tail, olive to blue-green backs, and silver to white bellies.
Black spots cover the back, sides, dorsal fin, adipose fin, and tail. Coloration varies tremendously based on habitat—lake fish often show brighter silver with less pronounced pink, while stream trout display more vibrant coloring.
California hosts native rainbow populations in coastal streams and Sierra Nevada drainages, supplemented by extensive hatchery stocking programs. You’ll find them from sea level to over 10,000 feet in elevation, thriving in cold, well-oxygenated waters. They prefer temperatures between 50-65°F and require clean gravel for spawning.
Key Insight: Rainbow trout adapt remarkably to diverse environments—the same species exists as 6-inch brook residents, 2-pound reservoir fish, and 20-pound ocean-going steelhead depending on available habitat and food resources.
17. Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) dominate California’s warmwater fishing scene, inhabiting reservoirs, lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers throughout the state. These powerful predators regularly reach 5-10 pounds, with trophy fish exceeding 15 pounds.
The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) features an olive-green back fading to lighter sides marked by a dark, irregular horizontal band extending from head to tail.
The upper jaw extends past the rear edge of the eye—a key distinction from smallmouth bass. They display a large, broad mouth designed for engulfing prey, with a nearly vertical mouth orientation.
California’s warm climate produces exceptional largemouth bass fishing year-round, with spring spawning periods offering particularly productive angling.
These ambush predators prefer shallow, vegetated areas, submerged structure like fallen trees, rocky points, and areas with cover from which to ambush prey. They thrive in water temperatures from 65-85°F.
- Largemouth feed primarily on smaller fish, crayfish, frogs, and large aquatic insects
- Sight-oriented predators that rely heavily on vision for feeding, making lure presentation critical
- Tournament fishing for largemouth represents a major recreational industry in California
- The aggressive strikes and aerial jumps create exciting angling experiences
18. Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) offer exciting fishing in California’s clearer, cooler waters compared to their largemouth cousins. These bronze-colored battlers typically weigh 1-4 pounds, with trophy fish reaching 8 pounds.
You’ll distinguish smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) by their bronze to brown coloring with dark vertical bars rather than a horizontal stripe, and upper jaws that don’t extend past the rear edge of the eye.
They often display red eyes and a more football-shaped body compared to largemouth bass. Three dark bars radiate from the eye across the cheek and gill cover.
Smallmouth thrive in clear lakes and rivers with rocky bottoms and moderate current. California populations exist primarily in northern reservoirs like Shasta, Trinity, and Oroville, plus various rivers including sections of the Sacramento River system. They prefer slightly cooler temperatures than largemouth, typically 60-75°F, and clearer water conditions.
19. Spotted Bass
Spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus), also called Kentucky bass, occupy a middle ground between largemouth and smallmouth bass in appearance and habitat preferences. These fish typically weigh 1-4 pounds in California waters.
The spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus) displays olive-green backs with numerous small dark spots below the lateral line—spots that form horizontal rows distinguish them from largemouth bass.
The upper jaw extends to approximately the rear edge of the eye, and they show a smaller mouth than largemouth bass. A dark blotch on the rear edge of the gill cover and a tooth patch on the tongue provide additional identification features.
California introduced spotted bass primarily in central and southern reservoirs including Lake Perris, Castaic Lake, and various other impoundments.
They prefer habitats with more structure and current than largemouth bass but warmer water than smallmouth bass, often inhabiting main lake points, channel banks, and deeper structure.
Common Mistake: Anglers often misidentify small largemouth bass as spotted bass. Look for the horizontal rows of spots below the lateral line and smaller mouth—spotted bass rarely exceed 5 pounds in California waters, while largemouth regularly grow larger.
20. Striped Bass
Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) create legendary fishing opportunities in California’s rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. These powerful anadromous fish regularly reach 20-40 pounds, with trophy specimens exceeding 50 pounds.
The striped bass (Morone saxatilis) features a silvery, streamlined body marked by seven to eight continuous horizontal black stripes running from head to tail.
Their olive to steel-blue backs, white bellies, and deeply forked tails complete a profile built for strong swimming in current. The prominent stripes make identification unmistakable.
California’s striped bass fishery stems from introductions in the late 1800s that established self-sustaining populations. The San Francisco Bay Delta system serves as the primary spawning and rearing habitat, with fish migrating throughout the bay, into coastal waters, and up Central Valley rivers.
Spring spawning runs up the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers attract concentrated angling effort. Ocean populations patrol rocky coastline, kelp beds, and nearshore waters from Monterey Bay to the Oregon border.
These fish feed heavily on anchovies, herring, shad, and other baitfish, often creating surface feeding frenzies during summer months. Night fishing near rocky shores and piers produces excellent results, particularly during new moon periods.
21. Bluegill
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) provide accessible, entertaining fishing for anglers of all ages throughout California’s warmwater habitats. These colorful panfish typically measure 6-10 inches, with occasional specimens reaching 12 inches and over one pound.
You’ll identify bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) by their deep, compressed body shape with olive to dark blue backs, orange to yellow bellies, and a distinctive dark spot on the rear edge of the gill cover. Breeding males develop brilliant blue-purple heads and bright orange breasts. Vertical bars on the sides fade with age or stress.
Bluegill inhabit lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving streams throughout California, showing particular abundance in vegetation-rich shallows.
These schooling fish spawn repeatedly from April through September, with males creating and guarding circular nesting areas in shallow water. They thrive in water temperatures from 65-85°F.
- Bluegill feed primarily on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and zooplankton
- Their small mouths require appropriately sized baits like worms, crickets, and small flies
- Aggressive spawning behavior creates exceptional fishing when nests are active
- The sweet, mild flesh makes them excellent table fare despite their small size
22. Crappie
Crappie occur in two species in California—black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis)—both providing excellent panfish opportunities in suitable waters. These schooling fish typically measure 8-12 inches and weigh 0.5-1.5 pounds.
Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) display irregular dark spots scattered across silvery sides, while white crappie show vertical bars rather than random spots.
Both species feature compressed bodies, large mouths extending under the eye, and seven to eight dorsal spines. Black crappie tend toward darker overall coloring with more pronounced spotting patterns.
California’s crappie populations inhabit lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving river sections with submerged structure like fallen trees, brush piles, and vegetation.
They school extensively, particularly around structure in water 5-25 feet deep. Spring spawning periods bring fish into extremely shallow water, creating concentrated fishing opportunities.
Pro Tip: Crappie relate strongly to structure and specific depth zones. Once you locate a school at a particular depth around structure, you can often catch multiple fish from the same spot by maintaining precise depth control.
23. Catfish (Various Species)
California hosts several catfish species providing excellent fishing in warmwater environments. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), white catfish (Ameiurus catus), and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) represent the primary species, with channel catfish most widespread.
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) feature deeply forked tails, olive-brown to slate-gray backs with scattered dark spots on sides, and white to silver bellies.
Eight barbels (whiskers) surround the mouth—four under the chin, two on the snout, and two at the corners of the mouth. They typically weigh 2-8 pounds, with trophy fish exceeding 20 pounds.
These opportunistic feeders inhabit rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds throughout California’s lowlands and valleys. Channel catfish prefer slow-moving water with soft bottoms, fallen trees, and undercut banks. They thrive in water temperatures from 70-85°F and tolerate turbidity better than most game fish.
White catfish show less forking in the tail and lack spots, while flathead catfish display flat, broad heads and yellow-brown mottled coloring. All species feed primarily at night or in murky water, using their sensitive barbels to locate food by smell and taste. They consume fish, crayfish, insects, mollusks, and various organic matter.
24. Surfperch (Various Species)
The surfperch family includes numerous species inhabiting California’s nearshore waters, with several species commonly caught from beaches, piers, and rocky shores. These small to medium fish provide year-round action along the entire coast.
Barred surfperch (Amphistichus argenteus) rank as the most commonly targeted species, displaying brassy-silver bodies with distinctive vertical bars and reaching 15-17 inches.
Redtail surfperch show copper-red coloring on tail and pelvic fins, while shiner perch display metallic silver bodies with yellow fins. Most surfperch species measure 6-12 inches, with barred surfperch occasionally exceeding 4 pounds.
Surfperch inhabit sandy beaches, rocky shores, kelp beds, and pier pilings throughout California’s coastal waters. Different species show habitat preferences—barred surfperch favor sandy beaches in the surf zone, while pile perch cluster around pier pilings. These fish feed primarily on sand crabs, marine worms, mussels, and small crustaceans.
Key Insight: Surfperch are viviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Females carry developing embryos for several months before releasing fully-formed juvenile fish, typically from spring through summer.
25. Leopard Shark
Leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) provide exciting light-tackle fishing in shallow bays and nearshore waters throughout California. These beautiful sharks typically measure 3-5 feet and weigh 10-30 pounds, with occasional individuals reaching 7 feet.
The leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) displays striking silver-gray coloring decorated with distinctive dark saddles and spots creating a leopard-like pattern.
The slender, streamlined body, two similarly-sized dorsal fins, and blunt snout create an elegant profile. These markings make identification unmistakable among California sharks.
You’ll encounter leopard sharks from Oregon to Baja California, with peak abundance in California bays and nearshore waters. They prefer sandy bottoms in shallow bays, estuaries, and kelp beds, often forming schools in water just 3-15 feet deep. San Francisco Bay, Humboldt Bay, and Southern California bays host major populations.
These harmless sharks feed primarily on clams, worms, crabs, shrimp, and small fish found in sandy and muddy bottoms. They use electroreception to detect prey buried in sediment, probing the bottom as they swim. Leopard sharks migrate seasonally, moving into shallow bays during spring and summer months, then dispersing to deeper waters in winter.
26. Soupfin Shark
Soupfin sharks (Galeorhinus galeus), also called tope sharks, represent important components of California’s shark populations despite reduced abundance from historical overfishing. These slender sharks typically measure 4-5 feet, with large individuals reaching 6.5 feet.
The soupfin shark (Galeorhinus galeus) features a streamlined body with gray to bronze backs, white undersides, and a distinctly notched upper tail lobe. The long snout, large eyes, and moderately sized teeth distinguish them from other common California sharks. The second dorsal fin sits much smaller than the first, originating behind the anal fin.
These sharks inhabit coastal waters from British Columbia to Baja California, preferring depths from nearshore to 1,500 feet but most commonly encountered in 30-600 feet.
They patrol sandy and rocky bottoms, feeding on small fish, squid, octopuses, and crustaceans. Soupfin sharks form schools segregated by size and sex, with pregnant females moving into shallow bays during summer.
27. Bat Ray
Bat rays (Myliobatis californica) glide gracefully through California’s bays and nearshore waters, creating powerful challenges for anglers fishing soft bottoms. These flat-bodied rays typically span 2-3 feet across the disc, with large specimens reaching 6 feet and weighing 200 pounds.
You’ll recognize bat rays (Myliobatis californica) by their characteristic diamond-shaped body (pectoral disc), dark brown to black coloring on top, and long, whip-like tail. A single venomous spine near the base of the tail provides defense against predators. Their wing-like swimming motion resembles underwater flying.
Bat rays inhabit shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore sandy or muddy bottoms from Oregon to the Gulf of California. They feed by excavating prey from soft sediments using their broad, flat teeth to crush clams, oysters, crabs, and shrimp. You’ll often see feeding bat rays leaving characteristic depressions in mudflats during low tides.
Important Note: Handle bat rays carefully to avoid the venomous tail spine. The spine can inflict painful wounds but contains venom considered more painful than dangerous to humans. Most anglers release bat rays alive to continue their ecological role controlling mollusk populations.
28. Opaleye
Opaleye (Girella nigricans) provide excellent light-tackle fishing around California’s rocky shores, kelp beds, and pier pilings. These herbivorous fish typically measure 10-16 inches and weigh 1-4 pounds, with occasional individuals reaching 26 inches.
The opaleye (Girella nigricans) displays a deep, oval-shaped body with olive to dark green coloring and distinctive pale blue or white spots forming horizontal lines along the sides. One or two pale spots appear on the back below the rear dorsal fin. The bright blue-green eyes give the species its common name.
These fish inhabit rocky shores, kelp beds, and nearshore waters from San Francisco to Baja California, with peak abundance in Southern California. Opaleye prefer shallow water from the surf zone to 100 feet deep, clustering around rocky structure, reefs, and pier pilings. They feed primarily on marine algae, making them one of California’s few vegetarian sport fish.
29. Garibaldi
The garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus) stands out as California’s official state marine fish, protected from harvest throughout its range. These brilliant orange fish typically measure 12-14 inches, with large specimens reaching 15 inches.
You’ll recognize garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus) instantly by their vibrant orange coloring and deep, oval-shaped body. Adults display solid bright orange throughout, while juveniles show iridescent blue spots that fade with age. The strongly compressed body, small mouth, and continuous dorsal fin create a distinctive profile among California reef fish.
Garibaldi inhabit rocky reefs and kelp forests from Monterey Bay to Baja California, with highest densities in Southern California waters. They occupy depths from shallow intertidal zones to 100 feet, establishing territories that males defend aggressively. These damselfish feed on small invertebrates, sponges, worms, and bryozoans growing on rocky surfaces.
Important Note: Garibaldi receive full protection as California’s state marine fish. Harvesting, possessing, or harming garibaldi is illegal and subject to significant penalties. These long-lived fish can reach 25+ years, making populations vulnerable to disturbance.
30. Sculpin
California waters host numerous sculpin species, with cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) representing the largest and most sought-after by anglers. These bottom-dwelling fish typically weigh 5-15 pounds, with trophy cabezon exceeding 25 pounds.
The cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) features a large, broad head (hence “cabezon” meaning big head in Spanish), scaleless skin, and mottled coloring in red, brown, green, or blue tones. A distinctive flap of skin protrudes above each eye. Their wide mouth and powerful jaws crush prey against rocky surfaces.
These sculpin inhabit rocky reefs, kelp beds, and boulder fields from Alaska to Baja California, dwelling on the bottom from intertidal zones to 250 feet deep.
Cabezon are ambush predators that remain motionless waiting for crabs, mollusks, small fish, and squid to approach. They show remarkable camouflage ability, blending perfectly with surrounding rock and kelp.
Other common California sculpins include staghorn sculpin, buffalo sculpin, and various smaller species. Most sculpins share similar body shapes with large heads, wide mouths, and lack of swim bladders that keep them anchored to the bottom. The firm, white meat makes them excellent eating, though cabezon eggs and roe are toxic and must never be consumed.
California’s incredible diversity of fish species reflects the state’s varied aquatic habitats, from crashing Pacific surf to tranquil mountain streams.
Whether you’re pursuing trophy tuna offshore, stalking trout in alpine lakes, or catching surfperch from the beach, understanding these 30 types of fish in California enhances your success and appreciation for the remarkable ecosystems they inhabit.
Remember to check current regulations before fishing—size limits, bag limits, seasons, and protected species vary by location and change annually to ensure sustainable populations for future generations.
