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Santa Rosa Island

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

California, United States

4.8·367 catches

Top fish species at Santa Rosa Island

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Check which species have trophy potential in Santa Rosa Island

Santa Rosa Island fishing reports

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Bocaccio rockfish

length · weight

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Grass rockfish

12 in · 1 lb

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Vermilion rockfish

18 in · 3 lb

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Lingcod

length · weight

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Vermilion rockfish

20 in · 4 lb

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Pacific bonito

27 in · 4 lb 2 oz

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General info

Santa Rosa Island is a part of an ocean located in Santa Barbara County, California, United States. It is most popular for fishing Lingcod, White seabass, and Ocean whitefish.

Location

33°57′58″N 120°15′4.3″W
Directions

Amenities

Fishing regulations at Santa Rosa Island, CA

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in California can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: April 1 - December 31
Lingcod

Lingcod

Regulation boundaryCA Southern Area
Bag limit2

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size22" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit20

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Special gear

1 Line 2 Hooks

When angling, gear is restricted to not more than two hooks and one line. For purposes of this section, a hook is a single hook, or double or treble hook with multiple points connected to a common shank.

Restrictions & requirements

1-inch Skin

Minimum 1-inch square patch of skin on each fillet.

Additional information
Season Exceptions: April 1 - June 30: Open all depthsJuly 1 - Sept 30: 50 Fathom - Inshore Only (Take is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line.)Oct 1 - Dec 31: 50 Fathom - Offshore Only (Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line.)This species is included in the overall 20 finfish aggregate limit.Fillets must be a minimum of 14-inches in length with a 1-inch square of skin on each fillet.For the latest information, call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at 1-813-649-2801.
Synonyms
Ophiodon elongatus
Season open: year-round
White seabass

White seabass

Regulation boundaryCA State Waters
Bag limit3

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size28" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit20

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Additional information
Bag limit: 3 per person, except that only 1 fish per person may be taken in waters south of Pt. Conception between March 15 and June 15. Open year-round When filleting on a vessel, fillets must be a minimum of 19 inches in length. Each fillet shall bear intact a one-inch square patch of silver skin.
Synonyms
Atractoscion nobilis
Season open: year-round
Ocean whitefish

Ocean whitefish

Regulation boundaryCA State Waters
Bag limit10

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Aggregate limit20

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Restrictions & requirements

Skin Attached

Fillets must have entire skin attached.

Additional information
No size limit. Open year-round in all depths. When filleting on a vessel, fillets must be a minimum of 6 and one half inches in length and shall bear the entire skin intact. For the latest information, call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at 1-813-649-2801.
Synonyms
Caulolatilus princeps
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Local laws and licenses

California fishing license

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Reviews of Santa Rosa Island

4.8
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9 ratings

5
4
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1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

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38.3 miles away

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Fellows

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Taft

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FAQ about Santa Rosa Island fishing

📍 Where is Santa Rosa Island located?
Santa Rosa Island is a part of an ocean located in Santa Barbara County, California, United States. Its coordinates are:
33°57′58″N 120°15′4.3″W
.
🎣 Where on Santa Rosa Island is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Santa Rosa Island by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Santa Rosa Island?
The most common species in Santa Rosa Island are:
  • Lingcod - 52 members reported to have caught this fish
  • White seabass - 29 members reported to have caught this fish
  • Ocean whitefish - 18 members reported to have caught this fish
📢 What are the latest Santa Rosa Island fishing reports?
The latest Santa Rosa Island fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Santa Rosa Island right now?
According to fishing regulations at Santa Rosa Island, some of the species in season this November include: Chinook salmon, Lingcod, Pacific halibut, Vermilion rockfish, and California sheephead. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Santa Rosa Island?

Fishing in California requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Options include daily, annual, or combination licenses for residents and non-residents, purchasable online or at sporting goods stores.

In California, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16. There is no universal senior exemption. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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