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Mendocino County Coast

Fishing spots, fishing reports, and regulations in

California, United States

4.7·798 catches

Top fish species at Mendocino County Coast

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Check which species have trophy potential in Mendocino County Coast

Mendocino County Coast fishing reports

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Lingcod

length · weight

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Vermilion rockfish

length · weight

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Cabezon

length · weight

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Lingcod

length · weight

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Lingcod

30 in · 12 lb

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Blue rockfish

length · weight

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General info

Mendocino County Coast is a part of an ocean located in Mendocino County, California, United States. It is also intersecting with Humboldt County, California. It is most popular for fishing Lingcod, Cabezon, and Kelp greenling.

Location

39°22′58.6″N 123°51′28″W
Directions

Fishing regulations at Mendocino County Coast, 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 Mendocino 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

CA Spearfishing

Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other manmade structures connected to the shore. Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object. The possession and transit provisions described for shore-based anglers, and divers are as follows: (1) When angling from shore (includes beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other man−made structures connected to the shore), allspecies may be taken and/or possessed year−round. No vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in the take, transport and/or possession of these species under this provision. (2) When diving or spearfishing all species may be taken and/or possessed year−round. When boat−based groundfish fishing is closed, all types of fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, areprohibited to be aboard the vessel or watercraft when taking and/or possessing these species under this provision.

CA Shore-based Anglers

Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other manmade structures connected to the shore. Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object. The possession and transit provisions described for shore-based anglers, and divers are as follows: (1) When angling from shore (includes beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other man−made structures connected to the shore), allspecies may be taken and/or possessed year−round. No vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in the take, transport and/or possession of these species under this provision. (2) When diving or spearfishing all species may be taken and/or possessed year−round. When boat−based groundfish fishing is closed, all types of fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, areprohibited to be aboard the vessel or watercraft when taking and/or possessing these species under this provision.

1-inch Skin

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

CA Descending Device

DESCENDING DEVICES REQUIRED: No Person shall take or possess any federal groundfish from any boat or other floating device in ocean waters without a descending device in possession.

Additional information
Season Exceptions: April 1 - April 30: 50 Fathom - Offshore Only (Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line.)May 1 - Sept 30: 20 Fathom - Inshore Only (Take is prohibited seaward of the 20 fathom (120 feet) boundary line.)Oct 1 - Oct 31: 50 Fathom - Offshore Only (Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line.)Nov 1 - Nov 30: 20 Fathom - Inshore Only (Take is prohibited seaward of the 20 fathom (120 feet) boundary line.)Dec 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.Minimum 14-inch fillet 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 closed: October 1 - October 31
Cabezon

Cabezon

Regulation boundaryCA Mendocino Area
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.

Min size15" (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 limit10

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

CA Spearfishing

Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other manmade structures connected to the shore. Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object. The possession and transit provisions described for shore-based anglers, and divers are as follows: (1) When angling from shore (includes beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other man−made structures connected to the shore), allspecies may be taken and/or possessed year−round. No vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in the take, transport and/or possession of these species under this provision. (2) When diving or spearfishing all species may be taken and/or possessed year−round. When boat−based groundfish fishing is closed, all types of fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, areprohibited to be aboard the vessel or watercraft when taking and/or possessing these species under this provision.

CA Shore-based Anglers

Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other manmade structures connected to the shore. Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object. The possession and transit provisions described for shore-based anglers, and divers are as follows: (1) When angling from shore (includes beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other man−made structures connected to the shore), allspecies may be taken and/or possessed year−round. No vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in the take, transport and/or possession of these species under this provision. (2) When diving or spearfishing all species may be taken and/or possessed year−round. When boat−based groundfish fishing is closed, all types of fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, areprohibited to be aboard the vessel or watercraft when taking and/or possessing these species under this provision.

Skin Attached

Fillets must have entire skin attached.

CA Descending Device

DESCENDING DEVICES REQUIRED: No Person shall take or possess any federal groundfish from any boat or other floating device in ocean waters without a descending device in possession.

Additional information
Season Exceptions: May 1 - Sept 30: 20 Fathom - Inshore Only (Take is prohibited seaward of the 20 fathom (120 feet) boundary line.)Nov 1 - Nov 30: 20 Fathom - Inshore Only (Take is prohibited seaward of the 20 fathom (120 feet) boundary line.)This species is included in the 10 fish RCG Complex limit, and also within the overall 20 finfish aggregate limit.Certain areas may prohibit or restrict fishing, including State and federal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or other State and federal conservation areas. Check CDFW's website at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs for MPAs, or the Ocean Sportfishing Interactive Web Map for MPAs and other closures.For the latest information, call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at 1-813-649-2801.
Synonyms
Scorpaenichthys marmoratus
Season closed: October 1 - October 31
Kelp greenling

Kelp greenling

Regulation boundaryCA Mendocino Area
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.

Min size12" (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 limit10

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

CA Spearfishing

Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other manmade structures connected to the shore. Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object. The possession and transit provisions described for shore-based anglers, and divers are as follows: (1) When angling from shore (includes beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other man−made structures connected to the shore), allspecies may be taken and/or possessed year−round. No vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in the take, transport and/or possession of these species under this provision. (2) When diving or spearfishing all species may be taken and/or possessed year−round. When boat−based groundfish fishing is closed, all types of fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, areprohibited to be aboard the vessel or watercraft when taking and/or possessing these species under this provision.

CA Shore-based Anglers

Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other manmade structures connected to the shore. Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object. The possession and transit provisions described for shore-based anglers, and divers are as follows: (1) When angling from shore (includes beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other man−made structures connected to the shore), allspecies may be taken and/or possessed year−round. No vessel or watercraft may be used to assist in the take, transport and/or possession of these species under this provision. (2) When diving or spearfishing all species may be taken and/or possessed year−round. When boat−based groundfish fishing is closed, all types of fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, areprohibited to be aboard the vessel or watercraft when taking and/or possessing these species under this provision.

CA Descending Device

DESCENDING DEVICES REQUIRED: No Person shall take or possess any federal groundfish from any boat or other floating device in ocean waters without a descending device in possession.

Additional information
Season Exceptions: May 1 - Sept 30: 20 Fathom - Inshore Only (Take is prohibited seaward of the 20 fathom (120 feet) boundary line.)Nov 1 - Nov 30: 20 Fathom - Inshore Only (Take is prohibited seaward of the 20 fathom (120 feet) boundary line.)This species is included in the 10 fish RCG Complex limit, and also within the overall 20 finfish aggregate limit.Certain areas may prohibit or restrict fishing, including State and federal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or other State and federal conservation areas. Check CDFW's website at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs for MPAs, or the Ocean Sportfishing Interactive Web Map for MPAs and other closures.For the latest information, call the Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations Hotline at 1-813-649-2801.
Synonyms
Hexagrammos decagrammus
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Local laws and licenses

California fishing license

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Reviews of Mendocino County Coast

4.7
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3 ratings

5
4
3
2
1
Top reviews

Cities nearby

Cleone

8.6 miles away

Albion

12.1 miles away

Willits

27.2 miles away

Manchester

29.6 miles away

Philo

31.1 miles away

Leggett

33.9 miles away

Boonville

36.5 miles away

Ukiah

38.3 miles away

Potter Valley

40.1 miles away

Shelter Cove

46.5 miles away

Hopland

48.9 miles away

Sea Ranch

50.9 miles away

Upper Lake

53.1 miles away

Alderpoint

55.3 miles away

Lakeport

55.4 miles away

Cloverdale

60.7 miles away

Kelseyville

61.8 miles away

Lucerne

61.9 miles away

Weott

65.0 miles away

Elk Creek

72.0 miles away

Lodoga

72.4 miles away

Mad River

75.1 miles away

Paskenta

77.9 miles away

Post Mountain

78.7 miles away

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FAQ about Mendocino County Coast fishing

📍 Where is Mendocino County Coast located?
Mendocino County Coast is a part of an ocean located in Mendocino County, California, United States. It is also intersecting with Humboldt County, California. Its coordinates are:
39°22′58.6″N 123°51′28″W
.
🎣 Where on Mendocino County Coast is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Mendocino County Coast 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 Mendocino County Coast?
The most common species in Mendocino County Coast are:
  • Lingcod - 115 members reported to have caught this fish
  • Cabezon - 52 members reported to have caught this fish
  • Kelp greenling - 34 members reported to have caught this fish
📢 What are the latest Mendocino County Coast fishing reports?
The latest Mendocino County Coast fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Mendocino County Coast right now?
According to fishing regulations at Mendocino County Coast, some of the species in season this October 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 Mendocino County Coast?

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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