California Sturgeon Fishing: Report Card, Rules & Season Checks
California sturgeon fishing is now a conservation-first, catch-and-release fishery. White sturgeon may be targeted only where and when CDFW rules allow, no sturgeon may be kept, and green sturgeon must be released immediately without being removed from the water.
This refreshed guide turns the official CDFW pages and 2026 regulation booklet into a practical trip workflow: season status, Bay-Delta closures, Sturgeon Report Card timing, one-hook rules, 60-inch handling rules, green-vs-white ID, bank/boat planning, dead-sturgeon reporting and the mistakes that cause citations.
What Changed for California Sturgeon Fishing?
The major user-intent problem in sturgeon searches is outdated information. Older pages still talk about harvest slots, tags or annual cards. The current fishery is catch-and-release only, with season-based reporting and tighter handling expectations.
Catch and Release Only
White sturgeon may be targeted only where and when current CDFW regulations allow catch-and-release fishing. No harvest is allowed.
Immediate Water Release
Green sturgeon may not be taken or possessed. If hooked accidentally, keep it in the water, release it immediately and record it as required.
Required While Fishing
A Sturgeon Fishing Report Card is required in all California waters while fishing for white sturgeon, even if you do not plan to keep fish.
Season-Based Card
The card now follows the white sturgeon season instead of the old calendar-year-only format.
60-Inch Water Rule
Any sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.
Exact Map Check
Some waters are closed all year, some close seasonally, and San Francisco Bay has a special January-March closure area.
California Sturgeon Season, Open Areas and Closure Checks
Sturgeon rules are location-specific. Do not rely on old forum posts, older printed booklets, old charter pages, or “we fished here last year” advice. Check the exact water before fishing.
| Water / Area | Current Planning Rule | What to Check | Local Micro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean waters, San Francisco Bay, Delta, lower Sacramento River and lower San Joaquin River areas | Generally planned around an October 1 through June 30 catch-and-release season where regulations allow. | CDFW white sturgeon page, sturgeon map and current regulations. | July through September is the warm-season closure. Do not target sturgeon just because other species are open. |
| Upper Sacramento River above Feather River confluence to Highway 162 Bridge | Shorter open window: October 1 through December 31 where allowed. | Exact river reach and bridge boundary. | Use a GPS/map pin for the boundary before launching or anchoring. |
| San Joaquin River upstream of the I-5 bridge | Shorter open window: October 1 through December 31 where allowed. | Exact I-5 bridge boundary and current regulations. | River-boundary mistakes are common because access roads and launch ramps can be miles apart. |
| San Francisco Bay special closure area | Closed January 1 through March 15 within the described Bay boundary lines. | Pt. Chauncey/Pt. Richmond, Bay Bridge, Pt. Lobos/Pt. Bonita boundary lines. | Use the official sturgeon map. A general San Francisco Bay map is not precise enough. |
| All tributaries of Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers | Closed all year to sturgeon fishing. | Whether your slough, creek, canal or side water is a tributary or open mainstem water. | If the exact water name is unclear, do not fish until verified. |
| North Coast District | Closed all year to sturgeon fishing in Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and Siskiyou counties. | District boundaries and current regulations. | Historical sturgeon presence does not mean current legal fishing. |
| Sacramento River upstream of Highway 162 Bridge | Closed all year to sturgeon fishing. | Highway 162 Bridge / Butte City boundary. | This closure protects important green sturgeon spawning habitat. |
| Yolo Bypass, Toe Drain Canal and Tule Canal upstream of Lisbon Weir | Closed all year to sturgeon fishing. | Lisbon Weir boundary and local access status. | Floodplain water changes with flow, but the closure still matters. |
California Sturgeon Report Card: Buy, Carry, Fill Out and Report
The Sturgeon Fishing Report Card is not a harvest tag. It is required while fishing for white sturgeon and gives CDFW catch-and-effort data for managing white sturgeon and tracking incidental green sturgeon interactions.
Where to Get It
Get the card online, from license agents or at CDFW offices. Most adult anglers also need a valid California sport fishing license before buying the sturgeon card.
Carry the Physical Card
CDFW app proof of report-card purchase does not replace the required physical Sturgeon Fishing Report Card while fishing.
Report by July 31
The 2025-2026 season card must be reported July 1 through July 31, 2026. Report online when possible or mail the card as instructed.
| Card Situation | What to Do | Why It Matters | Micro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| You bought a card but did not fish | Report accurately as “did not fish” or follow the card’s no-effort instructions. | CDFW still needs no-effort data. | Do not ignore the card just because you never went. |
| You fished but caught zero sturgeon | Record the fishing date, location and hours as required. | Effort data matters even without catch. | Use your phone notes to record hours and location code in real time. |
| You caught white sturgeon | Record the release in the proper size/category column. | Catch-and-release data helps track fishing pressure. | Do not delay release to debate the exact length if the card uses categories. |
| You moved to another location code | Complete the current line and start a new line for the new location. | CDFW tracks pressure by area. | Write the location code before fishing each spot. |
| You accidentally caught green sturgeon | Keep it in the water, release immediately and report it on the card. | Green sturgeon take is prohibited. | Learn the ID differences before fishing. |
| You fill all lines | Return/report the card and obtain another before continuing. | You need available space to keep fishing legally. | Guides and frequent anglers should track remaining lines. |
| You lost the card | Follow CDFW lost-card and duplicate-card instructions. | Lost cards still create reporting problems. | Call CDFW before driving because duplicate sturgeon cards can have office-only rules. |
Official 2026 PDF Details Sturgeon Anglers Miss
The 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet contains several small details that matter during real field checks. These are now pulled into practical H3 sections instead of leaving the user to hunt through the PDF.
App Proof Is Not the Physical Card
The CDFW License App can show proof of purchase, but it does not replace the physical report card when a report card authorizes the activity.
Daily and Annual Limits Are Zero
The current white sturgeon fishery is catch-and-release only. Daily limit is zero fish and annual statewide limit is zero fish.
Over 60 Inches Stays in the Water
Any sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.
No Lip Grippers, Gaffs, Snares or Dragging
Sturgeon may not be gaffed, snared, dragged across ground, boat decks or piers, or controlled with lip-gripper devices.
One Single Barbless Hook
Only one single point, single shank, barbless hook may be used when taking sturgeon. The fish must voluntarily take the bait or lure in its mouth.
Protect Paper Documents From Heat
Thermal-paper licenses and documents can darken with heat. Do not leave the license or card on a dashboard, hot console or boat deck.
How to Fill Out the New Sturgeon Report Card
The new season-based report card asks for different information than the old calendar-year harvest card. Treat card work as part of fishing, not something you do after the trip weeks later.
Before fishing, write the month, day and location code
Before beginning fishing activity, record the date and location code on the first available line. Do this before the rods go out.
When you catch and release a sturgeon, record it immediately
Use the card’s category columns for white sturgeon size classes and green sturgeon tally. Do not wait until the end of the day.
When you move locations, start a new line
Complete the line for the location you were fishing, then start a new line for the new location code.
At the end of fishing, record the hours fished
The new card tracks effort by location. Note the number of hours fished in that location before packing up.
If there is a reward disk, write the disk number
Some fish may have CDFW reward disks. Record the disk number in the space provided on the report card.
Report by the deadline
Report online after the card validity period ends, or mail the card as instructed. For the 2025-2026 season card, the reporting period is July 1-July 31, 2026.
California Sturgeon Gear Rules and Practical Rig Setup
Sturgeon gear should be heavy enough to land and release fish quickly. Underpowered tackle can exhaust fish, especially in Bay-Delta current.
Legal Gear Basics
- Use only one single point, single shank, barbless hook.
- White sturgeon must voluntarily take the bait or lure inside its mouth.
- No trolling, snagging, firearms, gaffs or snares.
- Hooks with a gap larger than 1 inch may not be used in waters east or inland of the I-680 Benicia-Martinez Bridge.
- Do not use lip-gripper devices on sturgeon.
- Use strong gear that reduces fight time and improves release condition.
Practical Sturgeon Kit
- Heavy rod and reel matched to Bay-Delta current and large fish.
- Pre-pinched single barbless hook rigs.
- Long pliers, dehooker and line cutters.
- Large landing sling or sturgeon-safe net for smaller fish when appropriate.
- Measuring tool for fast fork-length estimate.
- Waterproof pen, physical report card, license proof, headlamp and safety gear.
Bait Choice
Use legal bait and match rig weight to current. Fresh bait, correct scent placement and staying in the scent lane matter more than overcasting.
Sinker Control
Use enough weight to hold safely without creating dangerous casting or anchor situations. Strong current and wind can change fast.
Release-Ready Rigging
Rig so you can cut, unhook or release quickly. Keep tools within reach before the bite, not buried under tackle.
Handling, Photos and Release Rules for White Sturgeon
White sturgeon are long-lived, slow-growing fish. A legal release is not just cutting the line. It is about reducing stress, avoiding gravity damage, recording the card and getting the fish swimming strongly.
Fight the fish efficiently
Use tackle strong enough to bring the fish in without unnecessary exhaustion. If boating, adjust safely with the fish and current instead of forcing the fish upstream for too long.
Keep large fish in the water
Any sturgeon over 60 inches fork length must stay in the water and be released immediately. Green sturgeon must also stay in the water and be released immediately.
Do not hang, drag or mouth-grip the fish
Do not suspend sturgeon by the gills, gill plates, mouth or tail. Do not drag them across land, docks, boat decks or piers. Do not use lip grippers.
Support smaller fish horizontally
If a smaller white sturgeon is briefly handled, support it horizontally with two hands or a proper sling. Keep handling time short.
Record the report card immediately
After release, record the fish in the correct category and location code before the details are forgotten.
Green Sturgeon vs White Sturgeon: Why ID Matters
Green sturgeon are federally protected and cannot be taken or possessed. White sturgeon are the only sturgeon species targeted in the current catch-and-release fishery, and even they cannot be harvested.
White Sturgeon
- Target species for California’s open catch-and-release sturgeon fishery where allowed.
- Commonly associated with Bay-Delta and large estuary/river habitats.
- Requires a Sturgeon Fishing Report Card while fishing.
- Any fish over 60 inches fork length must stay in the water.
- No harvest under current rules.
Green Sturgeon
- Take and possession are prohibited.
- If hooked accidentally, keep it in the water and release immediately.
- Green sturgeon caught incidentally while white sturgeon fishing must be reported on the report card.
- Sturgeon fishing is prohibited in certain Sacramento River areas to protect spawning grounds.
- When unsure, release immediately and record/report as required.
Where California Sturgeon Fishing Is Usually Planned
This section is for broad trip planning only. It is not a “spot list” and it does not override CDFW closures. White sturgeon planning usually centers on Bay-Delta and connected lower river waters when open.
| Planning Area | Why Anglers Look There | Rule Check | Local Micro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Pablo Bay and Suisun Bay | Classic Bay-Delta sturgeon habitat and boat/shore planning area. | Season status, SF Bay closure boundary and current regulations. | Wind against tide can turn a good bite window into a safety problem. |
| Carquinez Strait and Benicia-Martinez area | Strong currents, bait movement and access points draw anglers. | I-680 Benicia-Martinez Bridge hook-gap boundary and open-season status. | Know which side of the bridge rule you are fishing before tying rigs. |
| Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta | Large estuary channels, sloughs and migration routes. | Location code, closure map, tributary closures and local access rules. | Cell service can be poor; save maps, tide/current info and CDFW pages before launching. |
| Lower Sacramento River | Important sturgeon corridor and historical fishing area. | Open reach, Highway 162 closure, Feather River confluence boundary. | Do not fish closed tributaries or upper river areas even if people are present. |
| Lower San Joaquin River | Seasonal catch-and-release planning area in allowed reaches. | I-5 bridge boundary, open-season dates and ramp access. | Verify launch conditions before towing a boat because water levels and access can change. |
| North Coast waters | Historical sturgeon presence in some systems. | North Coast District is closed all year to sturgeon fishing. | Old catch reports are not proof of current legal fishing. |
Bank vs Boat Sturgeon Fishing: Micro Checks Before You Go
Search results often talk about “best sturgeon spots,” but real users need a safer decision: bank, pier, boat, charter or no-go. Each has different risks and preparation steps.
Bank Anglers
Check legal access, tide height, mud, riprap, private-property lines and safe landing/release space. Do not drag sturgeon over rocks, mud or pavement.
Boat Anglers
Plan anchor setup, current swing, release path, wind-against-tide risk and return ride before the rods go out.
Guided Trips
Ask whether each angler must bring a license, physical Sturgeon Report Card, waterproof pen and whether the captain helps with location-code entries.
Tides, Current, Weather and Timing for Sturgeon Trips
Sturgeon anglers often plan around current, not just clock time. In the Bay and Delta, moving water can position scent, bait and fish, while wind can quickly make boat control difficult.
Fish Moving Water
Many anglers prefer current windows over dead slack. Use tide predictions and local current knowledge together.
Watch Wind vs Tide
Wind against tide can stack chop in Bay and Delta channels. Safety matters more than a good bite window.
Respect Warm Closures
The July through September closure helps reduce warm-season stress. Do not target sturgeon during closed periods.
| Condition | Good Sign | Warning Sign | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current | Enough movement to carry scent. | Unfishable drag, anchor swing or heavy debris. | Move, wait or choose a safer current window. |
| Wind | Light wind aligned with safe boat control. | Wind against tide, whitecaps, hard return ride. | Cancel or switch protected water. |
| Water temperature | Within open-season planning conditions. | Warm-season closure period. | Do not target sturgeon during closure. |
| Debris | Manageable grass or small debris. | Large floating debris, fast logs or storm runoff. | Protect anchor line and prop; choose another day. |
| Visibility | Safe navigation and clear release area. | Fog, night hazards or weak lighting. | Prepare lights, GPS and exit plan before fishing. |
California Sturgeon Map and Official Status Tools
Use this map only for broad Bay-Delta orientation. The legal map is CDFW’s white sturgeon season-and-closure map, not a general Google map.
Official Map First
Check CDFW’s white sturgeon page and current sturgeon map before any trip.
Tide and Weather Second
Use tide, wind and current tools to plan safe launch, anchor and return windows.
Location Code Third
Know the report-card location code before fishing so your entries are accurate.
Watch: Green and White Sturgeon Underwater
CDFW links to this sturgeon video as related education. Use it to understand how these fish look and move, then use the current CDFW sturgeon pages for legal season, card and handling rules.
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Dead Sturgeon Carcass Reporting: What CDFW Asks Anglers to Do
CDFW researchers ask anglers and the public to report adult sturgeon carcasses so scientists can locate, measure and sample fish for monitoring.
What to Send
- Detailed location, such as GPS coordinates, landmarks or map screenshots.
- Photos with common items for scale if safe to take them.
- Date, time and general condition of the carcass.
- Your contact information if you are willing to answer follow-up questions.
What Not to Do
- Do not move or damage the carcass.
- Do not cut, collect or take parts.
- Do not trespass to get closer.
- Do not put yourself at risk on mudflats, riprap, docks or strong-current areas.
Before You Go: California Sturgeon Fishing Checklist
Use this checklist before you launch, anchor or cast. A legal sturgeon trip has more steps than a normal bait-fishing day.
Legal Check
- Is the white sturgeon season open today?
- Is this exact water open to sturgeon fishing?
- Are you outside the San Francisco Bay January 1-March 15 special closure area if fishing during that window?
- Do you have a valid sport fishing license if required?
- Do you have your physical Sturgeon Fishing Report Card?
- Do you have a waterproof pen for card entries?
- Do you know your report-card location code?
Gear and Safety Check
- Is your hook single point, single shank and barbless?
- Is the hook gap legal for your location?
- Do you have pliers, cutters and release tools?
- Do you have a safe way to release large fish without beaching or dragging them?
- Have you checked wind, tide, current and launch safety?
- Do you have CDFW maps saved offline?
- Do you have CalTIP and sturgeon contact information saved?
California Sturgeon Fishing Mistakes That Cause Problems
Most sturgeon violations happen because anglers follow outdated harvest rules, forget the physical card, fish during closures or mishandle a large fish after the fight.
Rule Mistakes
- Thinking harvest is still allowed.
- Fishing during the July 1-September 30 closure.
- Fishing in a closed tributary or closed upper river area.
- Forgetting the San Francisco Bay January 1-March 15 special closure area.
- Fishing without a physical Sturgeon Report Card.
- Failing to report the card by July 31 after the season.
Handling Mistakes
- Removing a fish over 60 inches fork length from the water.
- Dragging sturgeon across mud, rocks, boat decks or piers.
- Using lip grippers on sturgeon.
- Holding sturgeon by the gills, mouth or tail.
- Keeping a green sturgeon out of water for photos.
- Playing a fish to exhaustion with tackle that is too light.
Related California Fishing Guides
These verified same-site guides help with license cost, one-day trips and visitor rules before planning a sturgeon trip.
Official CDFW Resources, Phone Numbers and Contacts
Use these official resources after reading the explanation above. This page is an independent guide and does not sell fishing licenses or report cards.
California Sturgeon Fishing FAQ
Can you keep sturgeon in California?
No. Under the current rules, white sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release only, and no sturgeon of any kind may be kept.
Is California sturgeon fishing open right now?
As of early July 2026, white sturgeon fishing is closed after the June 30 close and is scheduled to reopen October 1 where regulations allow. Always check the official CDFW page and map because some areas are closed all year or seasonally.
Do I need a Sturgeon Report Card for catch and release?
Yes. A valid Sturgeon Fishing Report Card is required while fishing for white sturgeon, even though harvest is not allowed.
How much is the California Sturgeon Report Card?
CDFW lists the 2025-2026 Sturgeon Report Card at no fee and the 2026-2027 Sturgeon Report Card at $8.13.
When do I report my Sturgeon Report Card?
The 2025-2026 season card must be reported July 1 through July 31, 2026. Current season-based cards must be reported by July 31 after the season ends.
Can I show my sturgeon card on the CDFW License App?
The app may show proof of purchase, but it does not replace the required physical Sturgeon Fishing Report Card. Carry the physical card while fishing.
What hook is legal for California sturgeon fishing?
Only one single point, single shank, barbless hook may be used when taking sturgeon. In some inland waters east of the I-680 Benicia-Martinez Bridge, hook gap restrictions also apply.
Can I remove a large sturgeon from the water for a photo?
No. Any sturgeon greater than 60 inches fork length may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Green sturgeon must also remain in the water and be released immediately.
What should I do if I catch a green sturgeon?
Keep the green sturgeon in the water, release it immediately and record/report it on your Sturgeon Fishing Report Card if it was caught incidentally while white sturgeon fishing.
Where is sturgeon fishing closed in California?
Several areas are closed, including all tributaries of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, the North Coast District, the Sacramento River upstream of the Highway 162 bridge, and some Yolo Bypass, Toe Drain and Tule Canal areas. San Francisco Bay also has a January 1-March 15 special closure zone.
What if I did not fish after buying a sturgeon card?
You still need to report accurately. Mark the appropriate “did not fish” option or submit the required online report according to CDFW instructions.
Where do I report dead sturgeon?
Report sturgeon carcasses to CASturgeonResearch@gmail.com with location details and photos if safe. Do not move or damage the carcass.
Final Take: Check the Season, Carry the Card, Release Correctly
California sturgeon fishing is now a conservation-first catch-and-release fishery. The most important steps are checking the official CDFW map, confirming the season is open, carrying the physical Sturgeon Report Card, using one legal barbless hook, releasing green sturgeon immediately and keeping large sturgeon in the water.
Do not use old harvest advice. Do not fish closed waters. Do not skip the report card because you “only catch and release.” A legal sturgeon trip is one where the fish survives, the card is completed and the angler checks the current CDFW rules before every trip.