California white sturgeon stay closed through September 30

CDFW’s San Francisco Bay ocean-regulations summary, updated Sept. 1, 2026, lists white sturgeon as closed July 1 through Sept. 30, 2026. That is a seasonal closure on the books this year, not a rumor from the ramp. Green sturgeon may not be removed from the water, taken, or possessed at any time and must be released immediately.

If you are fishing striped bass or halibut in the Bay and hook a sturgeon, keep it in the water. Do not boat it for a photo. Check the current Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet before you assume an October opener — CDFW says sturgeon dates can change and points readers to the 2026 guide for updates.

A sport fishing license is still required for almost everything else on that page. The sturgeon close is the one that catches people who last looked at a summer tide book.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Current California Ocean Recreational Fishing Regulations — SF Bay Region (updated Sept. 1, 2026), Closed Fishing Seasons: Sturgeon.