Starry Flounder Regs in Saltwater vs Freshwater

April 18, 2013

Question: Can you please clarify the starry flounder regulations in saltwater vs. freshwater? I know that flounder are included in the rockfish-cabezon-greenling (RCG) regulations in saltwater, with limits and a definite season. However, when they move upstream (east) of the Carquinez Bridge into inland waters, do the same regulations still apply? Or, may they be taken year-round with no limit as they are not mentioned in the freshwater regulations? (Barbara U.)

Answer: According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Capt. Bob Puccinelli, because the fresh water limits for starry flounder are the same as the ocean limits, the limits would adhere to any closures in ocean waters as well. In other words, when there is an ocean closure (zero limit), there would be a corresponding zero limit in freshwater as well.

because the fresh water limits for starry flounder are the same as the ocean limits, the limits would adhere to any closures in ocean waters as well. In other words, when there is an ocean closure (zero limit), there would be a corresponding zero limit in freshwater as well.

Ummmmmmm...(I know starry flounder are fed groundfish and share the same season as RCG in the ocean)...but this means the starry flounder in San Luis res (or the delta or anywhere else they live in FW) can only be kept during ocean rockfish season?

That's what they're saying.

Let's think of it with other groundfish..

Let's say you caught a RCG east of carquinez for whatever reason out of season.  They're saying that should be released too.  I guess it makes some sense, although including starries and other non-RCG as part of groundfish closure I'm not sure about.

Ooops, is all I got to say on that.