Cowcod
Sebastes levis
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC License
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowcod
Can you keep cowcod in California?
No. Cowcod are a federally protected rebuilding species and retaining them is prohibited in most California state and federal waters. If you catch a cowcod, you must release it immediately. Significant fines apply for retaining cowcod. Always verify current regulations at wildlife.ca.gov.
How do I identify a cowcod?
Cowcod are large (up to 37 inches, 28 lbs), orange-red to pink-red rockfish with a large head and steep forehead profile. They're distinguished from yelloweye rockfish by lacking the vivid yellow eyes of yelloweye, and by their larger size and slightly paler, blotchier body coloration. Deep-water habitat (100–1,200 ft) also helps with ID.
What should I do if I accidentally catch a cowcod?
Immediately deploy a descending device to return the fish to the depth where it was caught. At the depths where cowcod live, barotrauma is severe and rapidly fatal without descending. Do not delay - get the descender on the fish as quickly as possible. Record the catch in your logs if desired.
What is a Cowcod Conservation Area?
Cowcod Conservation Areas (CCAs) are large ocean areas established by NOAA that are closed to all bottom fishing to protect recovering cowcod populations. They're primarily located in Southern and Central California waters. Check NOAA's West Coast Groundfish management page for current CCA boundaries.
Where do cowcod live in Northern California?
Cowcod are most common south of Point Conception but do occur in NorCal deep-water habitats at 100–1,200 feet. They're an incidental catch for deep rockfish anglers targeting other species. Their numbers in NorCal waters are low compared to Central and Southern California.
Watch on Your Favorite Platform
New content drops regularly across all our platforms, follow us so you never miss a trip.
TikTok
Quick catches, bite-sized tips, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Follow on TikTokYouTube
Long-form fishing trips, full camping vlogs, and in-depth how-to guides.
Subscribe, It's FreePhotos, reels, and stories from our latest fishing and camping adventures.
Follow on InstagramCommunity updates, trip announcements, and longer posts for our Facebook/Meta followers.
Follow on Facebook