California fishing forecast
Tides, wind and the best bite windows for 24 saltwater spots. Piers, harbors and surf from San Diego to Crescent City.
Halibut and rockfish; calico bass in the south. Some salmon and striped bass in San Francisco Bay.
Other seasons
- Winter: Surfperch along sandy beaches are a winter favorite; rockfish rules vary by month.
- Spring: Halibut move into bays and shallows; surfperch spawn (check closures).
- Summer: Bonito, mackerel and halibut from piers in the south; rockfish and lingcod on the central and north coast.
General seasonal patterns - always check local reports and the official rules.
San Diego
Orange County
Los Angeles
Central Coast
Monterey Bay and Bay Area
North Coast
About fishing in California
San Diego
Imperial Beach, San Diego Bay and Mission Bay: calm bays, long piers and warm water much of the year.
Common catches: Spotted bay bass, halibut, corbina, yellowfin croaker, mackerel and bonito.
Orange County
Newport Beach and its harbor: piers and sandy beaches famous for surf perch and corbina.
Common catches: Barred surfperch, corbina, halibut, mackerel and spotted bay bass.
Los Angeles
Long Beach, San Pedro, Redondo and Santa Monica: some of the busiest public fishing piers in the country.
Common catches: Mackerel, white croaker, halibut, sand bass, bonito and surfperch.
Central Coast
Port Hueneme to Avila Beach: piers, rocky points and kelp-lined shore.
Common catches: Surfperch, halibut, rockfish, kelp bass and mackerel.
Monterey Bay and Bay Area
Monterey, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay and San Francisco Bay: deep cold water, kelp beds and a huge estuary.
Common catches: Striped bass, halibut, rockfish, lingcod, surfperch and sturgeon in the bay.
North Coast
Point Reyes to Crescent City: rugged coast, harbors and big river mouths. Cold, rough water - take care.
Common catches: Rockfish, lingcod, surfperch, salmon in season and Dungeness crab.
Always check the official rules before you keep any fish: California fishing license (CDFW), California ocean sport fishing rules (CDFW).
