Best Times & Seasons to Fish in California (Complete Guide)
California offers some of the best fishing in the world for largemouth bass, striped bass, California halibut, steelhead, white seabass, yellowfin tuna, crappie, and many other species. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish in California can make a huge difference in your success.
The best times to fish in California are spring and fall for striped bass, trout, largemouth bass, and halibut. Summer offers the best fishing for salmon, tuna, and seabass in the state of California.
In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in the state of California. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.
Best Monthly Fishing: California Guide
January
White Sturgeon in San Pablo Bay
The estuary is churned up by a combination of shifting tides and rainfall-induced freshwater flows from the Petaluma River, Napa River, and Sonoma Creek, creating excellent circumstances for feeding “diamondbacks.”
February
Halibut along California Coast
From San Diego to Eureka, halibut begin to arrive in sheltered bays. This voracious bottom feeder prefers large swaths of sandy bottoms and is a favorite target for boats working these areas. The “flatfish” usually weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, although some can weigh up to 40 pounds.
March
Rainbow Trout in Sacramento River
The Sacramento River’s tailwater segment, which runs through downtown Redding, yields large 3- to 5-pound wild rainbow trout.
April
Striped Bass in San Francisco Bay
Point Pinole, Red Rock Pier, the Vallejo Wall, McNears Pier, Fort Point, Fort Mason, and Candlestick Point are among well-known striper spots. Fast-moving tides are known for producing some remarkable bites.
May
Yellowfin Tuna in Southern California Offshore
Target the vicinity of Catalina Island, these behemoths are often persuaded by drifting Bait Balls of anchovies. Wake up Early yellows are particularly active Early in the morning.
June
Largemouth Bass in Clear Lake
Clear Lake is known for producing both numbers and trophy-sized largemouth bass. It is protected and is blessed with enormous nutrients and a wonderful shad feed base.
Many are between the weights of 5 and 10 pounds, with a few approaching the miraculous 20-pound milestone.
July
White Sea Bass in San Diego
Sea bass populations have returned, and large numbers of these primarily Southern California offshore battlers regularly exceed 30 pounds. The kelp forests provide a safe haven for smaller young sea bass.
August
Chinook Salmon in Bodega Bay
This charming seaside village has become a popular salmon fishing destination, especially in the months of July and August. Many anglers in the Bay Area take advantage of the fact that it is one of the shortest distances to reach Chinooks averaging 8 to 10 pounds.
September
Kokanee Salmon in Don Pedro Reservoir
Healthy fish around 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 pounds start to appear around Middle Bay and Jenkins Hill, which are nice places to start. Large schools are typically found at depths ranging from 30 to 80 feet.
October
Surf Perch along California Coast
Most perch are 12 to 15 inches long and weigh 1 to 2 pounds, and they eat sand crabs and other tiny crustaceans. On an incoming tide, right inside the breaker zone, the best fishing happens.
November
Steelhead in Klamath River
Some of the best winter fishing opportunities are found between Iron Gate Reservoir and Somes Bar, which may be reached by the shore, drift boats, and jet boats.
December
Rainbow Trout in Owens River
Law’s Bridge, Collins Road, Steward Lane, and Westgard Road are the best places to put planters. Kayakers and canoers can explore twisting oxbows and undercut banks between these road crossings.
Recommended California Fishing Guides/Charters
These California-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Warrior Poet Sportfishing | San Francisco, CA |
| RockenReel Sportfishing | Dana Point, CA |
| San Diego Charters | San Diego, CA |
| Fin Runner Sportfishing Charters | Coronado, CA |
| Zenmar Offshore Action | San Diego, CA |
| Nautilus Excursions | Pittsburg, CA |
| Argo Sportfishing | San Francisco, CA |
| All Harbors Charter – Long Beach | Long Beach, CA |
| Lake Tahoe Fishing Trips | Carnelian Bay, CA |
| Risen Tide Sportfishing | Coronado, CA |
| Wild Goose Fishing Charters | San Diego, CA |
| Kamryn Dawson Charters | Los Angeles, CA |
| Fish On Charters – Bay Fishing | Bodega Bay, CA |
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Califorina Fishing Guide: Best Times
Rainbow Trout
Coastal rainbow trout are the most widely dispersed native trout species in California, and they can be found in waterways draining into the Pacific Ocean on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The best fishing is from April through September.
Largemouth Bass
Docks, pilings, piers, and other man-made structures Tules, large boulders, submerged brush, hydrilla, and other vegetation all help to provide good cover, making this a great lake to catch trophy-sized largemouth bass. Great bass fishing can be had year-round but fall and spring offer the best fishing.
Pacific Halibut
From Alaska’s Bering Sea to northern California, these big flatfish can be found. Pacific halibut can grow to be nine feet long and weigh up to 500 pounds. Targeted for their delectable flesh. Summer and fall offer the best fishing.
White Sturgeon
The San Joaquin system represents the species’ southernmost spawning population. The San Joaquin River has lately seen some spawning, and tributaries such as the Feather, Yuba, and Bear rivers may also see it. The Russian, Klamath, Trinity, and Eel rivers may have small flows, although effective spawning is unknown in those rivers.
Striped Bass
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and bigger tributary rivers downstream of dams are home to the majority of striped bass in California. There are also limited fisheries in Tomales Bay and the Russian River, but sea-run striped bass is scarce outside of the aforementioned regions.
Rock Cod
The rock codfish, sometimes known as rockfish, is one of the most popular catches for California fishermen, because of its brilliant red scales and unique bulbous eyes. There are more than 100 different subspecies of rockfish, and 56 of them can be found in Southern California’s fishing grounds.
Yellowfin Tuna
This Tuna has substantially greater numbers than Bluefin, Yellowtail, or Dorado. This migratory fish can be seen in our waters from July to October, but they have been known to show up unexpectedly.
White Sea Bass
Known as white seabass or white weakfish, is a croaker that can be found from Magdalena Bay, Baja California, to Juneau, Alaska. They usually migrate in groups over deep rocky bottoms (0–122 m) and through kelp beds.
Chinook Salmon
California streams sustain the southernmost Chinook Salmon runs on the west coast of North America. Chinook salmon in California have a vast range of life-history patterns that enable them to thrive in a variety of riverine and ocean settings.
Kokanee Salmon
The landlocked Sockeye Salmon is known as the Kokanee. Kokanee Salmon mature in lakes or reservoirs and migrate to tributaries in the fall to spawn, whereas Sockeye Salmon mature in the ocean and migrate into streams.
Steelhead
Due to land-use policies that reduce habitat for juveniles, including diversions that desiccate nursery tributaries during the summer months, northern California winter steelhead are in a long-term decline across much of their range.
Best Time to Fish California
The seasons play a big role in what species to target. Just as important is the Time of day. For the best success, the following times are preferred when going after California Fishing.
• Early Morning. 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
• Late Morning to Afternoon. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Afternoon to Dusk. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Full Moons.
• One hour before high tide.
Rules of thumb for California Fishing Seasons
• Fishing is usually good in the winter, especially in the early months. Trout, halibut, and a variety of panfish are still there are great winter species.
• Spring is, in my opinion, the worst of the fishing seasons. Changing temperatures brought on by storms, wind, and frontal systems. Also, a lot of rivers, streams, and lakes are blown out with muddy water.
• Summer is the start of more consistent fishing, and autumn is a close second. Mid-July to Labor Day is ideal.
• Inshore fishermen like fall. The fishing is at its best in October and November.
Best Fishing Spots in California
San Diego
Let’s begin with the map’s southernmost fishing area. Ocean fishing is well-known in Southern California, and San Diego exemplifies this nicely.
When you’re not taking in the colorful culture of the city, get out on the water for some top-notch Yellowtail, Mahi Mahi, Rockfish, and Halibut fishing. Do you want a greater challenge? Go deeper into the sea and have a fight with a Tuna.
Lake Castaic:
Castaic Lake, with its distinctive V form, offers some of the best freshwater fishing in Southern California. Bass, particularly Stripers, are popular, but there are also decent Crappie, Catfish, and Trout to be had. It’s no surprise that anglers from all around come to Castaic to catch trophy-sized fish.
Lake Tahoe:
Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place to visit. Without discussing the “Big Blue,” we can’t talk about California fishing spots. Kokanee Salmon, Trout, Catfish, Crappie, and Bass thrive in its cool, crystal-clear waters.
The Mackinaw (Lake) Trout are the lake’s most popular fish, and many fishermen come here just to catch them. This is without a doubt one of the state’s most beautiful fishing sites.
Without discussing the “Big Blue,” we can’t talk about California fishing spots. Kokanee Salmon, Trout, Catfish, Crappie, and Bass thrive in its cool, crystal-clear waters. The Mackinaw (Lake) Trout are the lake’s most popular fish, and many fishermen come here just to catch them. This is without a doubt one of the state’s most beautiful fishing sites.
For a complete breakdown of Los Angeles fishing, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
The Greater Los Angeles Area:
Fishing is undoubtedly at the top of the list of things to do in LA. You can catch about 30 different species here, starting with Barracuda, Halibut, and Calico Bass closer to the beach. Set your sights on Yellowtail, Rockfish, and even Tuna from afar. One of the best spots to begin your journey is Santa Monica Bay.
The Sacramento River:
The Sacramento River is located in the state of California. This stunning body of water does not require an introduction.
During the fall runs, trophy-seeking salmon anglers flock to the Sac, and 30 pound Chinook can be found all along the river. Add to that great Trout, Striper, and Sturgeon action, and you’ve got a fishery that keeps on giving.
Dana Point:
Dana Point is a beach town in Southern California. Dana Point will not disappoint you whether you want to stay inshore and catch your fill of Calico Bass or go out further in search of Halibut, White Seabass, and Yellowtail. During the summer, Yellowfin, Bluefin, Albacore, and even Bigeye tuna are all on the menu. Shark fishing is ideal for apex predator hunters anytime they visit.
Bodega Bay:
Bodega Bay is a town in California. Freshwater fishing is common in Northern California, but ocean fishing is also popular. Lingcod, halibut, rockfish, and salmon fishing are all excellent in Bodega Bay.
In the summer, if you venture further offshore, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious Albacore Tuna bite. In Bodega Bay, crabbing is also highly popular.
Catalina and San Clemente:
The islands of Catalina and San Clemente are located off the coast of Southern California. Without a doubt, this area has the best deep sea fishing in Southern California. From April to November, take an offshore fishing trip to Catalina Island, where you may battle massive marlin, tuna, yellowtail, and barracuda.
San Clemente Island, 40 miles off the coast, is home to the same cast of beautiful fish. Overnight trips will take you to the Coronado Islands in Mexico, where monster tuna can be found.
Delta of California:
There isn’t a better fishing destination than the California Delta for anglers that like to change it up. These saline waters are ideal for a variety of fish, including multiple Bass species, Sunfish, Catfish, and Shad, as well as show-stoppers like Chinook Salmon, Trout, and the giant Sturgeon. Crawdads can also be added to your cooler for a tasty meal.
San Francisco Bay Area:
The Bay Area is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. The lovely Bay Area is one of the places in NorCal that you should visit. Fishing is varied and productive throughout the year, and you may choose between freshwater and saltwater adventures.
The most typical catches include Striped Bass, Chinook Salmon, and Sturgeon, as well as Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish, White Seabass, and Sharks.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in San Francisco, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in San Diego, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Los Angeles, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Clear Lake, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Montana, please check out this helpful guide. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Lake Tahoe.
