San Diego’s Best Winter Spearfishing: Sheephead, Reds, and Calicos

Winter is spearfishing season in San Diego. While most divers hang up their gear, conditions shift in ways that make November through March the most productive months for hunting sheephead, California reds, and calicos. Water clarity improves, fish move into predictable feeding zones, and the cooler temperatures keep aggressive species active. Here’s what you need to know to maximize your winter haul.

Why Winter Works

Winter swells clear the water column. The Santa Ana winds that dominate December and January push surface debris offshore, and periodic swells stir up nutrients without the sustained summer swell that churns visibility to nothing. You’ll regularly see 40–60 feet of visibility on the reefs—far better than summer’s murky 15–25 feet. Fish also behave differently. Sheephead move into shallower rocky areas to feed on sea urchins and crustaceans. Reds school more tightly around structure. Calicos become less spooky and more willing to investigate a diver.

Sheephead: The Winter Prize

California sheephead are the marquee winter target. These wrinkled, buck-toothed fish are aggressive, meaty, and found in predictable locations. Winter is when they’re most aggressive and least cautious.

Where to find them: The rocky reefs and kelp-adjacent areas from La Jolla Shores to Point Loma hold consistent populations. Specifically, the reefs around Sunny Jim Sea Cave (La Jolla), the Coronado Islands, and the Point Loma kelp forest see strong sheephead presence December through February. Target rocky outcroppings in 40–70 feet of water. Sheephead love to hunt in the transition zones between kelp and sand—these are ambush points.

How to hunt them: Sheephead are visual hunters. Early morning dives (first light through mid-morning) yield better encounters because fish are actively feeding. Move slowly and deliberately; sudden movements trigger their escape reflex. Approach from below or behind rocky structures. A 6.5mm or 7mm shaft is standard. Shot placement matters—aim for the head or just behind the gills. Sheephead have thick skulls; a poorly placed shot will only wound and waste your effort.

Best months: December and January are peak. By late February, some sheephead move deeper and become less predictable.

California Reds: The Aggressive Alternative

California reds (ocean perch) are faster, more aggressive, and slightly less predictable than sheephead—but they’re also easier to take and make excellent eating. They school and respond well to a diver who moves with purpose rather than creeping.

Where to find them: Reds school around rocky reefs and wreck structures. Bird Rock (off Point Loma), the Coronado Islands, and the deeper reefs around La Jolla (60–80 feet) hold winter concentrations. They also patrol the edges of the kelp forest at Sunset Cliffs. Reds prefer structure with good water flow, so hunt the sides of reefs that face into current.

How to hunt them: Reds are reactive. A steady, confident approach works better than stalking. Once you spot a school, position yourself upwind and move deliberately into their space. They’ll often hold their ground rather than bolt. Use a 6.5mm shaft. Reds have softer heads than sheephead, so shot placement is more forgiving—aim for the head or forward body.

Best months: November through February. They thin out in March as water warms.

Calicos: The Abundant Option

California scorpionfish (calicos) are everywhere in winter and represent consistent, achievable hunting. They’re less glamorous than sheephead but abundant and delicious.

Where to find them: Calicos inhabit rocky reefs, wreck structure, and kelp edges throughout San Diego. The Coronado Islands, Point Loma reefs, La Jolla, and even Mission Bay structure hold populations. They’re found in 30–80 feet of water. Unlike sheephead and reds, calicos are stationary ambush predators—find rocky rubble and you’ll find calicos.

How to hunt them: Calicos rely on camouflage and don’t flee far. Approach slowly and look for the telltale fin spines and head shape among rocks. A 5.5mm or 6.5mm shaft works fine. Aim for the head. Calicos are less skittish than reds or sheephead, making them ideal for building confidence and filling your bag on slower hunting days.

Best months: December through February.

Practical Winter Spearfishing Tips

• Suit up properly. Winter water temps drop to 55–58°F. A 7mm wetsuit with hood is standard; many divers prefer a 7/5mm combo.
• Hunt early. First light through mid-morning (6:00–10:00 AM) produces the best visibility and fish behavior.
• Check Element. Swell forecasts, water temps, and wind direction change daily. Plan dives around calm mornings and high-clarity windows.
• Respect seasons. Know the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations—some species have bag limits and closed seasons.

Winter spearfishing in San Diego is productive, achievable, and rewarding. Use the Element app to track water temperature, swell, and wind conditions so you can hit the reefs when conditions align.