Spearfishing Mackerel Runs in San Diego: Spring and Fall Peak Times

Mackerel runs are the heartbeat of San Diego’s spearfishing season. When they’re in, the fishing is fast, furious, and forgiving—perfect for honing your technique or filling your bag. But timing matters. Miss the run by two weeks, and you’re hunting scattered fish in cold water. Get it right, and you’re loading up on consistent, quality-sized mackerel across multiple reefs and kelp beds.

The Spring Run: March Through May

Spring mackerel typically arrive in San Diego waters by late February, but the real action kicks off in March and peaks through April and into early May. Water temperatures rise from the mid-50s°F into the low 60s°F, triggering mackerel migration from deeper offshore waters into shallower reef systems where they feed aggressively.

Point Loma and the South Bay reefs see some of the earliest and most consistent spring action. The rocky structure around Coronado Islands and the deeper reefs off the Coronado shore funnels mackerel into predictable hunting grounds. Visibility in spring typically runs 30–50 feet on good days, which is ideal for spotting balled-up schools.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and the reefs stretching from La Jolla Shores northward also fire up in April. The kelp forests here create natural feeding corridors, and mackerel patrol the edges hunting smaller baitfish. Early morning dives—first light through mid-morning—produce the most aggressive feeding windows.

Expect mackerel in the 12–18-inch range during spring runs, with occasional larger specimens pushing 20+ inches in deeper pockets. The fish are hungry after winter, which means they’re less cautious and respond to natural movement and positioning.

The Fall Run: September Through November

If spring is the reliable run, fall is the spectacular one. September through November sees the largest mackerel aggregations of the year. Water temperatures drop from summer peaks (low to mid-70s°F) into the 60s°F, creating optimal conditions for mackerel activity and excellent visibility.

Fall runs concentrate around Mission Bay’s outer reefs, the Coronado Islands, and the kelp-dense waters off Sunset Cliffs. Mackerel school tightly in fall, which means you’ll often encounter larger groups in smaller areas. This is when you can load your bag fastest—if conditions align.

September is often the wildest month. Summer’s warmth has pushed mackerel deeper, but as water cools, they push back into shallow reefs. Visibility can be exceptional (60+ feet on clear days), and the schools are enormous. October maintains strong fishing, though the runs can become more dispersed as water continues cooling. November remains productive but increasingly spotty—some days fire, others feel empty.

Fall mackerel average slightly larger than spring fish, with 16–22 inches common and 24-inch-plus fish appearing regularly. The bigger size reflects the year’s feeding cycle and makes fall runs particularly attractive for serious hunters.

Reading the Conditions

Mackerel runs correlate directly with water temperature, but visibility and current also matter. Check Element’s real-time conditions for water temp, visibility, and swell forecasts before heading out.

Spring tactics:

• Hunt reefs in 40–80 feet of water; mackerel haven’t yet pushed into ultra-shallow zones
• Target dawn and mid-morning windows when feeding intensity peaks
• Use natural movement and patience; spring fish are hungry but slightly more cautious
• Focus on reef edges where structure meets open water

Fall tactics:

• Hunt shallower (30–60 feet) in early September; deepen your range by November
• Scout for balled-up schools from the surface before diving
• Morning dives still excel, but fall runs support solid afternoon fishing too
• Use speed and aggression; fall fish are confident and competitive

Best San Diego Spearfishing Reefs for Mackerel

• Coronado Islands: Consistent year-round, but exceptional during runs
• Point Loma reefs: Early spring action, reliable structure
• La Jolla Shores and kelp forests: Excellent spring and fall; great visibility
• Mission Bay outer reefs: Peak fall fishing
• Sunset Cliffs reefs: Productive for both seasons, solid visibility

Final Considerations

Respect size and bag limits—California’s current limit is 10 mackerel per day with a minimum size of 10.5 inches. Spring and fall runs test your discipline; it’s easy to exceed limits on good days. Pack your gun, plan your dive, and know your exit strategy before the school shows.

Mackerel runs reward preparation and local knowledge. Scout conditions, dial in your timing, and you’ll find consistent, exciting spearfishing when it matters most.

Track real-time water temps, visibility, and swell forecasts with Element to nail your next mackerel run.