Spearfishing Scallops and Abalone in San Diego: Legal Zones and Seasons
San Diego’s kelp forests, rocky reefs, and sandy bottoms hold some of Southern California’s most sought-after shellfish. But spearfishing scallops and abalone here isn’t a free-for-all—California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) maintains strict regulations that change annually and vary by zone. Get the rules wrong and you’ll face hefty fines. Get them right, and you’ll know exactly when and where to hunt.
The Current Reality: Abalone and Scallops Today
Red abalone has been fully closed to recreational take statewide since 2018. If you’re diving for abalone in San Diego, you’re out of luck legally. The population collapsed decades ago due to overfishing and sea star wasting disease. Don’t even think about it—the penalty isn’t worth it.
Scallops, however, remain accessible in specific zones and seasons. California’s scallop fishery is heavily managed, and San Diego sits at the southern edge of where recreational take is permitted.
Legal Scallop Zones in San Diego
Scallop season and legal zones shift annually, but here’s what matters for San Diego divers:
Coastal Zone (Mendocino to Point Conception): This zone historically includes northern San Diego waters. However, in recent seasons, the scallop fishery has been closed or severely restricted in this zone due to population assessments.
Southern Zone (Point Conception to Mexican Border): This is San Diego’s zone. Scallops are occasionally legal here, but seasons open and close based on CDFW survey data. When open, the Southern Zone typically runs from late fall through winter, though exact dates vary year to year.
Always check the CDFW Scallop Season page before gearing up. A season that was open in December 2023 might be closed in December 2024. The difference is a $250+ fine.
Where to Actually Find Them
If scallops are in season, focus on San Diego’s sandy and mixed-bottom areas:
- Mission Bay and its outer approaches hold scattered scallops in 30–60 feet of water on sandy substrate.
- The flats south of Point Loma toward the Mexican border offer productive sandy bottom in accessible depths.
- Coronado Islands area (when conditions allow) has rocky and sandy habitat that supports scallops.
- Wreck dives and artificial reefs occasionally hold scallops, though these spots are better known for other game fish.
Scallops prefer sandy or muddy bottom with some structure. Kelp forests like those at La Jolla Shores or Torrey Pines State Reserve are not prime scallop habitat—save those dives for other species.
Seasonal Timing and Water Conditions
San Diego’s water temperature and visibility play into scallop timing:
Winter (November–February): When scallop season is open, this is prime time. Water clarity improves, and scallops are more active. December through January offers the best combination of legal season and diveable conditions.
Spring and summer: Scallop season is typically closed, and even if it weren’t, warmer water and lower visibility make hunting harder.
Fall: Scallops may be available in September and October depending on the year, but check regulations before planning a trip.
Gear and Technique
Scallop hunting requires minimal equipment:
- A standard speargun or pole spear works fine—scallops aren’t fast.
- A mesh bag or net to store your catch (keep it separate from your body for safety and cleanliness).
- A dive knife to cleanly detach them from the bottom.
- A depth gauge; most productive scallop grounds are 30–70 feet, well within recreational limits.
Look for the rounded shell on sandy bottom. Scallops are ambush predators and will snap their shell shut if startled, so approach slowly and deliberately. A quick, clean spear through the hinge area is the ethical kill.
Bag Limits and Size Restrictions
Current regulations typically allow:
- 10 scallops per day (verify current season)
- Minimum size: Scallops must measure at least 4 inches in shell diameter (meat included)
Undersized or excess scallops must be released immediately and unharmed. Spot checks happen—CDFW officers patrol popular dive sites, especially during peak season weekends.
Before You Dive
- Check the CDFW website for current scallop season status and zone-specific regulations.
- Get your fishing license (required even for spearfishing).
- Verify size and bag limits the week before your dive—these change.
- Plan for conditions: Winter scallop season overlaps with larger swells and cooler water. Check Element for San Diego’s diving forecast before committing.
- Dive with a buddy and make sure someone knows your dive site.
The Bottom Line
Scallop spearfishing in San Diego is legal and rewarding when conditions and regulations align. Abalone is off-limits entirely. The difference between a great dive and a fine is knowing the current rules. Check CDFW, respect the season closures, and dive responsibly.
Use the Element app to track water temperature, visibility, and swell forecasts for San Diego dive sites—timing your scallop hunt with optimal conditions makes all the difference.