The Complete Guide to San Diego Spearfishing Seasons: Monthly Breakdown by Target Species
San Diego’s year-round spearfishing opportunity is unmatched on the California coast. Water temperatures fluctuate only 20 degrees from winter lows to summer highs, and diverse reef structures from Point Loma to the Mexican border support multiple species throughout the calendar. Understanding which fish occupy which zones during which months is the foundation of consistent success.
January–February: Deep Water Ling Cod and Lingcod
Winter brings cold, clear water and peak ling cod season. The deeper reefs off Point Loma and Sunset Cliffs become prime territory as lingcod move shallower to hunt. Water temps sit around 58–60°F, reducing visibility slightly, but strong winter swells keep baitfish concentrated in protected pockets.
Target depths of 40–80 feet along the rocky bottom near Osprey Street and the kelp forests west of La Jolla Shores. Ling cod are aggressive and territorial; they hold tight to structure. Bring a float line—winter swells can be punishing, and a safety backup is non-negotiable.
March–April: Calico Bass and Sheephead Transition
Spring upwelling begins in March, pushing nutrient-rich water that triggers aggressive feeding across the board. Calico bass (sand bass) dominate shallow reefs in 20–40 feet of water. The Coronado Islands and the kelp forests near Bird Rock become hotspots.
Sheephead start moving into shallower reefs as water temps climb to 62–64°F. Males display their distinctive red and white coloring, making them easier to spot. Night diving during this window can be exceptional—sheephead are more active and less wary in low light.
May–June: Peak Calico Bass Season and White Seabass
May is arguably the best month for calico bass in San Diego. Water clarity improves to 40–60 feet, and spawning activity concentrates fish in predictable zones. The shallow reefs off Mission Beach and Pacific Beach hold dense populations. Expect aggressive strikes.
White seabass (corbina) begin their summer migration into San Diego waters. These sleek predators hunt in deeper channels and along the kelp edges. Dusk and dawn provide optimal conditions; white seabass are light-sensitive and hunt actively during low-light periods. Expect them in 50–100 foot depths.
July–August: Yellowtail and Mackerel Abundance
Summer brings warm water (68–72°F) and open-water opportunities. Yellowtail arrive in force, particularly around the kelp forests of La Jolla and the reefs off Point Loma. These fast, aggressive fish demand sharp reflexes and good breath control. Bank dives from Sunset Cliffs can yield sightings, but boat access to deeper reefs increases success.
Spanish mackerel and jack mackerel school heavily during these months, providing high-volume action in 30–50 foot depths. They’re ideal for newer spearfishers building confidence and technique. The warm water allows extended bottom time.
September–October: Lingcod Return and Calico Bass Peak Again
As water temps begin cooling (dropping to 66–68°F), lingcod move back into accessible depths. The deeper reefs off Point Loma see renewed activity. October offers exceptional conditions—water clarity often exceeds 60 feet, swells remain manageable, and fish are feeding hard in anticipation of winter.
Calico bass remain abundant through October. The kelp forests near Torrey Pines and the sandy reefs of La Jolla Canyon hold excellent populations. Sheephead are also plentiful, often found in mixed schools with bass.
November–December: Winter Prep and Ling Cod Dominance
As water temps drop to 60–62°F and winter swells build, ling cod take center stage again. The rocky structures off Osprey Street and the deep reefs west of La Jolla Shores become prime zones. Winter visibility can drop to 20–30 feet, but lingcod are ambush predators that don’t rely heavily on sight—they use lateral line detection.
December is excellent for night diving. Urchins become more active, sheephead feed at depth, and lingcod are aggressive. The shorter days mean earlier darkness, but night dives often yield the largest fish.
Year-Round Targets: Halibut and Rockfish
California halibut hold sand flats year-round, with peak activity in spring and early summer. Target depths of 20–40 feet along the sandy bottom near Mission Beach and Ocean Beach. They’re cryptic and demand patience, but a solid halibut is a trophy.
Rockfish (bocaccio, canary, chilipepper) are available year-round in deeper zones (80–150 feet), but spring and fall offer the best conditions for deep diving. They’re underutilized in San Diego spearfishing and provide excellent eating.
Planning Your Season
Consistency comes from matching species to season and location. Check Element for real-time water temperature, visibility, and swell forecasts before every dive. San Diego’s mild climate allows year-round hunting, but planning around seasonal peaks will exponentially improve your success rate.
Use the Element app to track conditions across your favorite breaks and reefs—visibility and temperature data are essential for targeting specific species throughout the year.