Important Notes Before You Begin

• You must have a valid California fishing license for recreational ocean fishing if you are 16 or older.
• Check current California Ocean Recreational Fishing Regulations ‒ seasons and bag limits for rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, greenlings, flatfish etc. Sameness can change annually.
• Depth, tide, and weather matter: shallow piers, nearshore reefs, and surf areas differ from offshore bottom fishing. Adjust gear and safety accordingly.

Fishing Season by Month: What to Expect

January – February

These cooler months tend to be quieter for offshore and charter fishing, but shore and pier anglers still have solid action. Surfperch and barred surfperch are good targets from piers and beaches. Species like rockfish, greenlings, cabezon, and flatfish are often possible from accessible nearshore structure or shallow water if regulations support it. Morro Bay Estuary is also good for species that tolerate cooler water. Many anglers take advantage of fewer crowds and calmer conditions for relaxed fishing and scouting spots.

March – April

As water temperatures begin to warm, fish activity picks up. Lingcod season (shore or structure) opens for some anglers; rockfish becomes more plentiful. Spring brings migrations ‒ more pelagic species move closer to shore. This is also the time when some salmon fishing opportunities tend to become available along the California coast, depending on state regulation updates. For shore fishing, piers and jetties can produce good catches of sardines, mackerel, jacksmelt, and other schooling fish as they begin their runs. Locations like the North T-Pier and Finger Piers are good bets.

May – June

Late spring into early summer is perhaps one of the best times overall. Rockfish and lingcod are active offshore, and halibut fishing improves nearshore, especially from sandy bottoms. If you take a charter, bottom fishing around reefs tends to yield strong results. Mid-morning tides or light evening sessions can be productive. These months also often see salmon opportunities when regulation opens up (adjust annually). Summer schooling fish like sardines, mackerel, and jacksmelt are often active near piers and inshore waters.

July – August

Summer is peak season for many anglers. Offshore charters are busy targeting rockfish, halibut, sometimes tuna, and other pelagic species. Nearshore and pier fishing sees strong surfperch action; jacksmelt and sardines continue nearshore runs. Warm weather, longer daylight, and generally calmer seas make this a favorite time to fish. It’s also when family trips are easy: morning or evening light, milder midday for relaxing breaks.

September – October

Fall maintains strong offshore fishing. Rockfish and halibut remain good targets in early fall. Salmon, if open, may show up in certain coastal zones. The nearshore schooling fish runs can taper, but surf and pier fishing for perch, flatfish, and shore sharks remains productive. Weather begins cooling, days shorten, but water retains warmth from summer which keeps fish feeding. Also, fall tides are often excellent for surf fishing and exploring reef edges.

November – December

Late fall into early winter returns to quieter shores. Many offshore charters reduce service, but keen anglers still do well with shore fishing. Species like rockfish, greenlings, flatfish, halibut and some surfperch are active. Crane and body tides or high tides sometimes push schooling fish closer nearshore. Fishing after rain storms or weather changes can stir activity. Also, this is a good time to fish the Estuary or marsh edges for birds and small prey fish, even if catch size is lighter. Night or dusk fishing from piers with lights may attract some nocturnal species like rays or small sharks.

Popular Fish & What to Target by Season

• Rockfish, Cabezon, Greenlings: Best from spring through fall. Keep up with groundfish regulations.
• Halibut: Preferably late spring through early fall; shore and nearshore action can be good year-round depending on local conditions.
• Surfperch & Barred Surfperch: Good from winter through summer, especially on piers, jetties, and beaches.
• Salmon (Chinook): Peaks generally in spring and early summer when regulations allow and populations are healthy.
• Sardines, Mackerel, Jacksmelt: Schooling species nearshore; runs often visible in spring and summer around piers and shallow waters.
• Sharks & Rays: Smaller species appear near piers and beaches; fall and summer evenings often give good opportunities.

Fishing Spots & Methods

Piers & Shore Fishing: The North T-Pier and Finger Piers are classic spots for perch, surfperch, flatfish, and sometimes small pelagics. Shore fishing from sandy beaches works well for halibut, flatfish, or casting for surfperch. Mornings and near tide changes tend to be best.

Charter / Boat Fishing: For species like rockfish, lingcod, halibut, and salmon (when open), charters allow you to reach deeper structure and offshore reefs. If possible, book trips during spring through early fall to maximize your catch variety. Charter captains will also help with gear and local regulation guidance.

Regulation Reminders

• Always check the most up-to-date California recreational fishing regulations, especially for groundfish seasons like rockfish, cabezon, greenlings and lingcod.
• Size limits, bag limits, and closed seasons vary by species. What is open in one year may close the next as populations recover.
• Marine Protected Areas around Morro Bay (such as the Morro Bay State Marine Reserve) restrict certain taking of marine resources. Be aware of boundary lines and no-take zones.

Tips to Get More Bites

• Match bait to activity: use live bait or fresh cut bait for bottom fish, small lures or jigs for schooling species.
• Tide timing: outgoing tide often concentrates fish near shore, incoming tides can bring pelagics closer in.
• Use proper tackle: lighter gear for pier and shore fishing; heavier gear and bottom rigs for boat fishing.
• Watch weather: morning wind or sheltering weather improves visibility for pelagics; overcast can help reduce glare for spotting near surface fish.

Where to Stay When You Go Fishing

If your plans include multiple fishing outings, staying near Morro Bay’s harbor or town center saves travel time and gives you more early morning advantage. Ascot Suites is well located for both shore and boat access. After a full day fishing, you can wind down in a comfortable room, grab a local dinner, and rest up for the next early morning cast.