1 month ago · Updated 5 days ago
San Diego, CA continues to deliver diverse fishing opportunities from offshore tuna action to productive inshore and freshwater outings, with both saltwater and lake anglers reporting solid results this October.
Weekly Catches
The catches below cover the last 7 days.
Bluefin Tuna
Offshore trips departing from San Diego have reported excellent catches of bluefin tuna this week, with several boats returning with limits. The action has been especially strong on 1.5-day and multi-day trips, with fish being caught both day and night. Anglers are advised to bring a range of tackle, as fish sizes can vary and conditions may require both heavy and lighter setups.
- Limits of bluefin tuna reported on 1.5-day trips, with boats returning to San Diego Bay on October 22.
- Multi-day trips also producing consistent bluefin catches alongside yellowtail and yellowfin tuna.
Yellowtail & Yellowfin Tuna
Alongside the bluefin, yellowtail and yellowfin tuna have been part of the mixed offshore bag. These species are being caught on the same trips, with yellowtail often found around kelp paddies and yellowfin showing up in open water schools. Both species are responding well to live bait and jigs.
- Recent 1.5-day trip returned with 25 yellowtail and 18 yellowfin tuna in addition to bluefin limits.
- Yellowtail are being caught on live sardines and surface iron near kelp paddies.
Dorado & Wahoo
Long-range trips (7–10 days) have reported good numbers of dorado and some wahoo further south. While not as abundant as tuna, these species are providing exciting action for anglers venturing to the ridge and offshore banks.
- Recent 8-day and 10-day trips noted solid dorado catches and some wahoo, especially on the ridge and offshore structure.
San Diego Bay Inshore: Halibut, Bass, Sharks
Inshore action inside San Diego Bay has been productive for a variety of species. Anglers targeting the bay with live sardines have found success with halibut, several species of bass, and sharks. Notably, a large giant black seabass was caught and safely released this week, highlighting the bay’s diversity.
- Numerous spotted bay bass and a legal sand bass were caught.
- Three short halibut (undersized) were landed and released.
- A 60-pound giant black seabass was caught, photographed, and released unharmed.
- Live sardines are the top bait for halibut and bass in the bay.
Lake Jennings: Catfish & Bass
Lake Jennings continues to fish well, especially for catfish following recent stockings. The last catfish stocking of the season is scheduled for the week of October 20, bringing the total to 8,500 pounds for the season. Early morning and dusk into nighttime are the best times for catfish, while bass and panfish are active in the mornings and late afternoons.
- 1,000 pounds of catfish stocked last week; more to come the week of October 20.
- Catfish are biting on cut mackerel, shrimp, stink baits, and nightcrawlers fished on bottom rigs.
- Bass are responding to natural-color soft plastics, Texas rigs, drop shot, small jigs, and crankbaits near structure.
Weather & Marine Conditions
Offshore weather has been variable, with some recent trips adjusting plans due to rougher conditions outside. However, San Diego Bay has offered flat calm and beautiful conditions for inshore anglers. Surface water temperatures at Lake Jennings are currently 77°F, and daylight hours are shortening as fall progresses.
Tides & Solunar Activity
Sunrise in San Diego is around 6:48 a.m. with sunset at 6:22 p.m. The next new moon falls on October 21, which may enhance nighttime and early morning bite windows for both saltwater and freshwater species.
Fishing Conditions & Tips
For offshore anglers, bringing a range of tackle is recommended due to the variety in fish size and species. Live sardines remain the top bait for both offshore and inshore species, especially halibut and bass in the bay. Electronics can help locate drop-offs and submerged structure, particularly for catfish and bass at Lake Jennings. Focus on low light periods for the best action, and target deeper channels or structure for catfish.
Regulations & Notices
Anglers 16 years and older must have a valid California fishing license for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, except when fishing from public piers in ocean or bay waters. All general and species-specific regulations apply, including size and bag limits. Notably, there are proposals under review to expand the Cabrillo State Marine Reserve in San Diego County, which would result in additional fishing closures if enacted. The San Luis Rey River remains closed to all fishing year-round. For 2025, free fishing days are July 5 and August 30, but all other regulations and report card requirements still apply.
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