California Pier Report — June 2026
June 2026 Fishing Report, Southern California (#308)
Remember that the lobster season is closed. If you catch one on your line release it.
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – Sounds like some days sees a good mackerel bite but they are in and out. Just have to get there when they are in. Meanwhile some nice-sized spotfin croaker have been taken along with an interesting mix of fish including rubberlip seaperch, brown rockfish, zebraperch and the usual sharays (sharks and rays). How To Get There: From I-5 take the Palm Ave. (Hwy. 75) exit and follow it to where Palm Ave. and Hwy. 75 divide. Follow Palm Ave. to Seacoast Dr., turn left and it will take you right to the pier.
Ocean Beach Pier — The bad news is that the pier is closed. The good news is that the pier, one almost annually damaged by winter storms during the past few years, will eventually be replaced with a new improved pier, one better able to withstand the winter storms (and hopefully last for 75 years). How To Get There: From the north, take I-5 to the Sea World Dr. exit and follow it until it turns off to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. From the south, take I- 5 to the Nimitz Blvd. exit, then follow that road to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Follow Sunset Cliffs Blvd. to Newport Ave., turn right and follow the road to the pier parking lot.
Crystal Pier – We need a reporter. It sounds like most of the action is on surfperch, jacksmelt and an occasional croaker but both mackerel and small bonito are starting to show up. Action is picking up. How To get There: Take I-5 to Garnet Ave. then take Garnet west to the foot of the pier.
Pepper Park Pier — No report — we need a reporter! Traditionally some kelp bass and spotted bay bass are available on the bottom. How To Get There: From I-5 take the 24th Street off-ramp west to Tidelands Avenue and go left (south) on Tidelands to the end.
Bayside Park Pier — No report — we need a reporter. How To Get There: From I-5 take the J Street off ramp and go west. Take J Street to Tidelands Ave.; turn right. Take Tidelands to Sandpiper Way; turn right. Take Sandpiper to Bayside Parkway, turn left and follow the road to the park.
Embarcadero Marina Pier — No report — we need a reporter. However, anglers should expect a few bass, croaker and sharays (sharks and rays) on the bottom as well as possibly a halibut (most caught on soft plastic lures). In addition you might find jacksmelt visiting the pier and a few needlefish. At night you might luck into a shortfin corvina if using live bait or lures. How To Get There: From the I-5 south, take the Front Street exit south to Market (just stay on Front Street, it runs into Market), take Market west to Harbor Dr. Turn left on Harbor Dr. and take it to 8th Ave., turn right onto Convention Way (formerly Harbor St.). Follow it a short block to 5th Ave. and the pier. It seems that with the new Convention Center the city is constantly working on these streets near the pier and renaming them; if you get confused remember that the park and pier are immediately to the southwest of the Convention Center. From I-5 North, approaching from the south, take the J Street exit, then go straight, three blocks up to Market, turn left and take it from there.
Ferry Landing Pier (Coronado) —Some fish should be available—bass (all three varieties) and a variety of sharays—shovelnose guitarfish, round stingrays, bat rays and smoothhounds. At night add in the possibility of some shortfin corvina and possibly a small barracuda. How To Get There: From San Diego, take the Coronado Bay Bridge (Highway 75) to Coronado. Once over the bridge you are on Third Street. Simply follow it to B Avenue, turn right, and follow it to the front of The Old Ferry Landing — the intersection of First Street and B Avenue. The pier sits behind the shops in the complex.
Shelter Island Pier — Need a reporter. An assortment of bottom fish should be available including (perhaps) some good-sized sharays. On top expect some jacksmelt and mackerel. How To Get There: Take I-5 or I-8 to Rosecrans (Hwy. 209) and go west, turn left at Shelter Island Dr. and follow the road until you see the pier and the entrance to the parking lot.
Oceanside Pier — Bill Litchfield said that fishing has been pretty decent although it was much better before the recent drop in temperatures and wind. Anglers are getting some mackerel and mackerel-size small bonito (more bonito than mackerel some days). He says if the end of the pier was open (it’s still closed) he’s sure the mackerel count would be much higher since the end area is typically the area for mackerel. Mid-pier is producing some halibut and kelp bass for the regulars along with some sargo but the sargo are small. Inshore there are a lot of yellowfin and spotfin croaker but again most are small to medium-size; few are big fish. As for the sharays, they’ve seen some sharks including at least one sevengill along with the usual leopard sharks, shovelnose guitarfish, and bat rays. But, en says, almost all are on the smallish size. Sounds like decent action and it should get better. How To Get There: From I-5 take Mission Blvd. west to Pacific, turn left and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — Fishing sounds like it is slow although quite a few jacksmelt have been showing up along with the smaller rays. It should pick up when they finish dredging the harbor. How To Get There: From I-5 take the Harbor Dr. exit off the freeway, follow it and it will wind down to the harbor; where the road splits stay to the right on North Harbor Dr., and follow it to the pier.
Orange County Piers
San Clemente Pier —Trevor at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), said they are getting reports of perch and croaker inshore along with some mackerel and bonito further out on the pier. Evidently a giant (black) sea bass was also caught and successfully released. As usual, the pier produces a pretty good number of sharks and rays, especially at night—shovelnose guitarfish, small bat rays, leopard sharks, etc. How to Get There: From I-5 take any of several exit streets west to El Camino Real, follow it to the center of town, and from there take Del Mar down to the pier.
Dana Harbor Pier — Trevor at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), says says some good croakers and perch have been taken from the pier—and some decent size sand bass. the action in the harbor remains about the same±—mainly a few bass along with some perch and croakers. How To Get There: The pier is located in the Dana Cove Park area of Dana Point Harbor. From the Pacific Coast Highway take Green Lantern Road south to the harbor, turn left on Cove Road, and follow it to the pier.
Balboa Pier — I was down there on the 29th and was skunked on fish although the group I was with got one halibut. It had been good fishing, both at the end for mackerel and lizardfish, and mid-pier for halibut and sargo, but the winds came up, the temperatures dropped, and the fish, including baitfish, stopped biting. With better weather the fishing should improve. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take Newport Blvd. which will turn into Balboa Blvd., follow it west to Palm Street. Turn right and follow it to the pier and the adjacent parking lot (which is very expensive).”
Newport Pier — I fished the pier on the 28th at the end and it was a steady producer of mackerel and lizardfish which wasn’t what I was wanted but at least it produced some action. Didn’t see much else on the pier. However it was cold and windy and the regulars sai9d it had been red hot the prior week when temperatures were good so I imagine as weather warms it should be good once again. A 30+ inch white seabass had been taken the prior week. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take the Newport Blvd. turn off and precede west watching for signs directing traffic to the pier. The pier sits at the foot of McFadden Place. Metered parking is available but all the lots fill early and are full much of the day. Basically you almost have to wait until someone else leaves and there’s an empty spot.
Huntington Beach Pier — No report although locals at Newport told me people had been catching mackerel at the pier along with some croakers inshore. How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.” How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.”
Seal Beach Pier — Nan, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. said perch and croaker continue to be caught inshore with some mackerel at the end. I fished it on the 28th and didn’t see many fish but I did catch a 19 1/8-inch spotfin croaker just past the lifeguard tower. I did hear a few yellowfin croakers were caught along with a barracuda. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway simply take Main St. west and follow it to the pier.
Los Angeles County Piers
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier — Reports seem to indicate the mackerel are showing up some days along with the usual croakers and perhaps a few halibut. How To Get There: From the north take I-405 to the Lakewood Boulevard turnoff, and then go south to 7th Street, turn west (right) until you come to Ximeno Ave. and then turn left. Follow it to Livingston Dr. and go west. You will see signs by Ocean Ave. and Termino Ave. indicating the pier. From the south take the Pacific Coast Highway to 2nd. Street (Westminister becomes 2nd. Street when it crosses PCH), go west, follow to Livingston Dr. Follow it to signs by Ocean Ave. and Termino Ave. indicating the pier and parking lot.
Shoreline Aquatic Park Piers (Long Beach) — Expect the normal fish — white croaker (casting out from the piers) and some sargo and perch (when fishing the inshore waters). Jacksmelt should be showing up along with mackerel that seem to come and go. There’s also always a chance on a small shark or ray. How to Get There: From downtown Long Beach, take Pine Avenue south to Shoreline Drive. For the northernmost pier #1 follow Shoreline Avenue west and follow it around the lagoon to where the street ends. For the southernmost piers #2-#5 follow Shoreline Drive east to the markings for Shoreline Village, continue past the shopping complex, and follow the road out to near the end of the peninsula. You will see the piers.
Pier J Piers (Long Beach) —Most of the normal fish should be available—white croaker, queenfish, small perch, and a variety of small rock-frequenting species. Top action may see some jacksmelt and mackerel. How To Get There: From I-710 follow the signs saying S. Harbor Scenic Drive. From downtown Long Beach follow Queens Way past the Catalina Landing and on to the Queens Way Bridge over the water and take the S. Harbor Scenic Drive.
Cabrillo Beach Pier (San Pedro) — No report — We need a reporter. However, a couple of locals told me mackerel are showing some days along with a few bass. How To Get There: Take the Harbor Freeway (I-110) south; it will turn into Gaffey St. Follow it to 22nd Street and turn left. Follow 22nd St. to Pacific Ave. and turn right. Follow Pacific Ave. to 36th Street and the entrance to Cabrillo Park.
Green Pleasure Pier (Avalon, Catalina Island) – Expect the usual: senorita, garibaldi, sheephead, and rock wrasse while some days will also produce ocean whitefish, mackerel, jack mackerel (Spanish mackerel) and perhaps even opaleye (which some years are very common). How To Get There: The trick here is to get to Catalina. Ships and helicopters make the journey several times a day from the Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Newport Beach (near the Balboa Pier) and Dana Harbor. Information is available on all of these by calling the Avalon Chamber of Commerce on the Pleasure Pier (213) 510-1520 or the Visitor's Information & Service Center (213) 510-2500. Once in Avalon there should be no problem in finding the pier, which is located at the foot of Catalina Avenue.
Cabrillo Mole (Avalon, Catalina Island) — Quite a few bonito are being taken along with the normal resident species—kelp bass, sheephead, rock wrasse, opaleye, halfmoon, etc. How to Get There: The trick here is to get to Catalina. Ships and helicopters make the journey several times a day from the Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Newport Beach (near the Balboa Pier) and Dana Harbor. Information is available on all of these by calling the Avalon Chamber of Commerce on the Pleasure Pier (213) 510-1520 or the Visitor's Information & Service Center (213) 510-2500. Once in Avalon when you walk off the ferry onto the landing you are at the Mole.
Redondo Beach Pier — Our reporter Raul Sarmiento's report for Redondo Beach Pier - May 2026. I fish every Friday-Sunday from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. with both Hi/LOL rigs and Sabiki rigs. During the first half of May we caught mostly Pacific mackerel some Spanish mackerel, and sardines, from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. using HI/LO rigs. The catch was large initially but dwindled by mid-May. During the last two weeks of May we caught NOTHING until daybreak, around5:30am. Last weekend in May, fishermen were catching fish using Sabiki rigs versus HI/LO rigs. With summer arriving I think Sabiki rigs used at night and during the day will be a big factor. After sunrise many fishermen were pulling full-house of mackerel and sardines on 6-7 hook Sabiki rigs. There have been reports of large run of mackerel in the late morning and afternoon - captured on YouTube. There were also reports of lobster being caught out of season and evidence of large spider crabs being caught. On the last day of Hermosa Beach Life festival, a bomb threat was phoned in triggering ther RD police to shutdiwn the pier for several hours. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway, take Torrance Blvd. west to the foot of the pier and the parking lot.
Manhattan Beach Pier — No report —need a reporter. How To Get There: From Sepulveda Boulevard, turn west on Manhattan Beach Drive and follow it to the pier.
Hermosa Beach Pier — No report — need a reporter. However we did get one report that showed a sand bass being caught. How To Get There: Take the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) to Pier Avenue and follow Pier Avenue west to the pier.
Venice Pier — No report this month —need a reporter. How Get There: Highway 1 to Washington St., turn west and follow Washington St. to the pier.
Santa Monica Pier — No report this month — need a reporter. How to Get There: From I-405 take Santa Monica Blvd. west to Ocean Ave. Turn left, go to Colorado Ave., and turn right onto the pier.
Malibu Pier — With the loss of long time reporter Ginny Wylie due to the Palisades fire (which burned down Wylies Bait and Tackle), we are now looking for a new reporter. Any reports from the area would be appreciated. How To Get There: The pier fronts on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) so just drive until you see it.
Paradise Cove Pier — The pier is closed and no estimate has been given for a reopening date. How To Get There: Take Highway 1 to Paradise Cove Dr., turn west, and follow the road back into the parking lot. Parking is very expensive unless you buy an expensive meal at the restaurant and then you are allowed to fish for, I think, three hours.
Ventura & Santa Barbara County Piers
Port Hueneme Pier — Ludia at Hyun’s Tackle, 3695 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura said perch are available and that some mackerel are showing on top. A few small sharks and rays have also been taken. How To Get There: From Highway 1 take Hueneme Rd. west until it turns into Port. At Ventura Rd turn left and follow it to Surfside Dr. Turn left again and follow it to the park.
Ventura Pier — Ludia at Hyun’s Tackle, 3695 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura said some fish are being caught but it’s still a little slow. Expect some small perch and croakers inshore and even, if you’re lucky a possible halibut. But all the halibut have been small. Sharks are starting to show up along with thresher shark fisherman so some threshers must be out there. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Seaward Drive exit west to Harbor Drive, turn right and follow it to the pier.
Stearns Wharf (Santa Barbara) —Jairo at Hook Line & Sinker, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, said he hasn’t gotten many reports but a lot of halibut are showing all around the pier, most being taken by surfcaster and kayakers (but it means they are in the area and should be available). As usual a lot of crabs are also available. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take Castillo St. or State St. west to the beach and follow signs to the pier.
Goleta Pier —Ben at Hook Line & Sinker, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, said the fishing has been fairly quiet. Expect some bass and rockfish out by the pipe reef and a possible mackerel or two at night from the pier. Quite a few small, illegal-size white seabass have also been showing up with almost all taken at night inshore. I imagine the sharays are also available since the pier typically yields good numbers of shovelnose guitarfish, bat rays, leopard sharks and even angel sharks along with an occasional sevengill shark. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Hwy. 217/Airport exit. Follow it to Sandspit Rd. and the Goleta Beach Park turnoff. Follow this to the park and the pier.
Gaviota Pier — Same report as the last few YEARS—Still counting the days— Government efficiency seems to be a true oxymoronic word in California. The pier, managed by the State Department of Parks (State Parks), has been closed since a winter storm in 2014 (yes, more than a decade ago). Reports over the years have given hope for repair but funding as well as division and disagreement between various groups including the State Parks and the Coastal Commission, have slowed down the needed repairs. Maybe some day. We can only pray. How To Get There: From Highway 101 simply take the Gaviota State Park turnoff down to the beach and pier.
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