September 2026 Fishing Report, Central California (#310)
San Luis Obispo County Piers
Pismo Beach Pier — We finally have a reporter for the pier after a long absence. Our reporter is Bill at the Pismo Beach Surf Shop that sits about 90 feet from the pier and carried a full selection of frozen bait—anchovies, sardines, mussels, clams, shrimp, etc. They also have rental tackle for the pier and also have equipment for catching crabs (and I never knew there were very many crabs there—but I was wrong). Bill says the news continues to focus on the number of thresher sharks being caught and apparently there’s a large contingent of anglers fishing for them. They are hitting both during the day and at night so expect some sharkers out there. He says some mackerel are showing up but they are in and out, good one day and slow the next. Surfperch are still there and a few halibut have also been taken. He said a couple of salmon were even taken a few weeks ago. Sounds like some decent variety. How To Get There: From the north, take Hwy. 101 to the Five Cities Dr. exit; follow Dolliver into the middle of town, then turn west on Pomeroy and follow it to the pier and parking lot. From the south, take the Pismo Beach Exit (Price St.), follow it to Pomeroy; turn west and follow it to the pier.
Avila Pier – Another pier that has been closed for a decade (since 2015). The pier, managed by the Port San Luis Harbor District, started Stage 1 repairs in 2022 with plans to repair or replace approximately 50 pilings. Work started but was delayed following new damage in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Additional funds were needed and found but the need for more funds in an ongoing problem (the original estimate for total repairs was at least $12 million). Stage 1 repairs were hoped to be finished at the end of 2024 and then repairs to the boat landing, the restrooms, and old bait shop, could commence. The problem here, to a degree is finding the necessary funding. Ongoing local efforts continue to find the money needed to fund “The People’s Pier” while only a small section of the pier is open at the beginning of the pier. How To Get There: Take Hwy. 101 to Avila Rd. and go west; turn left off of Avila Rd. on to Front St. and follow it to the pier.
San Luis (Harford) Pier —Misty at the Patriot Sportfishing office at the beginning of the pier, said she’s seen quite a few perch being taken lately and saw both a leopard shark and a thresher shark taken. She says an occasional mackerel has been taken while typically it’s a good pier for both large jacksmelt and white croaker (kingfish). Also expect some small rockfish if fishing out toward the end. How To Get There: Take Hwy. 101 to the Avila Rd. turnoff and head west; follow the road to the end and the pier.
Morro Bay T-Piers – Need a reporter. Some fish should be there, you just have to hope the tides and currents in the bay cooperate. A variety of perch and small rockfish should be available—blackperch, pileperch, and striped perch along with grass, brown, copper, blue and black rockfish. Sometime in the summer, jacksmelt, sardines, Pacific mackerel, and jack mackerel may show up, individually or all at the same time. When they arrive fishing can be hot and furious. How To Get There: From Highway 1 turn south onto Main Street, follow it to Morro Bay Boulevard, turn left toward the bay and follow it to Embarcadero, turn right and follow Embarcadero to the end of the public parking which adjoins the piers.
Cayucos Pier — No report, need a reporter. Traditionally there should be some decent surfperch action on barred, walleye and possible calico surfperch all of which will be found inshore to mid-pier. Walleye surfperch should be caught under the pier, mid-pier to the end, using small hooks or a Sabiki baited with pieces of worms or other bait. White croaker (called kingfish) should be on the bottom (cast out from the pier using pieces of worm, anchovy or strips of squid). Jacksmelt should be in the top-waters all along the pier. No reports but I imagine a few mackerel are also showing up this year. Traditionally the pier has also been an excellent pier at night in the summer for a variety of sharks. How To Get There: Take Highway 1 to either Ocean Boulevard, which is the main street and will take you past the pier, or take the Cayucos Drive exit which will take you straight to the pier.
San Simeon Pier — No report, need a reporter. The pier is a hit or miss pier but since surfperch are the number one fish at the pier there should be some action with a variety of perch—barred, calico, walleye, silver, white, rainbow, black, and even pileperch can be caught at the pier. Bring lugworms, pile worms (if you can find them), market shrimp and anchovies). At times jacksmelt can be thick and, if they arrive, sardines and mackerel may also show up. How To Get There: Highway 1 to the entrance to the park.
Monterey-Santa Cruz-San Mateo County Piers
Monterey Coast Guard Pier — We need a reporter for the pier but reports have shown some opaleye and halfmoon from the pier. The pier is almost the only place north of Morro Bay where you will see such species. More typical are small to medium-size rockfish, cabezon, perch (mainly striped seaperch) and once in a great while a lingcod or monkeyface eel. How To Get There: From Hwy 1 going north: Take the Aguajito Road exit, turn left at the first traffic signal intersection, which is Aguajito Road, and continue under Highway 1 and cross Fremont Street. At the next traffic signal intersection, which is Del Monte Avenue, turn left. Continue down Del Monte Avenue and under the tunnel where the street turns into Lighthouse Avenue. Get into the right-hand lane. As the street veers to the right it turns into Foam Street. Continue on Foam Street to the first right and turn into the parking lot. From Hwy 1 going south: Take the Del Monte Avenue exit, continue down Del Monte Avenue for several blocks and go under the tunnel where the street turns into Lighthouse Avenue. Get into the right-hand lane. As the street veers to the right it turns into Foam Street. Continue on Foam Street to the first right and turn into the parking lot.
Monterey Wharf #2 — No report, need a reporter. This pier is usually hit or miss, very good or very bad. When good the pier is crowded with anglers, when bad it’s largely deserted. Most common fish are perch, sardines, an occasional flatfish—mainly sand sole and small sanddabs but also a few halibut, and a few sharks and rays. There have been rumors of mackerel showing up and people are hoping the warm El Nino waters show up and bring more southern species. How To Get There: From Highway 1 take the central Monterey exit and follow Del Monte Avenue to Figueroa Street, turn right and follow to the wharf.
Seacliff State Beach Pier — The pier and Concrete Ship are gone—demolished and destroyed. How To Get There: From Highway 1 take the State Park Drive exit; follow the road west to the park entrance.
Capitola Wharf —Ed at the Capitola Boat & Bait (on the wharf.) said fishing has actually dropped off a little. A month ago there was a nice run of both mackerel and halibut but few have been taken lately. What should be available are some perch under the pier and some kingfish (white croaker) casting away from the pier. Hopefully the mackerel will return in force and probably some jacksmelt will do the same. How To Get There: From Highway 1 take the Bay Avenue exit west until it hits Capitola Avenue where you turn right; stay on this to Cliff Drive, turn right and park wherever you can find a spot.
Santa Cruz Wharf — The Santa Cruz Boat Rental (on the wharf) was unavailable so just going on rumors of some mackerel and the usual kingfish (white croaker), small sanddabs, and occasionally a visit by some mackerel. Halibut alley (where the pier widens) was seeing some halibut but sounds like it’s slowed somewhat. Perch should be available under the pier and you never know when a cabezon, small rockfish or even a small lingcod may decide to grab a bait. How to Get There: Ocean Street south from Highway 1; when you get to Laurel Street turn right and follow it to Pacific Street, turn left and follow Pacific to the wharf.
Johnson Pier (Pillar Point Harbor) — No report. Need a reporter. This is a shallow water fishing areas inside the boats in the harbor. This time of the year it can be very slow but perch and kingfish (white croaker) are usually available. How To Get There: From Highway 1 simply take the Pillar Point Harbor turnoff and follow the road down to the main parking lot.
Pillar Point Pier (Pillar Point Harbor) — No report. Need a reporter. Traditionally there are small rockfish and perch by the rocks and kingfish (white croaker) available with a cast from the pier. How To Get There: From Highway 1 simply take the Pillar Point Harbor turnoff and follow the road down to the main parking lot. This pier is to the far right of the parking lot
Pacifica Pier — As of June 4, 2026 the pier was closed. Locals are hoping they can get it pier rebuilt but the odds aren’t good. How To Get There: Take Highway 1 to Pacifica, take the Paloma Avenue-Francisco Boulevard exit, take Paloma west to Beach Road, turn left and proceed to the pier.
San Luis Obispo County Piers
Pismo Beach Pier — We finally have a reporter for the pier after a long absence. Our reporter is Bill at the Pismo Beach Surf Shop that sits about 90 feet from the pier and carried a full selection of frozen bait—anchovies, sardines, mussels, clams, shrimp, etc. They also have rental tackle for the pier and also have equipment for catching crabs (and I never knew there were very many crabs there—but I was wrong). Bill says the news continues to focus on the number of thresher sharks being caught and apparently there’s a large contingent of anglers fishing for them. They are hitting both during the day and at night so expect some sharkers out there. He says some mackerel are showing up but they are in and out, good one day and slow the next. Surfperch are still there and a few halibut have also been taken. He said a couple of salmon were even taken a few weeks ago. Sounds like some decent variety. How To Get There: From the north, take Hwy. 101 to the Five Cities Dr. exit; follow Dolliver into the middle of town, then turn west on Pomeroy and follow it to the pier and parking lot. From the south, take the Pismo Beach Exit (Price St.), follow it to Pomeroy; turn west and follow it to the pier.
Avila Pier – Another pier that has been closed for a decade (since 2015). The pier, managed by the Port San Luis Harbor District, started Stage 1 repairs in 2022 with plans to repair or replace approximately 50 pilings. Work started but was delayed following new damage in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Additional funds were needed and found but the need for more funds in an ongoing problem (the original estimate for total repairs was at least $12 million). Stage 1 repairs were hoped to be finished at the end of 2024 and then repairs to the boat landing, the restrooms, and old bait shop, could commence. The problem here, to a degree is finding the necessary funding. Ongoing local efforts continue to find the money needed to fund “The People’s Pier” while only a small section of the pier is open at the beginning of the pier. How To Get There: Take Hwy. 101 to Avila Rd. and go west; turn left off of Avila Rd. on to Front St. and follow it to the pier.
San Luis (Harford) Pier —Misty at the Patriot Sportfishing office at the beginning of the pier, said she’s seen quite a few perch being taken lately and saw both a leopard shark and a thresher shark taken. She says an occasional mackerel has been taken while typically it’s a good pier for both large jacksmelt and white croaker (kingfish). Also expect some small rockfish if fishing out toward the end. How To Get There: Take Hwy. 101 to the Avila Rd. turnoff and head west; follow the road to the end and the pier.
Morro Bay T-Piers – Need a reporter. Some fish should be there, you just have to hope the tides and currents in the bay cooperate. A variety of perch and small rockfish should be available—blackperch, pileperch, and striped perch along with grass, brown, copper, blue and black rockfish. Sometime in the summer, jacksmelt, sardines, Pacific mackerel, and jack mackerel may show up, individually or all at the same time. When they arrive fishing can be hot and furious. How To Get There: From Highway 1 turn south onto Main Street, follow it to Morro Bay Boulevard, turn left toward the bay and follow it to Embarcadero, turn right and follow Embarcadero to the end of the public parking which adjoins the piers.
Cayucos Pier — No report, need a reporter. Traditionally there should be some decent surfperch action on barred, walleye and possible calico surfperch all of which will be found inshore to mid-pier. Walleye surfperch should be caught under the pier, mid-pier to the end, using small hooks or a Sabiki baited with pieces of worms or other bait. White croaker (called kingfish) should be on the bottom (cast out from the pier using pieces of worm, anchovy or strips of squid). Jacksmelt should be in the top-waters all along the pier. No reports but I imagine a few mackerel are also showing up this year. Traditionally the pier has also been an excellent pier at night in the summer for a variety of sharks. How To Get There: Take Highway 1 to either Ocean Boulevard, which is the main street and will take you past the pier, or take the Cayucos Drive exit which will take you straight to the pier.
San Simeon Pier — No report, need a reporter. The pier is a hit or miss pier but since surfperch are the number one fish at the pier there should be some action with a variety of perch—barred, calico, walleye, silver, white, rainbow, black, and even pileperch can be caught at the pier. Bring lugworms, pile worms (if you can find them), market shrimp and anchovies). At times jacksmelt can be thick and, if they arrive, sardines and mackerel may also show up. How To Get There: Highway 1 to the entrance to the park.
Monterey-Santa Cruz-San Mateo County Piers
Monterey Coast Guard Pier — We need a reporter for the pier but reports have shown some opaleye and halfmoon from the pier. The pier is almost the only place north of Morro Bay where you will see such species. More typical are small to medium-size rockfish, cabezon, perch (mainly striped seaperch) and once in a great while a lingcod or monkeyface eel. How To Get There: From Hwy 1 going north: Take the Aguajito Road exit, turn left at the first traffic signal intersection, which is Aguajito Road, and continue under Highway 1 and cross Fremont Street. At the next traffic signal intersection, which is Del Monte Avenue, turn left. Continue down Del Monte Avenue and under the tunnel where the street turns into Lighthouse Avenue. Get into the right-hand lane. As the street veers to the right it turns into Foam Street. Continue on Foam Street to the first right and turn into the parking lot. From Hwy 1 going south: Take the Del Monte Avenue exit, continue down Del Monte Avenue for several blocks and go under the tunnel where the street turns into Lighthouse Avenue. Get into the right-hand lane. As the street veers to the right it turns into Foam Street. Continue on Foam Street to the first right and turn into the parking lot.
Monterey Wharf #2 — No report, need a reporter. This pier is usually hit or miss, very good or very bad. When good the pier is crowded with anglers, when bad it’s largely deserted. Most common fish are perch, sardines, an occasional flatfish—mainly sand sole and small sanddabs but also a few halibut, and a few sharks and rays. There have been rumors of mackerel showing up and people are hoping the warm El Nino waters show up and bring more southern species. How To Get There: From Highway 1 take the central Monterey exit and follow Del Monte Avenue to Figueroa Street, turn right and follow to the wharf.
Seacliff State Beach Pier — The pier and Concrete Ship are gone—demolished and destroyed. How To Get There: From Highway 1 take the State Park Drive exit; follow the road west to the park entrance.
Capitola Wharf —Ed at the Capitola Boat & Bait (on the wharf.) said fishing has actually dropped off a little. A month ago there was a nice run of both mackerel and halibut but few have been taken lately. What should be available are some perch under the pier and some kingfish (white croaker) casting away from the pier. Hopefully the mackerel will return in force and probably some jacksmelt will do the same. How To Get There: From Highway 1 take the Bay Avenue exit west until it hits Capitola Avenue where you turn right; stay on this to Cliff Drive, turn right and park wherever you can find a spot.
Santa Cruz Wharf — The Santa Cruz Boat Rental (on the wharf) was unavailable so just going on rumors of some mackerel and the usual kingfish (white croaker), small sanddabs, and occasionally a visit by some mackerel. Halibut alley (where the pier widens) was seeing some halibut but sounds like it’s slowed somewhat. Perch should be available under the pier and you never know when a cabezon, small rockfish or even a small lingcod may decide to grab a bait. How to Get There: Ocean Street south from Highway 1; when you get to Laurel Street turn right and follow it to Pacific Street, turn left and follow Pacific to the wharf.
Johnson Pier (Pillar Point Harbor) — No report. Need a reporter. This is a shallow water fishing areas inside the boats in the harbor. This time of the year it can be very slow but perch and kingfish (white croaker) are usually available. How To Get There: From Highway 1 simply take the Pillar Point Harbor turnoff and follow the road down to the main parking lot.
Pillar Point Pier (Pillar Point Harbor) — No report. Need a reporter. Traditionally there are small rockfish and perch by the rocks and kingfish (white croaker) available with a cast from the pier. How To Get There: From Highway 1 simply take the Pillar Point Harbor turnoff and follow the road down to the main parking lot. This pier is to the far right of the parking lot
Pacifica Pier — As of June 4, 2026 the pier was closed. Locals are hoping they can get it pier rebuilt but the odds aren’t good. How To Get There: Take Highway 1 to Pacifica, take the Paloma Avenue-Francisco Boulevard exit, take Paloma west to Beach Road, turn left and proceed to the pier.