While San Diego is a major metropolitan area, it also has diverse fishing opportunities. Bass are a primary target in the local lakes. Being adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, you’ll also find excellent opportunities to catch saltwater Bass species. Access and proximity to the city make San Diego a great place to wet your line.
Visitors will find a surprising number of inland fisheries to explore alongside the expansive coastline. When combined with great camping, alternative lodging options and local entertainment, San Diego is a unique and exciting destination for anglers.
In this article, I’ll focus on Bass fishing in San Diego. I’ll run through the species you can encounter, how to go about catching them, when to come, and much more. So let’s get started.
Bass Species in San Diego
First things first. Which Bass can you catch in San Diego? Well, depending on where you fish, a number of different Bass species are present.
Largemouth Bass. San Diego’s freshwater fisheries are primarily filled with Largemouth Bass. They live alongside Catfish, Sunfish, Crappie, Carp, and a number of other warm water species. You’ll even find the occasional Trout in lakes where Largemouth Bass live.
Smallmouth Bass. California has strong Smallmouth Bass populations, largely concentrated in the colder lakes and rivers to the north. But there are the occasional Smallmouth Bass in southern Californian lakes too. This is thanks to some stocking programs in the past. And, while these weren’t particularly successful, the occasional remnants of those efforts still exist.
Striped Bass. When you think of Striped Bass in California, the Sacramento Delta comes to mind. While that is probably the most robust Striper fishery in the state, there are some great places to target these behemoths in San Diego, as well. The numbers are not robust by any means but you can target them from piers, beaches, and in freshwater lakes.
White Bass. Depending on who you speak with, these are also called Sand Bass and Silver Bass. Technically in the Croaker family, they still carry Bass in their name and often attack baits and lures like any other Bass. They have delicious meat but keep limits are strict so pay close attention to the regulations.
Calico Bass. Also called Kelp Bass, these fish strike hard! They have subtle but beautiful colors and often live along the bottoms around dense structure. Set the hook hard and reel fast before they can retreat into a hole and break off your lure.
Spotted Sand (Bay) Bass. This species is similar in size, behavior, and profile to the Calico Bass but they have different coloration. Heavy, dark spotting makes them distinct and easy to identify. Like their Calico cousins, Spotted Sand Bass also strike hard and fast.
Freshwater and Saltwater Bass Fishing Techniques
Although lakes and oceans are quite different, there is some overlap in techniques. All Bass are ambush predators and they tend to hold tight to structure and hiding places, waiting for prey to come within range. As such, anglers must seek them out and get close enough to draw a strike. Here’s how to do so…
Jigging
All Bass species suspend, hide around structure, and generally live in places that are difficult to access. Jigs have the unique ability to hang in the strike zone. Drop your jig near the bottom and bounce it over cover to pull Bass from their hiding places.
You can also cast and retrieve a jig. Make frequent pauses and allow the jig to drop between retrieves. This covers a big chunk of the water column. It’s especially effective in the surf and saltwater as jogs are great at cutting through current. Add live or cut bait, or use soft plastics for that extra enticement as well.
Topwater Techniques
Crankbaits, poppers, pencil lures, plugs and soft baits fished on the surface are all effective. Topwater is generally used to target Largemouth Bass and the occasional Striped Bass. Fish lures around weeds, docks, and shallow points to draw lurking Bass. The topwater strike is one of the most exciting things a Bass angler can experience.
Bait for Bass
All Bass species are attracted to live or cut bait. Everything from worms to herring has the potential to work in freshwater and saltwater. You can rig baits on jigs or with weights. The Carolina rig is simple and very effective. When live bait isn’t available look to soft plastic baits and other artificial options.
Fly Fishing
Every type of Bass around San Diego can be caught on artificial flies. Poppers are excellent for imitating frogs and mice. Streamers that imitate crayfish and minnows are perfect for Largemouth and Striped Bass as well. In the ocean, try Clouser Minnows and Crazy Charlie’s along the bottom for Bass. But wherever you go, fly fishing in San Diego is always a possibility.
Where to Catch Freshwater Bass in San Diego
You have plenty of options and can stay busy exploring new water for a long time. Access to the coastline is great in and around San Diego for saltwater fishing. The number of freshwater reservoirs is also surprising with some very scenic, pleasant places to enjoy. Here are some top spots:
Barrett Reservoir
This reservoir is a half-hour east of the city and has a unique situation. It has limited access and was completely closed to fishing for a number of years. The Largemouth Bass have limited fishing and boating pressure which allows them to grow big. While you can now access the reservoir, it’s on a reservation system between May and September. Book in advance and take advantage of the remote, quiet setting at Barrett Reservoir.
Skinner Lake
With no wake rules, this lake has the perfect setup for anglers. It’s calm and absolutely loaded with fish. It has excellent Largemouth Bass fishing but they’re often overshadowed by the rare opportunity to catch Striped Bass! While the Striped Bass don’t reach massive sizes, they are plentiful and the lake has liberal limits for anglers wanting to keep fish.
Sutherland Reservoir
Head north of the city to this large reservoir that’s open for fishing from March to September. It’s a great spot to get away from the crowds and it has nice structure along the shorelines. The reservoir closes completely on the third Friday each month and vessels are only allowed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Plan accordingly and enjoy the rugged landscape.
Murray Reservoir
Less remote than the latter two, this remains a great option for anglers. It has over 3 miles of shoreline with nice drop offs and rocky outcroppings for Largemouth Bass. It’s a really great spot for kayak anglers as the shore access is excellent. You’ll also find boat rentals if you don’t have your own. The convenience of renting a boat is a great way to go Bass fishing without trailering your own rig.
Lower and Upper Otay Reservoirs
The Lower Otay Reservoir is huge and it can produce some monster Bass. It’s also known for the large Catfish lurking along the bottoms. If you want to find Largemouth Bass topping 10 pounds, consider a trip to the lower reservoir. The Upper Otay, meanwhile, is a bit smaller and was traditionally used as a hatchery program for Bass. It’s catch-and-release-only with barbless hooks. This is the perfect destination for fly fishing in San Diego.
San Vicente Reservoir
This reservoir is very deep and it has sheer cliff sides with deep drop offs. The topography is ideal for growing large Bass and it has a ton of shoreline to explore. It even has a prominent island with great cover and rock outcroppings for Bass to hide. As the largest freshwater reservoir in the area, it’s open year-round and is a great option for Bass anglers.
Where to Catch Saltwater Bass in San Diego
Saltwater anglers wil alsol find plenty of access points in San Diego. You can effectively catch Bass species without a boat but having one does open the door to a ton of water. I suggest trying out the following…
Piers and Jetties
The structure associated with piers and jetties creates great habitat for Bass. Shelter Island Pier is ideal as it’s shielded from heavy currents. Ocean Beach Pier and Imperial Beach Pier are both great as well. For Jetty access, look to the Point Medanos Jetty as a potential hotspot for Bass.
Beach Fishing
Casting directly from the beach can turn up Bass alongside a number of other species. The North Side Dog Beach and Kellogg Beach have good access. There are a number of beaches to explore in the city. If you head a little to the north, there are some expansive beaches and cliffside zones to enjoy as well.
Nearshore Areas
San Diego Bay has a ton of great places to fish from shore. The bay is sheltered and has quality Bass fishing. Paddlers and boaters can really get out and enjoy the bay. If you leave the bay in a boat, make sure you have experience handling the ocean currents. The outer edges of the bay and adjacent coastline have some really great fishing.
When to Fish for Bass in San Diego
San Diego has a consistent, temperate climate that’s ideal for Bass. Freshwater fishing for Largemouth and Striped Bass is possible throughout the entire year (although some reservoirs do close for winter). Water temperatures and conditions are stable with an environment that remains warm most days, and moderately cool from the coastal effect in the evenings and nights.
July, August, and September are the warmest months in San Diego with daily highs just under 80 degrees. The extra bump in water temperature is great for triggering the Largemouth Bass bite. These are arguably the best months but the remainder of the year is worth pursuing as well.
Saltwater fishing is similar with year-round opportunities. Spotted Sand Bass and Calico Bass are consistent throughout the entire year. White Bass are also present throughout the year but the fishing is generally hottest from March to June while they spawn.
How to Plan a San Diego Bass Fishing Trip
Having access to the city makes it really easy to plan a bass fishing trip in San Diego. You can grab lodging at a hotel or vacation rental. The city has some surprisingly wonderful camping opportunities as well. Look to the northern coastal areas for potential oceanfront sites.
Anglers can consider chartering a boat for nearshore Bass fishing. You’ll gain access to less pressured areas and have the expertise of a captain who knows where to find Bass. Freshwater charters are also available for many of the local reservoirs.
One thing that makes San Diego special is the fantastic weather. Although it’s generally warm and pleasant, you should bring a few things to prepare for cool ocean breezes and the occasional rain.
Things You’ll Need for Fishing in San Diego:
- Lightweight rain gear
- Warm layer for mornings and evenings
- Sun protection
- A California fishing license
San Diego Bass Fishing Regulations
You’ll notice above that we mentioned the need for a California fishing license. Well, that’s just part of what you’ll need to pay attention to when it comes to rules and regulations. The good news is that the same license covers freshwater and saltwater, so you can just get one and hit whichever waterway you want!
Things get a little more tricky when it comes to the species you’ll be targeting. Most Bass are dedicated as separate species and, as such, are subject to different bag and size limits. There may also be seasonal closures for some fish and different rules depending on where exactly you’re fishing. Check out the California DFW website for species- and location-specific guidelines to make sure you’re fishing within the law!
San Diego Bass Fishing: A Great Secret Uncovered!
And there you have it. You now know all about the thrilling Bass fishing San Diego has on offer. While often overlooked by anglers in favor of other species, I hope you now appreciate the exciting Bass action that takes place here.
San Diego is an incredible destination that combines exciting city culture with great outdoor opportunities. Get your gear ready and hit the lakes or beaches – or try both!
Have you ever been Bass fishing in San Diego? Which species did you find the most challenging? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
