Getting Ready For Spring Fishing

May 18, 2026

As the water warms up, we set aside our hunting gear and get set up for fishing and camping.  For me, that means primarily salt water here in SoCal.  But also, trout in the Sierras. 

Let's start with the salt.

There is already good Bluefin Tuna fishing happening out of San Diego at the usual offshore spots and south, off Ensenada.  Last week we took a friend's new Grady White Marlin 300 to San Clemente Island.  He powered it with twin Yamaha 350's and we cruised at 33 knots, making a fast run to the island. 

We found Yellowtail to be in good volume already.  While we struggled to find current for hook baits and surface action, spearfishing yielded two good fish.  We got lucky and boated a 38" California Halibut on deep meter marks drifting.  The Rapala 60" ruler proved the easy winner when we measured her.  We finished the day at the East End of Catalina Island for some Red Fish, and again, no current made for tough sledding.  

Most of the talk however has been about the fall, and El Nino predictions.  And for absolutely the right reasons.  NOAA's Climate Prediction Center is calling for an "82% chance of El Nino developing between May and July."  The best part is a 96% chance it persists through our winter.  

For us here in SoCal this typically means a very good chance, in good numbers, at Dorado, Wahoo and as we saw in 2015, even Blue Marlin in US waters.  It also means fairly stable weather and less wind that we are used to matching the warmer water temps that can push the 80 degree mark in October, even seeing Tuna local in December.   This is all upside potential for our local salt.

Well, great for the saltwater boat guys and gals, but what about the Trout crew? 

We have very low snow packs presently across the western US.  Some late season storms though added some needed inches, even as recently as last week in the Sierras and Rockies.  While no immediate relief for this year, El Nino typically corresponds with record precipitation across the west in the winter.  Anyone who went on their usual family ski trip this winter saw first hand how absolutely abysmal a year it was.  This could spell a complete reversal this winter and improve flows next spring for the active water anglers. 

Initial fishing reports out of the Sierras show good activity already pacing a typical spring.  We'll know more this week as we travel to areas around Bishop for some fly fishing.

The summer is looking like it could be one for the long memoried angler to reminisce about for decades.  If we keep tracking for this very strong El Nino setup, it could get very sporting. 

Jason

Pacific Outdoor Supply