It is that time of year again. Colder weather has settled in, Holidays are here, and the fishing in San Diego slows down. Or does it? The winter months are a great time to be fishing in San Diego. It’s one of the few places in the country where you can fish in the winter. I am fishing most days. We get clear, sunny days and most of the tourists have gone home. The temperatures definitely cool off, both air and water, but compared to the rest of the country, we have it pretty easy. As I write this our surface water temperatures are in the high 50’s. The coastline and bays are cooled off by northern swell that brings down cold water from Alaska, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest. This colder water has an affect on our fishery. Studies suggest that cooler water temperatures slow down the fish’s metabolism which in turn will slow the fishing. However, San Deigo salt water is fishable and on any given day you can hook onto several species.

During this time of year we get another factor that affects fishing, migrating birds. Over the years I have noticed a huge influx of fish eating birds that migrate south to San Diego for the winter. One particular is the Cormorant. This is a swimming bird that can wreak havoc in any fishery. San Diego does have hold over Cormorants year round but during this time of year I see flocks hunting our waters. When these factors come into play our fish will be particular in what they eat, when they eat, and where they eat.

A third factor that affects fishing in San Diego this time of year is the tides. Tides, for me, basically mean where is the tide letting me fish or not fish. For example, I like fishing Mission Bay on a low tide because it allows me to fish some deeper areas or get to structure. When the tide is up it is pushing me away from those locations that I can cast a fly to. In the summer months low tide is typically in the mornings, which will help with getting away from people and wind. But in the winter months the low tide is typically in the afternoon where we may have to deal with more wind and people. So for a quick review, here are the 3 factors I believe that make the fishing slower during the winter months (but also a fun challenge and great time on the water):

1. Colder water temperatures

2. Predatory birds

3. Tidal change

We still can and do catch fish. Using Mission Bay as an example, I fished a low tide last week. I battled the wind and caught 5 nice Spotted Bay Bass. If you are not versed in fly casting in the wind you should cast on the grass before you put a live fly on. The Belgian cast is an effective cast to help in the wind. Look it up on YouTube and you can find plenty of videos to help you. Having a cast that you feel that you can make in the wind is great for your fly casting tool box. Hope this information is helpful. Please contact me with any questions. Happy to help wherever I can.

Tyler Vanosdell