Updated: Thursday, June 4, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, June 11, 2026
This San Diego fishing report for early June finds the summer season building. Yellowtail are the lead target, stacking on the kelp paddies, the Coronado Islands, the local kelp beds and the offshore banks. The first bluefin tuna of the season push onto the offshore grounds, and inshore calico bass, sand bass and bonito offer steady action. The main condition to plan around is the offshore weather window: watch the marine layer and the wind before committing to the longer runs.
What’s Hitting
Yellowtail are the headline in early June, building at the islands, on the kelp and on the banks. The first bluefin show on the offshore grounds, with more pushing in as the water warms. Calico and sand bass work the kelp and inshore structure, bonito are around, and the first yellowfin and dorado are not far off. Rockfish and lingcod fill out the deeper bottom.
Where to Find Them
Look for yellowtail at the Coronado Islands, on the local kelp beds at La Jolla and Point Loma, on the kelp paddies offshore and on banks like the 425 and the 9-Mile. Bluefin sit on the offshore banks southwest of San Clemente Island and off the Coronados; find them on meter marks and foamers, and watch for working birds and breaking fish. Calico bass stay tight to the kelp and inshore structure, and rockfish live on the deeper hard bottom.
Tides & Conditions
Settled spring weather makes the offshore grounds fishable, so pick your window for the longer runs. Expect offshore water warming through the 60s. Early morning is prime for the inshore bass and the surface tuna action. The marine layer and the wind govern the offshore runs.
Tackle & Tactics
- Yellowtail: fly-line a live mackerel or sardine on 30- to 40-pound fluorocarbon at the islands and paddies, or cast a surface iron to breezing fish and retrieve it fast. On the kelp and banks, drop a yo-yo iron to the bottom and wind it back at full speed for the fish that will not come up.
- Bluefin: the fish are wary in the clear June water. Go to 30-pound fluorocarbon and a small hook with a fly-lined sardine, and fish a small flat-fall jig on the sonar marks at night when the fish are deep.
- Calico bass: swimbaits and plastics tight to the kelp.
- Rockfish: shrimp flies and bait on the deeper bottom.
Local Intel This Week
Without your own boat, the half-day boats out of Point Loma and Mission Bay work the kelp and the rockfish, and the overnight boats target tuna and yellowtail at the islands. Trailer boaters launch at the Shelter Island ramp on San Diego Bay, the Dana Landing ramp and the South Shores ramp in Mission Bay, and the Chula Vista ramp on the south bay. Fishing the Coronado Islands requires a Mexican license and permit in addition to California rules.
Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
For early-season bluefin, downsize your leader and lighten up. These fish are line-shy, especially in calm, clear conditions. A 30- to 40-pound fluorocarbon leader, a small flat-fall jig and a quiet drift onto a meter mark draw bites when heavy gear gets ignored. Keep the boat off the school and make long casts.
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