By Capt. Brian Woolley
As winter settles in along the Southern California coast, fishing conditions remain relatively steady, with water temperatures holding between 55 and 57 degrees — well within the seasonal norm. While cooler waters certainly influence which species are most active and where they can be found, anglers willing to adjust their approach and carefully time their outings continue to see success.
One of the standout fisheries this winter has been halibut. Unlike other species that slow down in colder water, halibut remain willing to bite, making them a prime target along the South Coast. A recent influx of anchovy has further bolstered the fishery, as these baitfish serve as a crucial food source for halibut. Anglers who can locate areas where bait is concentrated — particularly spots featuring hard-bottom structure adjacent to sandy patches — are finding themselves in highly productive zones.
Halibut are being caught in depths ranging from 20 to 80 feet, but some of the best action has come to those who are willing to fish in shallow water. Working depths as skinny as 8 to 20 feet has proven to be particularly effective. However, fishing the shallows comes with its own set of challenges, requiring anglers to closely monitor tide movement, swell patterns, and weather conditions to ensure safety. The reward, however, can be well worth the extra effort and planning.
For those targeting bass, both calico and sand bass have been more difficult to find, as cooler water temperatures slow their metabolism and reduce their feeding activity. Private boat anglers have had some success locating fish near hard-bottom structures that still hold kelp growth. On days when conditions align — particularly sunny days with favorable tidal movement — there have been reports of calico bass being caught using artificial lures such as swimbaits and jerkbaits.
As is often the case in winter, recent storms have stirred up the water, creating additional challenges. Floating debris, eelgrass, and kelp fronds can make fishing difficult, so finding clean, undisturbed water is essential for increasing catch rates. Live bait remains an effective option for targeting bass, with anglers using anchovies on dropper loops or light-line Carolina rigs.
With rockfish season currently closed in state waters until April 1, 2025, deep-water fishing opportunities are somewhat limited. However, sculpin fishing has been excellent up and down the coast, providing a reliable alternative for those looking to fish deeper structure.
The most productive setups for sculpin have been rubber lures, such as swimbaits or twin-tail grubs, fished on a lead head. Many anglers have had success using these lures on a dropper loop, weighted with a 6- to 10-ounce sinker to keep the bait near the bottom. Given the abundance of sculpin, this remains one of the most consistent winter fisheries available.
While targeting sculpin, it’s crucial for anglers to be mindful of bycatch, particularly with rockfish populations off-limits for harvest. Carrying and using a descending device to safely release any incidentally caught rockfish is highly recommended and helps ensure the health of the fishery. In addition to sculpin, ocean whitefish and sand dabs remain viable alternatives for those fishing deeper waters.
For those with the ability to reach Catalina Island, recent reports indicate a large volume of squid in the area — great news for anglers looking to make their own bait. Those targeting halibut around the island have found success in shallow sandy areas along the back side, particularly from Church Rock to Salta Verde. As with mainland halibut fishing, understanding tides and timing weather windows is critical, as much of the island’s backside is highly exposed to the elements.
One challenge this winter has been the limited availability of live bait. Most bait receivers currently have only anchovies, as live sardines have been difficult for bait haulers to source in recent weeks. If available, live squid remains an excellent bait option, and some Los Angeles/Long Beach bait suppliers may have it in their receivers for purchase.
Given the likelihood of working with anchovies, anglers should ensure they have the appropriate tackle, including a selection of smaller hooks in sizes 4 and 2, as well as light line to maximize bait presentation.
While winter presents unique challenges for anglers, success is still attainable with proper preparation. Checking weather forecasts, selecting optimal tide windows, and ensuring safe conditions — particularly when fishing in shallow waters — are all critical elements of a productive trip.
Even though fishing in colder water often requires more patience, the rewards are worth the effort. Whether targeting halibut in the shallows, dropping for sculpin offshore, or working artificial lures for bass, those who adapt to winter conditions can still find plenty of action on the water.
