Book Your Fishing Charter in Monterey, CA

Want to experience the salmon run in Monterey, California? Come and visit between May to October.

Book Your Fishing Charter in Monterey, CA
Book Your Fishing Charter in Monterey, CA
Team Guidesly

September 9, 2021, 3 min read

Updated on June 19, 2023

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Are you looking for your next fishing destination in California? Well then, why not give the historic city of Monterey a chance? This picturesque city situated at the southern tip of Monterey Bay is home to both history and bountiful fishing. Monterey’s history goes back to the arrival and colonization of the Spanish, meaning that you’ll find many old buildings in this town filled with almost 400 years of history. And of course, how could we forget to mention the fishing? Gamefish, both freshwater, and saltwater abound in its waters, particularly in Monterey Bay. Anglers will find bass, trout, salmon, and albacore swimming here. Salmon, in particular, attracts anglers from all over the country to test their luck during the annual “salmon run” that happens every July to October. If you’re looking for a fishing destination where you can also learn something new, Monterey is the spot for you. 

Monterey: Fishing and Culture in One Place

Due to the number of gamefish in the area, anglers can visit Monterey at any time of the year and expect to have a wonderful fishing experience. But for anglers who want to schedule their trips during the peak months of the area, they should visit from May to October. For anglers who wish to participate in the famous salmon run, they should visit from July to October to take advantage of the large numbers of chinook and sockeye salmon traveling from saltwater to freshwater. For anglers looking to cast their lines during winter and early spring, rockfish, lingcod, and leopard sharks will greet you in Monterey’s waters during your fishing trip. 

The top fish species to target are: 

  • Rockfish: They appear in numbers mostly throughout the year but not from January to February
  • Chinook salmon: Its peak season is from July to December. It can’t be caught from January to April but will start appearing in May.
  • Sockeye salmon: Unlike the chinook, it is available throughout the year in small numbers, but its peak season is only from July to October.
  • Halibut: This gamefish’s peak season is from April to July but otherwise appears in numbers throughout the year. 
  • Calico bass: Another common gamefish in the area, its peak season is from April to September. 

Monterey: Fishing in Historic Waters

Whether you’re a nature lover or a fan of history, you will have a great time visiting Monterey. There’s plenty of things to do here aside from fishing that will make visitors want to come back for more. Here are just a few of the said things that visitors can go to when in Monterey. 

 

1. Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

No discussion of Monterey would be complete without mentioning this popular tourist attraction. The Monterey Bay Aquarium contains an assortment of fish species, ranging from native species to exotic ones. This aquarium even has a kelp forest on display. Aside from being a popular tourist attraction, the Aquarium is also a leading advocate for aquatic life preservation and environmental conservation. 

 

2. Take a Walk Down Memory Lane in the Monterey State Historic Park

The Monterey State Historic Park is perfect for those who want to know more about Monterey and its historical significance in the area. There are plenty of old buildings here that tell the story of Monterey and its people through the years, seeing that it was, and still is, a center of learning and culture. Aside from historical landmarks, there are also several beautiful gardens here that you’ll pass through during your tour of the park. 

Fish in Monterey and beyond.