San Diego Bay at Broadway is an inner-bay fishery centered on waterfront structure, channels, piers, and protected Southern California harbor water. Spotted sand bass, california halibut, barred surfperch, and barred sand bass are the principal supported targets.
Active coastal or marine alerts
Beach Hazards Statement
Severity: Moderate
Beach Hazards Statement issued October 20 at 1:59AM PDT until October 20 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Begins Oct 20, 2026, 1:59 AM · Ends Oct 20, 2026, 11:00 PM
A beach hazards statement is issued when threats such as strong rip currents...elevated surf heights...minor tidal overflow...or lightning are possible at local beaches. Obey posted warning signs and flags and talk to a lifeguard before swimming. Use caution when in or near th…
California · Nine Mile Bank west of Point Loma / San Diego · Offshore
Approximately 14.6 miles away
Predicted Tides
Predicted
Rising
Next high tide
Oct 20, 2026, 7:01 AM
In 2 hr 16 min
4.5 ft MLLW
Previous
Low · Oct 20, 2026, 12:11 AM · 0.8 ft MLLW
Following
Low · Oct 20, 2026, 12:21 PM · 2.8 ft MLLW
Tide station at destination
San Diego · NOAA 9410170
Predicted Tidal Current
Predicted
Tidal-current predictions are not available for this destination.
Tidal-current timing can differ from high and low tide timing.
Fishery Profile
Fishery Overview
San Diego Bay at Broadway spotted sand bass and California halibut fishery
Inner San Diego Bay / Embarcadero–Broadway unit at NOAA 9410170. Anglers target spotted sand bass and California halibut, with bay perch as a companion. Kelp bass is open-coast kelp/reef and is not a Broadway primary.
Fishery type
Inner san diego bay bass halibut
Fishing modes
Shore
Inshore boat
Habitat and structure
Embarcadero public pier · Downtown / Broadway bay waterfront · Eelgrass, channels, and pilings
Static seasonal guidance · Last reviewed Aug 15, 2026
Not a live bite forecast.
Fishery Targets
Spotted sand bass and California halibut define this inner-bay unit year-round. Broadway is not a kelp-bass, rockfish, or ocean-salmon pier.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency and editorial sources. About fish illustrations
Spotted sand bass
Primary
Paralabrax maculatofasciatus
Also called spotted bay bass
Currently in a typical seasonal window
Typical seasonal window: MARCH — NOVEMBER
These fish are present through the year. The peak shown is the main fishing window.
California halibut
Primary
Paralichthys californicus
Also called California flounder
No seasonal pulse known
Barred surfperch
Secondary
Amphistichus argenteus
No seasonal pulse known
Barred sand bass
Seasonal
Paralabrax nebulifer
Currently in a typical seasonal window
Typical seasonal window: APRIL — OCTOBER
Typical Seasonal Targets
Spotted sand bass — MARCH — NOVEMBER
Barred sand bass — APRIL — OCTOBER
Seasonal presence is general guidance and does not indicate current fish activity.
How to Fish San Diego Bay at Broadway
Typical October approaches include inner-bay boat and kayak and embarcadero / broadway pier fishing for Spotted sand bass and Barred sand bass.
Inner-bay boat and kayak
Spotted sand bass and California halibut over eelgrass, channels, and structure from downtown / Harbor Island ramps. Point Loma kelp is not this downtown bay fishery.
Best for
Spotted sand bass
Barred sand bass
Modes
Shore
Inshore boat
Setup
Inner San Diego Bay setup
Embarcadero / Broadway pier fishing
Bay-side eelgrass and pilings for spotted sand bass and perch. License not required on a qualifying public pier.
Best for
Spotted sand bass
Modes
Shore
Inshore boat
Setup
Inner San Diego Bay setup
Common Tackle Setups
Inner San Diego Bay setup
Light plastics and live-bait style presentations for spotted sand bass and halibut.
Rod
7–8 ft light-to-medium spinning.
Reel
Spinning reel.
Main line
10–20 lb braid.
Leader
Fluorocarbon leader.
Terminal tackle
Jig heads.; Light leadheads.; Swivels.
Presentation
Ocean Enhancement Stamp is required south of Point Arguello where a license is required.; Shelter Island Pier is a different CDFW public pier and is not this landing.
Used for
Inner-bay boat and kayak
Embarcadero / Broadway pier fishing
Typical October Lures and Flies
Common lure and fly families associated with this month’s techniques.
Minnow-style swimming plug
Lure
Spotted sand bass
Barred sand bass
Shallow to midwater · Steady, twitch, pause
Cast across seams and let the plug track with the current
Soft-plastic paddle tail
Lure
Spotted sand bass
Barred sand bass
Shallow, Midwater, Variable · Steady, twitch, jig
Swim steadily through seams or hop lightly near bottom transitions
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
