Offshore

Monterey Offshore

Offshore · California · Monterey Canyon head / shelf-edge

Location Snapshot

Monterey Offshore represents the fishable shelf edge and canyon-head water beyond Monterey Harbor, where deep offshore structure creates a fishery distinct from the wharf and harbor. Chinook salmon, lingcod, and black rockfish are principal supported targets, with albacore and California halibut adding additional offshore variety.

Information Only

StrikeTracks does not currently provide an Offshore fishing-condition rating. Marine Conditions are observations and forecasts for trip planning. They are not an Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor fishing score.

Marine Conditions

Planning context — not a fishing rating.

Regional Marine Forecast

Today

E wind around 5 kt, veering to S around 5 kt early this afternoon, veering to W late. Seas 4 to 6 ft. Wave Detail: NW 5 ft at 13 seconds and SW 3 ft at 15 seconds.

Wave Height

4.9 ft

Nearby / representative

Monterey Canyon Outer, CA (CDIP 156) · NDBC 46236

Wave Period

13 s

Nearby / representative

Monterey Canyon Outer, CA (CDIP 156) · NDBC 46236

Wave Direction

WNW

Nearby / representative

Monterey Canyon Outer, CA (CDIP 156) · NDBC 46236

Water Temperature

65.7°F

Nearby / representative

Monterey Canyon Outer, CA (CDIP 156) · NDBC 46236

Nearby fishing destinations

Monterey Harbor10.8 mi
California · Central Coast · Harbor
Approximately 10.8 miles away

Fishery Profile

Fishery Overview

Monterey Offshore offshore fishery

Monterey Offshore is fishable shelf-edge and canyon-head water. Chinook salmon, lingcod, and black rockfish are the fish. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary fishing is generally allowed. Specific marine reserves and conservation areas stay excluded.

Fishery type: Shelf edge canyon
Fishing modes: Offshore boat
Habitat and structure: Shelf edge · Canyon head

Static seasonal guidance · Last reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Not a live bite forecast.

Fishery Targets

Chinook salmon, lingcod, and black rockfish are the shelf-edge fish here. Albacore and California halibut also occur.

This reflects typical biological/fishery timing, not a legal open season. Check current regulations before fishing.

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

Chinook Salmon
PrimaryRegulations vary annually
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Typical seasonal opportunity: SUMMER — EARLY FALL
Lingcod
PrimaryRegulations vary annually
Ophiodon elongatus
Typical seasonal opportunity: SUMMER
Black rockfish
Primary
Sebastes melanops
Also called Black bass
Typical seasonal opportunity: SPRING — FALL
Albacore
Secondary
Thunnus alalunga
Also called Longfin tuna
No seasonal pulse known
California Halibut
Secondary
Paralichthys californicus
Also called California flounder
No seasonal pulse known

Typical Seasonal Targets

Chinook Salmon — SUMMER — EARLY FALL
Lingcod — SUMMER
Black rockfish — SPRING — FALL

Seasonal presence is general guidance and does not indicate current fish activity.

Access, Safety and Regulations

Access

Offshore boat from Monterey. Not Wharf 2.

Primary hazards

The canyon is larger than the fishable shelf edge. Sanctuary and marine protected area boundaries apply.

Fishery considerations

Monterey Harbor tides are not representative of this location.
Regional NWS.

Regulations

Size limits, seasons, and possession rules change. Verify the current official regulations before fishing.

View current recreational saltwater regulations

Fishery Sources

Editorial and agency sources supporting this fishery profile. Live and predicted conditions use the separate Data Sources section.

Location and Access

Offshore · California

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This marker is the mapped fishing area. It is not a boat ramp, a parking area, or a place to drive to.