Santa Barbara Channel Islands fishing forecast
Santa Barbara Channel Islands is a saltwater fishing spot in Southern California, United States. Anglers here target Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail Amberjack, Lingcod. The most productive months are typically June, July, August, September, October, November.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 15.8 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 27 km/h from WNW |
| Wave height | 1.0 m at 11 s |
| Current | 0.01 m/s toward NNE |
| Pressure | 1010 hPa |
| Cloud cover | 0% |
Last updated Jun 7, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Santa Barbara Channel Islands:
What you can catch
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Thunnus albacares
-
Seriola lalandi
-
Ophiodon elongatus
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowtail Amberjack | 10/day | min 61 cm | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Lingcod | 2/day | min 55.9 cm | Aug 1 – Nov 30; Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents Resident Sport Fishing License required. Annual ~$56. Additional report cards for certain species (salmon, sturgeon)., non-residents Non-resident annual ~$142; 1-day and 10-day options available.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. Always verify current rules at wildlife.ca.gov before fishing. California regulations are complex and subject to emergency changes.
Check Santa Barbara Channel Islands before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
-
Channel Islands CA
Dana Point SoCal
San Diego Yellowfin Banks
San Diego Banks
Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Santa Barbara Channel Islands?
Anglers at Santa Barbara Channel Islands target Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail Amberjack, and Lingcod.
When is the best time to fish Santa Barbara Channel Islands?
The most productive months at Santa Barbara Channel Islands are typically June, July, August, September, October, November.
What is the fishing forecast for Santa Barbara Channel Islands right now?
Santa Barbara Channel Islands currently scores 50 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Santa Barbara Channel Islands?
Fishing at Santa Barbara Channel Islands follows the local rules for Southern California, United States. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.