Today's Best Fishing & Tide Times for
Salinas, United States 🇺🇸

Solunar
Tides
Weather
7-Day
Spots

How to use our fishing calendar

Planning your next fishing trip in Salinas, United States ? Today is a good day for fishing. Our comprehensive fishing almanac combines our popular solunar tables, moon times, sunrise and sunset times, nearby tide chart, and a 7-day fishing calendar so you always know the best fishing times in your area. We analyse major and minor solunar bite times, rate each day on a five-star scale, and pair it with localized weather forecasts so you can quickly tell whether today is a good day to fish without juggling multiple tabs. Be sure to bookmark this page so you never miss a bite. view bite times...

  • Check our unique Solunar Clock for precise solunar tables and the best moon phases.
  • Use the Tide Clock section to sync bite times with high and low tide chart.
  • Analyze the forecasted weather conditions, such as wind, barometric pressure and rain to plan your fishing session.
  • Jump to the 7-Day Fishing Calendar for an extended fishing forecast, then explore nearby fishing spots on the interactive map.

Fishing in and around Salinas, California centers on the lower Salinas River, nearby farm ponds, and fast-access trips to the Monterey Bay coast. Anglers target largemouth bass, bluegill, carp, striped bass, surfperch, halibut, rockfish, and salmon within easy driving distance of the city. The blend of freshwater and saltwater options makes Salinas a versatile base for both bank and boat anglers. read more...

Some of the best fishing spots near Salinas include: Monterey Harbor, Moss Landing Harbor, Elkhorn Slough, Marina State Beach, Lovers Point, Point Pinos, Carmel River State Beach, Salinas River State Beach, Lake Nacimiento, Lake San Antonio, etc. see full list

Tide Station:

Sun and Moon Times

The sun will be at it's highest point at . Today we have 14:35 hours of daylight. For shallow water fishing the twilight periods are often the most productive fishing times, especially on days when a major or minor time will coincide with twilight. In low light conditions predators have better cover for their ambush and often hunt in shallow water.
  • Nautical Twilight begins:
    Sunrise:
  • Sunset:
    Nautical Twilight ends:
  • Moonrise:
  • Moonset:
  • Moon over:
  • Moon under:
  • Visibility:
    90%
  • Waning Gibbous - 90% illuminated Waning Gibbous
Next New Moon in ~11 days on 14th June
  • Distance to earth:
    402,134 km
    Proximity:
    8.4 %
We can compare the current moon distance to it's minimum and maximum distance from earth and express that as proximity. A high proximity means the moon is closer to earth. At 50% it would be at it's mean distance. A high proximity causes big tides, currents and has a direct effect on increased bite times. A proximity greater than 90% indicates a super moon.
Moon Phases for Salinas
Full Moon
Sun, 31 May
New Moon
Sun, 14 Jun
Full Moon
Mon, 29 Jun

Solunar Bite Times

Settings
Display Settings:
  • good Day
12 1 2 3 4 5 AM 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
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Best fishing times:
  • major Time:
    02:33 am - 04:33 am
  • minor Time:
    07:17 am - 09:17 am
  • major Time:
    02:53 pm - 04:53 pm
  • minor Time:
    10:30 pm - 12:30 am
All times are displayed in the America/Los_Angeles timezone and are automatically adjusted to daylight savings. The current timezone offset is -7 hours. Green and yellow areas indicate the best fishing times (major and minor). Blue areas indicate high and low tides. The center shows the current moon phase which is a Waning Gibbous at 90% lumination. According to the Solunar Theory, today is a good day for fishing, but you need to cross check this with the current weather forecast for a final decision. Currently we have a minor fishing time. The next best fishing time will be tomorrow. The gray time indicator displays the current local time.
America/Los_Angeles • Wed, 3 Jun 23:54 • 36.678, -121.656

Tides Times for Fishing: Wed, 3 Jun

The Tideclock displays the tide status and the hours until the next tide. Currently the tide is rising and the next high tide is in 1 hour and 1 minute.
Tide Graph
12:15 am 07:33 am 03:04 pm 07:22 pm AM PM 5.05 ft -0.72 ft height hour: 12 2 4 6 8 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12
Times
Tide Time Height
high 12:15 am 5.05 ft
low 07:33 am -0.72 ft
high 03:04 pm 3.77 ft
low 07:22 pm 3.35 ft
Tide Coefficient at 12:15 am is 95
Tide Coefficient at 03:04 pm is 51
For fishing, stronger tides are often favourable as they cause stronger currents and more motion on the sea bed. The above tidal coefficients give us an indication of how strong the tides are compared to their average. A value over 90 indicates very strong tides, known as spring tides. A low value indicates weak tides, known as neap tides. The tidal coefficient can range from 20 to 120 with a mean value of 70. A higher number usually indicates better fishing.
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Current Fishing Weather

Updating Weather Infos...

7 Day Fishing Weather

The weather plays an important role in fishing. Wind strenght and direction often determine where you can fish and where fish might be holding. Although high pressure is usually good for fishing, steep pressure changes often trigger feeding frenzies and are great times for fishing. Of course temperature has also a strong effect on fishing and comfort on the water. So make sure to cross check the weather forecast with the solunar fishing times to determine the best times to go fishing. The graph below shows you the 3 hourly weather progression over the next 7 days. Scroll the graph left or right to see more.
Selected Weather Station: Salinas, US
Temperature
Wave Height
Swell Height
Wind
Pressure
Humidity
Cloudcover
Rain Precipitation
UV Index
Retrieving Weather...

7 Day Fishing Forecast Calendar
Date Major Bite Times Minor Bite Times Sun Moon Moonphase Tide Times
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Gibbous moon phase
Waning Gibbous
low: , -0.85 ft
high: , 3.77 ft , Coeff: 51
low: , 3.28 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Gibbous moon phase
Waning Gibbous
high: , 5.05 ft , Coeff: 95
low: , -0.72 ft
high: , 3.77 ft , Coeff: 51
low: , 3.35 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Gibbous moon phase
Waning Gibbous
high: , 4.86 ft , Coeff: 88
low: , -0.59 ft
high: , 3.84 ft , Coeff: 53
low: , 3.31 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Waning Gibbous moon phase
Waning Gibbous
high: , 4.59 ft , Coeff: 79
low: , -0.39 ft
high: , 3.94 ft , Coeff: 56
low: , 3.22 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
high: , 4.27 ft , Coeff: 68
low: , -0.1 ft
high: , 4.13 ft , Coeff: 63
low: , 2.92 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
high: , 3.87 ft , Coeff: 54
low: , 0.23 ft
high: , 4.36 ft , Coeff: 71
low: , 2.43 ft
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
high: , 3.48 ft , Coeff: 40
low: , 0.69 ft
high: , 4.69 ft , Coeff: 82
-
-
-
-
R:
S: 		R:
S: 		Third Quarter Moon moon phase
Third Quarter Moon
low: , 1.74 ft
high: , 3.22 ft , Coeff: 31
low: , 1.15 ft
high: , 5.05 ft , Coeff: 95
*bold times indicate best fishing times around sunrise or sunset

Fishing Overview Salinas

Fishing in Salinas, CA revolves around a mix of freshwater and saltwater opportunities. The Salinas River, small reservoirs in the valley, and quick runs to Monterey Bay give anglers a lot of options if you understand how seasonal patterns and local conditions shape the bite. Wind, agricultural runoff, and marine swell all play a role, so flexible tactics are key.

Seasonal patterns near Salinas are defined by cool, wet winters and dry summers. In late winter and early spring, freshwater action in the lower Salinas River picks up as flows stabilize and water clarity improves. Carp, catfish, and the occasional striped bass become active in deeper bends and slow runs. By late spring and early summer, warming water pushes largemouth bass and sunfish shallow in farm ponds and regional reservoirs, creating reliable action on reaction baits and finesse plastics. On the saltwater side, surfperch along nearby Monterey Bay beaches peak from late winter through early summer, while rockfish, lingcod, and halibut shine from late spring into fall when ocean conditions are calmer.

Key habitats around Salinas include the tidal stretches of the Salinas River, irrigation canals, small ponds, and coastal structure. In the river, target outside bends, undercut banks, and any visible wood or brush piles—these edges concentrate carp, catfish, and opportunistic bass. Murky water is the norm, so noisy or bulky presentations excel. In ponds and small lakes, look for weedlines, submerged tules, and riprap banks that hold forage and offer ambush cover for largemouth bass. Along the coast, sandy beaches near Marina, Seaside, and further to Monterey provide classic surfperch water: gentle bars, troughs, and cuts where waves break unevenly. Rockfish and lingcod push up on rocky reefs and kelp lines, accessible by charter boats out of Moss Landing or Monterey, a short drive from Salinas.

Productive techniques depend strongly on water color and current. In the Salinas River, soak cut bait, nightcrawlers, or prepared dough baits on a sliding sinker rig for carp and catfish, focusing on slow eddies and deeper pools. For bass in ponds and reservoirs, start with search baits—spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and squarebill crankbaits—around shallow cover at first light, then switch to Texas-rigged worms, wacky rigs, and jigs when the sun gets high. Downsizing to 4–6 lb fluorocarbon and small plastics can make a big difference in pressured or clear-water lakes within an hour of Salinas.

On the coast, surf fishing near Salinas is all about reading the beach. Work the incoming tide with 2–4 oz sinkers and hi-low rigs tipped with GULP! sandworms or sand crabs for barred surfperch. Cast into the darker, deeper lanes and current seams rather than random whitewater. For halibut, fan-cast swimbaits or jerkbaits across sandy flats adjacent to rocky structure and river mouths, keeping the lure near bottom with a slow, steady retrieve. Offshore, vertical jigging and bait rigs over reefs and pinnacles take rockfish and lingcod; use heavier jigs on windier days to maintain bottom contact.

Tactical tips for the Salinas area start with timing: dawn and dusk generally produce the most consistent action in both freshwater and saltwater. Pay attention to wind—afternoon gusts can muddy the river and make surf conditions tough, so plan lighter tackle trips early. Bring a range of weights and leader materials to adapt to changing current and clarity. Finally, keep a log of tides, swell height, river flow, and barometric pressure; around Salinas, understanding these variables is often the difference between a slow day and a standout session.

The Best Fishing Spots around Salinas

Monterey Harbor

Sheltered waters and easy access make Monterey Harbor a go-to for year-round action on mackerel, sardine, jacksmelt, and seasonal California halibut, with rockfish and lingcod nearby along structure. Fish from shore along jetties and piers or launch small boats and kayaks; bait schools often pin against the breakwaters, and the area benefits from the rich upwelling of Monterey Bay.

Moss Landing Harbor

At the heart of the bay, Moss Landing Harbor offers excellent access to baitfish schools, halibut, striped bass (occasional), and big bat rays around the jetties and channel edges. Shore anglers work the rock-lined banks and sand pockets, while small boats and kayaks drift the harbor mouth and adjacent flats by the entrance to Elkhorn Slough.

Elkhorn Slough

This tidal estuary is renowned for kayak drifting and light-tackle fishing for California halibut, jacksmelt, and seasonal striped bass, especially on moving tides along channel bends and flats. The protected waters and abundant forage from the marsh ecosystem offer consistent action just inland from Moss Landing Harbor.

Marina State Beach

A classic surf zone north of Monterey, Marina State Beach produces strong runs of barred surfperch, plus summer California halibut cruising the troughs when bait is present. Work the nearshore cuts and holes at lower light; the broad sandy expanse lets anglers cover water quickly along the open coast of Monterey Bay.

Lovers Point

Rocky points and kelp lanes here concentrate rockfish, kelp greenling, and cabezon, with the occasional nearshore lingcod along deeper pockets. The mix of reef structure and sandy seams makes it a productive spot for casting jigs and swimbaits just east of Pacific Grove.

Point Pinos

The outermost point of the peninsula, Point Pinos features kelp beds, reefs, and current seams that hold rockfish, cabezon, and occasional lingcod. Anglers focus on pockets between rocks and edges of kelp canopy, with productive windows during calmer seas near Pacific Grove.

Carmel River State Beach

Where the river meets the sea, this beach and adjacent lagoon mouth draw barred surfperch and seasonal halibut when baitfish stack along the bar. The combination of river outflow and nearshore structure creates dynamic troughs and channels just south of Monterey.

Salinas River State Beach

A long stretch of open sand favored for barred surfperch much of the year and periodic shots at striped bass and halibut around the river mouth. Anglers roam to locate cuts and rips that funnel bait along the beachfront north of Marina.

Lake Nacimiento

A large, canyoned reservoir known for mixed black bass and the state’s only established population of white bass, plus largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, crappie, and catfish. Points, creek arms, and rocky banks fish well by boat or from accessible shoreline within reach of Monterey County.

Lake San Antonio

A favorite inland option featuring largemouth and smallmouth bass, with seasonal bites for crappie and channel catfish along coves, points, and submerged structure. Boat anglers cover expansive flats and creek arms, while shore access around camp areas provides reliable casting lanes near Bradley.

Interactive Fishing Map for the greater Salinas area

Wharf's or Jetties are good places to wet a line and meet other fishermen. They often produce a fresh feed of fish and are also great to catch bait fish. As they are often well lit, they also provide a good opportunity for night fishing. There are 1 wharf(s) in this area.

Jetty Beach - 18.93581005048km

Beaches and Bays are ideal places for land-based fishing. If the beach is shallow and the water is clear then twilight times are usually the best times, especially when they coincide with a major or minor fishing time. Often the points on either side of a beach are the best spots. Or if the beach is large then look for irregularities in the breaking waves, indicating sandbanks and holes. We found 3 beaches and bays in this area.

Island Beach - 18.39843606289km , Jetty Beach - 18.93581005048km , Del Monte Beach - 21.00565497456km

Harbours and Marinas can often times be productive fishing spots for land based fishing as their sheltered environment attracts a wide variety of bait fish. Similar to river mouths, harbour entrances are also great places to fish as lots of fish will move in and out with the rising and falling tides. There are 4 main harbours in this area.

Marina Gate - 7.85106473424km, Marina Municipal Business Park - 9.66018527266km, Marina Coast Water District Administration Complex - 13.765434806km, Moss Landing Harbor - 18.44612088764km

We found a total of 40 potential fishing spots nearby Salinas. Below you can find them organized on a map. Points, Headlands, Reefs, Islands, Channels, etc can all be productive fishing spots. As these are user submitted spots, there might be some errors in the exact location. You also need to cross check local fishing regulations. Some of the spots might be in or around marine reserves or other locations that cannot be fished. If you click on a location marker it will bring up some details and a quick link to google search, satellite maps and fishing times. Tip: Click/Tap on a new area to load more fishing spots.

Alisal Creek - 1.62451735225km , Natividad Creek - 1.62451735225km , Carr Lake (historical) - 1.64288363147km , Alisal Slough - 2.70726533858km , El Toro Creek - 6.12724532752km , Marina Gate - 7.85106473424km , Espinosa Lake - 8.63202888661km , Mudhen Lake - 8.78861438711km , Marina Municipal Business Park - 9.66018527266km , Lagunita Lake - 11.80530038957km , Quail Creek - 12.13050151536km , Harper Creek - 12.18995390268km , Watson Creek - 12.44232506793km , Laguna Seca - 13.73268712728km , Marina Coast Water District Administration Complex - 13.765434806km , El Toro Lake - 15.29770757676km , Towne Creek - 15.40321833326km , Salinas River - 15.43461933536km , Chualar Creek - 15.74473962219km , Tembladero Slough - 15.928506373km , Old Salinas River - 15.93337632911km , Parsons Slough - 17.33387014804km , Jacques Hanlon Creek - 17.88623574628km , Moro Cojo Slough - 18.01816598741km , Island Beach - 18.39843606289km , Moss Landing Harbor - 18.44612088764km , Jamieson Creek - 18.57778833859km , Elkhorn Slough - 18.62037514836km , Jetty Beach - 18.93581005048km , Pauls Island - 19.24641201905km , Bennett Slough - 19.48476515022km , Laguna Del Rey - 19.72482228057km , Roberts Lake - 19.74072083103km , Limekiln Creek - 20.95178805846km , Del Monte Beach - 21.00565497456km , Del Monte Lake - 21.05843717421km , McClusky Slough - 21.2465772711km , Carneros Creek - 21.71575426475km , Left Fork Bird Creek - 21.72745106892km , Las Gazas Creek - 22.29683152554km

Harbours and Marinas Beaches Bays Wharfs Points,Reefs,etc
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