What You'll Catch in Alamitos Bay

Alamitos Bay is a shallow, protected estuary in Long Beach that holds striped bass year-round, with peak activity from late spring through early fall. Halibut move in during summer and fall, particularly in the deeper channels and sandy flats. You'll also find leopard sharks, corbina, croaker, and perch in the shallows, making it a reliable spot for anglers who want consistent action without traveling far from the city.

The bay's average depth is 8 to 12 feet, with deeper holes reaching 20 feet near the inlet and navigation channels. This shallow profile means tides matter more than they do in open water — incoming tide pushes baitfish into the flats, and outgoing tide concentrates fish in the channels. Most productive fishing happens during the first two hours of incoming tide and the last two hours of outgoing tide.

Striped bass here run 12 to 30 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 40 pounds. Halibut average 3 to 8 pounds but can exceed 20. The bay's enclosed nature and sandy bottom make it forgiving for beginners, though experienced anglers often find it more productive than open-water spots during summer when the bay warms and baitfish concentrate.

Key Takeaways

  • Alamitos Bay holds striped bass and halibut year-round, with summer and fall offering the most consistent action and the largest fish.
  • The bay is shallow and tide-dependent, so plan your trip around incoming and outgoing tides rather than a fixed time of day.
  • You can fish from shore at several public access points, or rent a boat from Long Beach Marine Stadium or nearby marinas.
  • California fishing regulations require a valid license for anyone 16 and older, and striped bass and halibut have specific size and bag limits that change annually.
  • Summer water temperatures can exceed 70°F, which slows striped bass activity during midday — fish early morning and late afternoon instead.

Where to Fish and How to Access the Bay

Alamitos Bay has three main public access points: the Long Beach Marine Stadium (also called Rosie's Landing), Alamitos Bay County Beach, and the Alamitos Bay Wildlife Refuge parking area. The Marine Stadium is the most developed — it has a boat launch, rental slips, and a small tackle shop. Parking is available but fills quickly on weekends. The County Beach area offers shore access along a sandy beach and a small pier, with free parking in a lot adjacent to the water.

If you do not own a boat, renting is straightforward. Long Beach Marine Stadium rents small skiffs and center-console boats by the hour or day. Expect to pay between $60 and $150 per hour depending on boat size, with a four-hour minimum. Several independent marinas around the bay also rent kayaks and small fishing boats at lower rates. Kayak fishing has become popular here because the shallow water and calm conditions suit small craft, and you can reach flats and coves that larger boats cannot.

Shore fishing is productive along the County Beach and near the inlet where the bay meets the ocean. The inlet area concentrates fish during tidal changes and holds larger halibut and striped bass. Access is free, though parking can be limited during peak season (May through September). Arrive early or fish during weekday mornings to avoid crowds.

Seasons and What to Expect Month by Month

Striped bass are present year-round, but winter (December through February) is slow — water temperatures drop to the mid-50s, and fish move into the deepest channels. Fishing is possible but requires patience and slow presentations. Spring (March through May) brings warming water and increasing activity; by May, striped bass are feeding actively in the shallows and channels.

Summer (June through August) is peak season for both striped bass and halibut. Water temperatures reach 68–72°F, and baitfish concentrate in the bay. Halibut arrive in June and remain through September. The trade-off is that midday heat slows striped bass — fish the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset. Early morning trips often outproduce afternoon sessions by a factor of three or four.

Fall (September through November) remains excellent. Water temperatures cool slightly, striped bass feed throughout the day, and halibut are still present. October and early November often produce the largest halibut of the year. By late November, halibut begin to leave, and striped bass fishing transitions back to early morning and late afternoon patterns as water cools.

Tackle, Bait, and Techniques That Work

For striped bass, live bait is most effective — use 3- to 5-inch mullet, mackerel, or anchovies. Cast near structure (pilings, rocks, channel edges) and work the bait slowly along the bottom or suspend it 2 to 4 feet below the surface during incoming tide. A 6- to 7-foot medium-action rod with 12- to 15-pound test line is standard. Many anglers use a simple sliding sinker rig with a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook.

Halibut respond to live bait and soft plastics. Live anchovies or small mullet work best, fished on or near the bottom in channels and sandy flats. Soft plastic swimbaits (3 to 4 inches) rigged on a 1/4- to 1/2-ounce jig head are effective and allow you to cover more water. Use a 6- to 7-foot medium rod with 10- to 12-pound test. Halibut often bite on the drop, so stay alert when your bait reaches the bottom.

Leopard sharks and corbina are abundant and fun on light tackle. A 5- to 6-foot light rod with 8-pound test and small live bait or cut mackerel will produce steady action. These fish are not regulated by size or bag limits in California, so they are good targets for beginners or when striped bass and halibut are slow.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

California requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 years old and older. You can purchase a license online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores. A one-day license costs less than $20; annual licenses run around $50 for residents. Licenses are instant if you buy online and can be printed at home or stored on your phone.

Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily bag limit of two fish per angler. Halibut have a minimum size of 22 inches and a daily bag limit of three fish per angler. These limits can change year to year, so check the current CDFW regulations before you fish. Leopard sharks and corbina have no size or bag restrictions, but you must still have a valid license to keep them.

Alamitos Bay is open to fishing year-round, with no seasonal closures. However, some areas near the wildlife refuge have restricted access during nesting season (typically April through June). Check signage at the access points or call the Long Beach Parks and Recreation Department if you are unsure about a specific area.

When to Fish: Tides and Time of Day

Tides are the single most important factor for success in Alamitos Bay. Incoming tide pushes baitfish from the ocean into the bay's shallow flats and channels, concentrating striped bass and halibut. The first two hours of incoming tide are usually most productive. Outgoing tide concentrates fish in the deeper channels and the inlet area as they follow baitfish back toward the ocean. The last two hours of outgoing tide often produce the largest fish.

Slack tide (the period between incoming and outgoing) is typically slow. Fish are less active when water movement stops, and baitfish disperse. Plan your trip to avoid slack tide if possible. Tide tables for Alamitos Bay are available free through NOAA or through most fishing apps — check the table before you go and plan to arrive 30 minutes before the tide change you want to fish.

Summer heat also affects timing. From June through August, water temperatures exceed 70°F by midday, and striped bass move to deeper, cooler channels or become inactive. Fish the first two hours after sunrise (roughly 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. in June) and the last two hours before sunset (roughly 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.). Afternoon trips during summer are rarely worth the effort unless you target halibut in the deepest channels.

What Makes Alamitos Bay Different From Other Southern California Spots

Alamitos Bay is protected from ocean swell and wind, making it fishable on days when open-water spots are too rough. It is also closer to Long Beach and Orange County than most productive fishing grounds, which means less travel time and lower fuel costs. The shallow water and enclosed nature make it ideal for kayak fishing, small boats, and anglers who prefer calmer conditions.

The trade-off is that the bay is smaller and more crowded than open-water spots, especially on weekends. Fish can become pressured, and summer heat can slow action during the middle of the day. The bay also has less structure than rocky reefs or kelp forests, so fishing relies more on understanding tides and baitfish movement than on finding specific underwater features.

For beginners or anglers with limited time, Alamitos Bay is more forgiving than offshore fishing. You can fish from shore, rent a small boat without a captain's license, and catch fish consistently without traveling far. For experienced anglers, it is a reliable backup when ocean conditions are poor or when you want a quick morning session before work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Alamitos Bay?

No. Shore fishing at Alamitos Bay County Beach and near the inlet is productive for striped bass, halibut, and corbina. A boat gives you access to deeper channels and more area, but shore anglers catch fish regularly, especially during incoming tide.

What is the best time of year to fish for halibut here?

July through October is peak halibut season. Fish are largest and most abundant in September and early October. Summer (June through August) also produces halibut, but they are smaller on average and less consistent than in fall.

Can I fish at night?

Yes, but night fishing is less common in Alamitos Bay than day fishing. Striped bass feed at night, especially during summer when daytime heat slows them. You will need a headlamp or flashlight and should fish near structure or channels where fish concentrate. Check local regulations to confirm night fishing is allowed at your access point.

What should I do if I catch a fish that is too small to keep?

Handle the fish gently, keep it in water as much as possible, and release it quickly. Wet your hands before touching it to protect its protective slime coating. Most undersized fish survive if released promptly. Circle hooks (which are recommended for this bay) reduce deep hooking and improve survival rates.

Is Alamitos Bay safe to fish during winter?

Yes. Winter water temperatures are in the mid-50s, which is cold but not dangerous if you wear appropriate clothing. Wear a life jacket if you are in a boat, and avoid fishing alone. Winter storms can make the bay rough, so check weather forecasts before you go.