Monday September 21, 2026
KTLA 5 —
El Niño years typically mean warmer ocean temperatures in California. The warmer waters can also bring more exotic fish to the region from tropical and subtropical areas.
Though these fish are sometimes rare to California waters, they’re generally okay to catch as long as they aren’t a protected species and anglers respect catch-limit laws, according to California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
“When you catch an unusual warmwater fish, one that isn’t listed by name in regulations, it falls under the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 27.60(a), which states that no more than 20 finfish in combination of all species, with not more than 10 of any one species, may be taken,” the CDFW said.
Yellowfin, bluefin and albacore tuna are showing up along the California coast in large numbers in 2026, according to the CDFW. Less commonly seen wahoo, striped marlin, bullet tuna, and dorado are also migrating to the region due to the warmer El Niño waters.