See the Month-by-Month Calendar
| Month | Top species | Water temp | Wind | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Yellowtail offshore, sea bass, bottom fish | ~60°F | Frequent windy days | Fair |
| February | Yellowtail, sea bass, corvina starting | ~59°F | Frequent windy days | Fair |
| March | Corvina, yellowtail, cabrilla | ~62°F | Spring wind | Good |
| April | Corvina, cabrilla, sierra, yellowtail | ~66°F | Spring wind | Very good |
| May | Corvina, cabrilla, sierra, grouper | ~72°F | Calming | Very good |
| June | Grouper, cabrilla, triggerfish | ~79°F | Mostly calm | Good |
| July | Grouper, cabrilla, reef fish | ~85°F | Calm, very hot | Good (fish early) |
| August | Grouper, reef fish | ~88°F | Calm, very hot | Fair to good (fish early) |
| September | Grouper, reef fish, sierra | ~87°F | Calm, storms possible | Good |
| October | Cabrilla, sierra, grouper, corvina | ~80°F | Mostly calm | Very good |
| November | Cabrilla, sierra, sea bass | ~70°F | Wind returning | Good |
| December | Sea bass, yellowtail offshore, bottom fish | ~63°F | Frequent windy days | Fair |
Water temperatures are approximate monthly averages for the northern Gulf near Puerto Peñasco. Species and ratings are a starting guide, and we update them as our partner captains' trip logs come in.
Fish Spring
March through May is prime time for many Arizona anglers. Corvina move inshore, cabrilla get active on the reefs, sierra show up, and yellowtail can still be around offshore. The trade-off is wind: spring afternoons often blow, so captains like early starts and you should plan a backup day. Spring break weeks fill the town and the lodge early, so book ahead.
Fish Summer
June through September brings the warmest water, the calmest seas, and strong reef and grouper fishing. It also brings real heat, often over 100°F on land. Trips leave early and the afternoon trip can be a scorcher. Bring sun shirts, plenty of water, and a big cooler of ice. Late summer can bring tropical storms, so watch the forecast.
Fish Fall
October and November may be the most underrated months in Rocky Point. The water is still warm, the wind is mostly down, the crowds are gone, and cabrilla, sierra, and mixed reef fish are active. A fall guys' weekend is hard to beat.
Fish Winter
December through February is quieter and cooler. Bottom fishing for sea bass stays steady, and yellowtail can show up offshore. Wind cancels more trips, so a 3-night stay with a flexible charter day gives you the best odds. Pack warm layers for the boat ride.
See Where This Data Comes From
This calendar starts from general seasonal patterns for the northern Sea of Cortez and is being rebuilt from our partner captains' actual trip logs: species caught, average counts, water temperature, and tide on each trip. We update it every season and note the date range used.
For what is biting this week, see the Rocky Point fishing report. For tide timing, see our fishing tides guide.
Species Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to fish in Rocky Point?
April, May, and October are strong all-around months, with good fishing and manageable weather. The best month for you depends on your target species, and we refine this with our partner captains' logs every season.
Can you fish in Rocky Point in winter?
Yes. Winter trips are possible, but wind cancels more days. Sea bass and bottom fish are commonly caught in cooler months, and yellowtail can show up offshore.
Is summer good for fishing in Rocky Point?
Summer can be productive, but trips start early to avoid the heat. Bring sun protection and plenty of water.
When is the windiest time in Rocky Point?
Winter and spring see the most windy days. Build a backup day into your trip.