Artificial Lure here with your Los Angeles fishing report for Friday, May 16, 2025. It is shaping up to be another great day on the water, with classic SoCal spring conditions and excellent opportunities for both inshore and offshore anglers.

Weather this morning is mild with temps starting in the low 60s and climbing into the mid-70s by afternoon. Skies are mostly clear and winds are light, which should hold throughout the day—ideal for both boaters and shore anglers. Sunrise was at 5:48 AM and sunset will be around 7:51 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to work with.

Tide-wise, we're looking at a moderate morning incoming tide peaking around 10:30 AM, followed by a slow, gentle outgoing tide through the afternoon—these moving waters should kick fish activity up a notch, especially for rockfish and bass along structure.

Recent fish counts from the local boats out of Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, and San Pedro have all been strong. On the boats like the New Del Mar and Spitfire out of Marina Del Rey, anglers have been decking solid numbers of rockfish, whitefish, and a handful of halibut and lingcod. For example, the New Del Mar put 425 rockfish and 33 whitefish on deck this week and the Spitfire reported 9 halibut and 2 lingcod recently. Over in Long Beach, Victory pulled in 330 rockfish and 165 sculpin on a single trip. San Pedro’s Triton and Monte Carlo boats have been seeing good action on red snapper, calico bass, and whitefish as well. Calico bass are biting, but a lot are being released due to size limits, so bring some finesse if you are targeting them[3].

For inshore and freshwater options, bass and trout action has been consistent at local lakes. Trout fishing has been wide open at places like Hemet Lake, with both shore and boat anglers scoring on PowerBait, nightcrawlers, spoons, and mini jigs. The spring bass bite is on fire in shallows with Senkos and dropshot Roboworms along rocky structure[4].

As far as what’s working best, bottom fishing with dropper loop rigs tipped with squid or sardine has been the ticket for those rockfish, lingcod, and whitefish on the local boats. Onshore, try swimbaits or jerkbaits early for halibut, and live sardines or anchovies if you can get them. For freshwater bass, stick with natural colored soft plastics—greens and browns have been getting consistent bites.

For hot spots today, hit the breakwall and kelp lines off Palos Verdes for big rockfish and lingering halibut, or check out the stretch around Malibu Pier for surf perch, halibut, and the odd legal white seabass rolling in. Want freshwater? Head to Castaic Lake or Hansen Dam where both the bass and catfish are biting well.

That’s your Friday rundown from Artificial Lure. Tight lines and happy fishing—let’s keep those rods bent and the reels singing!