Jagged cliffs, hidden coves and the steady rhythm of crashing waves: Welcome to fishing San Simeon and fishing Ragged Point. Here, catching fish is more than a pastime — it’s a thrilling introduction to the raw natural beauty of Highway 1.
Every cast brings you closer to the coast: towering headlands cloaked in mist, seabirds wheeling overhead and tidepools teeming with marine life. Whether you’re fishing from the historic San Simeon Pier, reeling from sandy shores near Hearst Castle or paddling out for kayak fishing in tranquil coastal coves, this is where solitude meets the sea — and the fish still bite like they did a century ago.
With dramatic scenery, mild weather and a seemingly endless coastline, fishing San Simeon and Ragged Point offer some of the most scenic and uncrowded angling experiences along Highway 1. You might find yourself the only soul on a quiet beach, on the pier or drifting offshore, accompanied only by the sound of surf and the tug of your line.
This stretch of coast delivers a diverse playground for fishing—whether you’re casting from rocky bluffs where the ocean pounds below or embarking on a deep-sea charter just minutes away. Expect to encounter barred surfperch weaving through kelp beds, rockfish sheltering in shadowy crevices, lingcod lurking among rocky reefs and seasonal steelhead trout making their graceful runs.
Before you set out, stop by San Simeon Liquors on Pico Avenue for supplies and know-how. This welcoming no-frills shop is the go-to spot for bait, tackle and local insights from folks who know these waters inside and out. Just like the old timers who love to share their best catch stories, this coastline is sure to inspire you to find your own piece of fishing paradise.
Explore Fishing in San Simeon & Ragged Point
Fishing Regulations & Seasonal Notes
Before setting out on your fishing San Simeon adventure, it’s wise to know the lay of the land — and the laws of the sea. This stretch of Highway 1 is both abundant and protected, where world-class coastal fishing meets thoughtful marine conservation. From elephant seal pupping zones to sensitive steelhead runs, every cast comes with a deeper connection to this part of the coast — and a responsibility to help preserve it.
Before you wet your line, take a moment to get familiar with the fishing regulations that protect these pristine coastal waters and the remarkable marine life that thrives here — from tidepools to open ocean. California requires catch-and-release for all steelhead trout. These strong, silvery fish can reach two feet in length but they’re strictly for the thrill of the catch, not the dinner table.
If you’re surf fishing near Hearst Castle or exploring Arroyo Laguna Beach, be sure to plan around seasonal closures. From December through April, this beach becomes a birthing ground for thousands of elephant seals, an incredible sight to behold. While the sand is off-limits to foot traffic during these months, water access for kayak fishing San Simeon is still allowed — just keep a respectful distance from these majestic animals.
For the most up-to-date fishing regulations, seasonal closures and bag limits, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. You’ll also want to review local Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), as some may have additional restrictions depending on where to fish San Simeon.
Whether you’re casting from the rocks at Ragged Point or paddling a kayak into a quiet cove, knowing the rules means you’re fishing with care.
San Simeon Pier
This historic pier stretches boldly into the rolling blue Pacific, a welcoming invitation for both novice and seasoned anglers looking for great fishing in San Simeon. Calm waters and a gently sloping shore create the perfect, easygoing launchpad for your first—or fiftieth—cast. With no fishing license required, it’s the ideal spot to dip a toe into the coastal lifestyle—and maybe even catch dinner along the way.
Step onto this 850-foot wooden pier, and you’re stepping into San Simeon’s rich maritime history. Once a bustling whaling town, the pier extends over shallow, protected waters where kelp sways softly around the pilings, crafting the perfect habitat for surfperch that call these waters home. At just 12 feet wide, the pier feels intimate rather than crowded—giving you plenty of elbow room for some of the best pier fishing San Simeon offers.
Nestled in a sheltered cove near Ragged Point, the pier keeps the surf minimal, making for a relaxed day of surf fishing near Hearst Castle, with the castle’s towers visible on the horizon. Locals swear by live sand crabs to hook barred and calico surfperch, though bloodworms, mussels, clams and ghost shrimp work just as well. While the prime fishing season runs from late spring through fall, white croaker can be caught here year-round.
For those looking to explore beyond the pier, kayak fishing San Simeon offers another fantastic way to experience the coastal waters and find hidden fishing spots. Whether you’re wondering where to fish San Simeon or seeking a peaceful spot near Ragged Point, this pier stands out as a must-visit destination.
Type: Pier fishing (no license required)
Species: Barred surfperch, white croaker, calico surfperch
Best Season: Spring–Fall
Conditions: Calm, sandy bottom, kelp near pilings
Crowds: Light
Parking: Easy, lot next to beach
San Simeon Cove
Tucked beside Hearst Castle’s seaside foothold, this peaceful cove offers calm, clear waters perfect for fishing or launching a kayak. Cliffs cradle the beach in a protective arc, while early morning light sparkles across the glassy surface. Whether you’re paddling out for kayak fishing San Simeon or settling in for some relaxed surf fishing near Hearst Castle, you’re likely to reel in something worth writing home about.
At the mouth of San Simeon Creek, one of Highway 1’s premier spots awaits anglers hoping to intercept steelhead as they make their journey from freshwater to sea. This is nature’s theater at its finest—especially during fall runs after the first good rains, when you can watch these silvery fish navigate the creek’s flowing waters.
The cove’s tranquility and sandy bottom gently slopping into deeper water creates a unique ecosystem attracting a variety of species. While steelhead are strictly catch-and-release, the thrill of hooking one of these powerful fish in such a stunning setting is reward enough.
After your time on the water, take a leisurely stroll along William R. Hearst Memorial Beach, where the gentle splash of the waves and soft coastal breeze invite you to pause and soak in the timeless beauty of this remarkable fishing haven—a perfect reminder of why this stretch of coast continues to captivate anglers and nature lovers alike.
Type: Surf + kayak fishing
Species: Surfperch, steelhead (seasonal)
Best Season: Fall–Winter for steelhead
Conditions: Sheltered water, easy kayak launch
Crowds: Light
Parking: Ample parking at Hearst State Beach
Point Sierra Nevada
Raw and remote, this windswept point calls to anglers drawn to wilder seas. Jagged rocks, swirling kelp beds and an endless horizon stretching west — here, Highway 1 fishing reveals its rugged edge. But for those who make the short trek down the trail, the reward is sweet: Rocky outcrops teeming with rock cod, cabezon, and fish stories that last a lifetime.
This is where adventure truly begins. From the thrill of rock and surf fishing to hiking along the scenic trails of San Simeon and Ragged Point, Point Sierra Nevada delivers natural wonder in spades.
Just 4.5 miles north of Piedras Blancas, park along Highway 1’s west shoulder and follow the trail southwest toward the point. You’ll wind through coastal scrub before emerging onto a rugged beach where granite outcroppings create natural ambush points for rockfish.
The nearby kelp beds sway in the depths, harboring bocaccio, rock cod and the occasional cabezon. Many anglers swear by using sand dabs caught from San Simeon Pier as bait—local rockfish can’t resist what they’re already used to eating. Beyond the fishing, the scenery alone makes the hike worthwhile. Enjoy waves crashing against ancient rocks and sea otters often floating just beyond the kelp line.
Type: Rock + surf fishing
Species: Rock cod, bocaccio, cabezon
Best Season: Summer–Fall
Conditions: Rocky outcroppings, kelp beds
Crowds: Very light
Parking: Pull-off 4.5 miles north of Piedras Blancas
Access: Southwest trail to rocky beach
Arroyo De Laguna Beach
Barely marked and rarely crowded, this quiet beach offers the kind of solitude that makes you forget what day it is. With only the pull of the tide and the occasional splash of surfperch to keep you company, Arroyo De Laguna is a pocket of peace—ideal for those seeking stillness between bites.
Hidden away from the main tourist routes, this gem is a perfect example of what makes fishing San Simeon so special. The small turnout is easy to find, but once you step onto the beach, it feels like your own private slice of California coastline. The surf fishing here stays consistent year-round, with surfperch cruising the sandy bottom just beyond the breakers.
Find easy parking at the southern Point Sierra Nevada trailhead, then head straight for one of the most rewarding hidden gems along Highway 1.
Type: Surf fishing
Species: Surfperch
Best Season: Year-round
Conditions: Quiet, remote feel
Crowds: Rarely visited
Parking: Small turnout off Hwy 1 at southern Point Sierra Nevada trailhead
Arroyo Del Corral Beach
Wide, sandy and brushed by sea air, Arroyo Del Corral invites you to settle in and stay awhile. When the Elephant seals haven’t claimed the beach, it’s a tranquil setting for casting into the waves, with seasonal chances at steelhead and year-round opportunities for surfperch.
Pack light, tread gently and let the hush of this beach soothe your soul. Backdropped by the iconic Piedras Blancas Light Station, Arroyo Del Corral Beach feels like a world apart from the everyday.
This expansive sandy shore stretches wide enough that you’ll rarely feel crowded, even when sharing space with the occasional elephant seal. Park at the old Piedras Blancas Motel site and take a short walk to a beach that feels wonderfully untouched. The fall steelhead runs are a highlight—especially after the rains—while surfperch keep the action going throughout the year.
Just remember to give any Elephant seals plenty of space—these wild creatures can weigh up to 5,000 pounds and move surprisingly fast on land. When they’re present, fish from a respectful distance and enjoy watching these marine giants in their natural habitat.
Type: Surf fishing
Species: Surfperch, steelhead (seasonal)
Best Season: Fall (steelhead), year-round otherwise
Conditions: Wide sandy beach
Crowds: Very light
Parking: Old Piedras Blancas Motel
Note: Elephant seals may occupy the beach at certain times
San Carpoforo Creek
Where fresh water meets salt, magic happens. The confluence of San Carpoforo Creek and the Pacific Ocean creates one of the most scenic fishing backdrops along Highway 1. During rainy seasons, silver flashes of steelhead streak through the shallows—fleeting and beautiful. Even when the fish aren’t running, the stunning views make the trek well worth it.
At this remarkable spot, steelhead fishing is at its most authentic—waiting on nature’s timing as these incredible fish follow ancient instincts to reach the sea. The creek carves through coastal bluffs before spreading across the sand to meet the endless Pacific, creating a setting that feels timeless and wild.
Success here depends entirely on rainfall and timing. In dry years, the creek barely touches the ocean, but when winter storms swell the watershed, steelhead follow the flowing water seaward, typically from late fall through early winter. It’s fishing that rewards patience and perfect timing with unforgettable moments.
To begin your adventure, park at the San Carpoforo Creek Trailhead and prepare for a truly special San Simeon fishing experience.
Type: Surf fishing
Species: Steelhead (catch-and-release)
Best Season: Rainy years, late fall–early winter
Conditions: Creek/ocean confluence, scenic
Crowds: Light
Parking: Side of road at San Carpoforo Creek Trailhead
Deep Sea Fishing Access
For those who dream of deeper depths, the territory just offshore from San Simeon and Ragged Point beckons with the promise of open-ocean adventure.
Launching from nearby Morro Bay or Avila Beach, deep sea charters carry anglers beyond the swaying kelp beds into vibrant fishing grounds where rockcod, lingcod, salmon and even albacore wait beneath the waves.
As the shoreline fades and the ocean’s swells rise beneath your boat, the thrill of the unknown pulses through the air. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing deep drops or setting out on your first offshore voyage, these charters bring the gear, guidance and local wisdom to help you land a catch worthy of the perfect photo—and the best stories.
The waters off San Simeon and Ragged Point offer some of the Central Coast’s richest deep sea fishing, where the continental shelf drops close to shore, stirring nutrient-rich upwellings that feed an abundance of marine life.
Your gateway to this world is the Morro Bay public boat ramp at the south end of the Embarcadero—free to launch, though parking comes at a cost. From here, you can chase rockcod hiding in nearby reefs, follow the shimmering albacore runs in summer or seek out salmon when they’re in season. Halibut, lingcod and the rare thrill of a yellowfin tuna await those who venture further into the blue.
No boat of your own? No worries. Virg’s Landing and Patriot Sportfishing have been trusted guides along this coast for years. Their seasoned captains know every secret fishing spot and provide all the tackle, bait, and fishing licenses you’ll need. There’s a rare kind of magic in learning these waters’ hidden rhythms from locals who’ve made a lifetime of memories here.
Kayak Fishing Access
Glide silently into shimmering coves and skirt rocky outcrops where big fish linger — Highway 1 kayak fishing offers an intimate way to experience San Simeon’s wild shoreline.
Launch from the soft sand at San Simeon Cove or Arroyo Laguna and paddle into a world where sea otters bob in the kelp and vermilion rockfish flash beneath the surface.
Mornings often bring calm, glassy waters — perfect conditions for a peaceful paddle. Just remember: Arroyo Laguna’s beach closes to foot traffic from December to April to protect nesting elephant seals, though water access remains open year-round. It’s a small price to pay for sharing the sea with such incredible creatures.
San Simeon Cove offers the perfect introduction to kayak fishing along Highway 1. Its sheltered waters stay tranquil even when ocean swells roll in, and the sandy launch is as simple as it gets — just steps from the parking lot to the water’s edge. Once you’re paddling, you’ll find yourself in prime lingcod territory, where kelp beds create perfect hiding spots for these elusive fish.
Arroyo Laguna Beach takes kayak fishing to the next level. Known locally for kiteboarding and windsurfing, it’s also a favorite for kayak anglers chasing big lingcod and vermilion rockfish. The gentle sandy launch makes getting in and out easy, though you’ll want to plan your visit outside Elephant seal season if you prefer beach access.
During the December-to-April closure, launching from the water’s edge is still allowed — just be sure to keep your distance and respect the space of these magnificent marine mammals. In return, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable wildlife viewing in one of San Simeon’s most stunning fishing spots.
Locations: San Simeon Cove, Arroyo Laguna Beach
Note: Arroyo Laguna closed to foot traffic Dec–April due to elephant seals, but water access allowed
Best species: Lingcod, vermilion rockfish
Conditions: Launch from sand, easy water entry
Crowds: Minimal
Resources & Planning
Success on the water starts with a little prep on land. In San Simeon, a few key resources can make the difference between a casual cast and a banner day. Swing by San Simeon Liquors for tackle basics and local insight — it’s a humble stop, but seasoned anglers know it’s the go-to spot for bait and pointers before heading out to fish San Simeon’s shores. Check NOAA tide charts to time your outing just right (those early morning highs can be magical), and dress in layers: coastal mornings often arrive wrapped in fog, but the sun usually breaks through by afternoon.
Sturdy shoes with good grip are a must, especially if you plan to explore rocky stretches like Point Sierra Nevada or San Carpoforo Creek. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat — even overcast days bring on a strong coastal glare. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as some beaches here are wonderfully remote, and keep a small first-aid kit handy for fishhook nicks or scrapes from the rugged terrain.
Binoculars and a camera are great companions — sea otters, elephant seals and diving pelicans often make surprise appearances along the San Simeon coastline. And of course, make sure you’ve secured a valid California fishing license for all anglers age 16 and up, unless you’re enjoying pier fishing San Simeon from a public pier like San Simeon Pier. Licenses are available online or at select nearby locations, making it easy to stay on the right side of the law while enjoying surf fishing or other coastal adventures.
What to Bring:
- Dress in layers – Mornings often start cool and foggy while afternoons turn sunny and warm. Pack a light jacket or hoodie, and consider a windbreaker for ocean breezes.
- Water-resistant or hiking shoes – Essential for rocky areas like Point Sierra Nevada and San Carpoforo Creek. Good grip makes all the difference on wet rocks.
- Sun protection – Even overcast days can burn. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses.
- Food and hydration – Pack water and snacks, especially when heading to remote beaches without amenities.
- Fishing license – Required for all anglers age 16+ when not fishing from a pier. Purchase online from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or in person.
- Small first-aid kit – Handy for nicks from hooks, rocks or fish spines.
- Binoculars and camera – Perfect for spotting sea otters, elephant seals and seabirds while you fish.
More Nearby Fishing
If you’ve fished your fill in San Simeon but aren’t quite ready to pack away your rod, the Central Coast keeps calling. Head south along Highway 1 and you’ll discover a string of charming seaside towns, each with its own flavor of fishing.
Fishing in Cambria offers peaceful surf spots like Moonstone Beach, perfect for casting into rolling swells. Meanwhile, fishing in Cayucos features a classic pier with stunning views and easy access for families. Whether you’re chasing perch in the wash or rockfish from the breakwall, each stop brings fresh perspectives—and new possibilities. This stretch of coast rewards curiosity, so follow your instincts, take the scenic route, and let your next great fishing story find you.
As you continue south on Highway 1, the fishing only gets better. Cambria’s creek mouths and rocky shores offer intimate fishing adventures, while Cayucos remains a favorite for pier fishing and surf casting that have drawn anglers for generations.
Fishing on Highway 1
Fishing in San Simeon and Ragged Point is about more than what you catch — it’s about where you are while waiting for the tug. It’s the hush between waves, the seabirds on the wind, the way the sun breaks through fog just as you cast. Whether you spend your day on a historic pier, paddling quiet coves or tucked into a rugged bluff with your line in the surf, this stretch of Highway 1 invites you to slow down, tune in and leave with a few more stories than you came with.
Round out your day with a stop at a local seafood spot, a stroll through San Simeon State Park or a detour to nearby hiking trails. The beauty of fishing San Simeon and Ragged Point lies not just in the variety of species or the stunning scenery, but in the way this stretch of coastline invites you to slow down and truly connect with California’s wild coast.
Don’t rush from location to location – take time to hike between fishing spots, pause for a meal at one of San Simeon’s local restaurants or extend your adventure with a stay at San Simeon State Park. The fish will still be there and you’ll have created memories that last far beyond any single catch.
