When albacore are off Crescent City
Albacore season here runs late summer into early fall. For anglers who normally fish the reefs for halibut and rockfish, this is when the target changes and the run goes offshore.
Every trip starts at the harbor. Launch, harbor and conditions details for Crescent City Harbor are in the port guide.
Season window
The window is late summer into early fall. The local charter lists a 7-hour albacore trip, which shows the fishery runs from this port and not only from the bigger tuna harbors up and down the coast.
Warm water within reach
Warm water has been reported within 20 miles of the harbor. That is a reported instance, not a guaranteed distance. The run depends on where the edge sets up, so check it before every trip.
Running out of Crescent City
Albacore runs from Crescent City leave the nearshore reefs behind and head offshore to warm water. The reefs serve as landmarks on the way out; tuna are not found on them.
Chart layers are not for navigation. Use official charts and the NWS marine forecast for the run.
Landmarks on the way out
These are departure and orientation landmarks between the harbor and offshore water, listed roughly in launch-outward order.
| Landmark | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| Rock wall across from the boat launch | Launch-area landmark |
| The cans | Right out front of the harbor |
| South Beach | Trolling ground for California halibut |
| South Reef | About 250 ft in halibut reports |
| North Reef | Named local structure |
| The Sisters | Named local ground |
| Point St. George Reef and lighthouse | Halfway between Brookings and Crescent City |
Reading buoy 46027
NDBC station 46027 St. Georges is the nearest buoy.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Station | NDBC 46027 St. Georges |
| Position | 41.840N 124.382W |
| Distance | 8 NM NW of Crescent City |
| Depth | 197 ft (60 m) |
The buoy sits 8 NM out, inside the run to warm water. Its readings describe the first leg of the trip rather than conditions 20 miles out. Read wave height, period and wind as numbers and compare them against the NWS marine forecast, the official reference for the full run.
Finding the warm-water edge
The sea surface temperature break decides where and whether you run; the reefs have no bearing on it. Check where the warm-water edge sits on the OBS SST layer before you commit, and read how albacore water sets up along the Pacific Northwest (see also the Pacific Northwest offshore fishing guide) for the wider pattern. Satellite SST has a limit: cloud can block a pass and leave a gap in the picture.
How albacore are fished from this port
From Crescent City, albacore are fished on offshore warm-water runs by private boats and by a local guide service.
Local charter: Crescent City Fishing
Crescent City Fishing (Steve Huber Guide Service) is run by Captain Steve Huber. The operator lists a Crescent City Fishing’s albacore trip of 7 hours for up to 4 people. Booking a guide is the alternative to running your own boat.
Technique
The local trip format is 7 hours with up to 4 people. For rigging and tactics, use the albacore tuna fishing guide.
FAQ: albacore tuna fishing out of Crescent City
When is albacore season in Crescent City?
Late summer into early fall. The local charter lists a 7-hour albacore trip.
How far do boats run for albacore from Crescent City?
Warm water has been reported within 20 miles. The distance depends on where the warm-water edge sets up, so check it before each trip.
Which buoy do I check before running out?
NDBC 46027 St. Georges, 8 NM NW of the harbor in 197 ft. It reports the first leg of the run (wave height, period, wind), so use the official forecast for the rest.
Is there an albacore charter in Crescent City?
Yes. Crescent City Fishing (Steve Huber Guide Service) lists a 7-hour albacore trip for up to 4 people with Captain Steve Huber.
Do the local reefs hold albacore?
No. South Reef, North Reef, The Sisters and Point St. George Reef are landmarks on the run. Albacore are found offshore in warm water.
Where can I read about other tuna species and ports?
See our tuna fishing guides for other species and ports.
