Niño 2026: Big Dorado from Davey’s Locker as Warm-Water Species Surge into SoCal Waters

The Freelance out of Davey’s Locker in Newport Beach just brought in a nice big beautiful Dorado. This catch is another strong sign that El Niño conditions are beginning to impact Southern California local waters in a meaningful way.

Reports are now coming in from Northern Baja California all the way up through the Channel Islands, showing a clear pattern of warm-water species moving north. Anglers are seeing jumbo squid, a growing number of yellowfin tuna, increased yellowtail, and more Dorado — especially around Catalina and San Clemente Islands. These sightings, combined with recent catches by both party boats and private boaters, point to a developing bite that could become very special.

According to experts, the full brunt of this El Niño event is only just beginning and is forecast to last through December 2026 and potentially into early next year. As ocean temperatures continue to rise, we can expect even more tropical species to push into our local waters.

One of the most interesting aspects of strong El Niño years is how dramatically they can shift marine life. Warmer water allows species like Dorado and yellowfin tuna to thrive hundreds of miles farther north than usual. Historically, these periods have also brought increased numbers of jumbo squid (Humboldt squid) into Southern California, sometimes creating exciting (and occasionally chaotic) fishing opportunities near the islands and offshore kelp paddies.

With all the early signs we’re already seeing, it looks like 2026 could be a season to remember.

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