Dorado \u2014 also called mahi mahi, dolphinfish, or just “green and gold” \u2014 are the quintessential warm-water gamefish. Unlike bluefin tuna, which tolerate a wide range of temperatures, dorado have a clear preference: they want warm water. Understanding that preference is the key to timing your SoCal or Baja dorado trip, because when the right temperature water arrives, the dorado arrive with it.<\/p>\n\n
Dorado prefer water temperatures between 72\u00b0F and 82\u00b0F (22\u201328\u00b0C)<\/strong>. The sweet spot for Southern California fishing is 74\u201378\u00b0F<\/strong>. Below 70\u00b0F, dorado are uncommon in our waters. Above 80\u00b0F, they’re in their element \u2014 which is why Baja and the Sea of Cortez produce dorado nearly year-round.<\/p>\n\n In a typical SoCal season, dorado don’t show up until the warm water pushes north in mid-to-late summer, and they disappear as soon as it retreats in fall. Your SST charts<\/a> are the best tool for tracking exactly when that warm water arrives and where it sits.<\/p>\n\n Dorado are tropical fish. In water under 70\u00b0F, they simply aren’t around in any numbers. If your SST chart shows the offshore water is still in the 60s, the dorado haven’t arrived yet. Focus on bluefin tuna<\/a> or yellowtail<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n\n When warm water first pushes into SoCal in late June or July, scattered dorado ride the leading edge. In this range:<\/p>\n This is the sweet spot for SoCal dorado fishing. The water is warm enough to hold consistent numbers, and the fish are aggressive feeders. Expect:<\/p>\n When you see 74\u201378\u00b0F on the SST charts<\/a> extending in from offshore, it’s go time.<\/p>\n\n This is more typical of Baja and Cortez water, but SoCal sees it during strong El Ni\u00f1o years or late-summer warm events. In this range:<\/p>\n Still great dorado water \u2014 this is their natural tropical range. If you’re fishing Baja’s East Cape, Cabo, or the southern Cortez, 82\u201386\u00b0F is standard and dorado will be resident around structure, FADs, and bait concentrations year-round.<\/p>\n\n The dorado “season” in SoCal is almost entirely dictated by water temperature. Here’s the typical timeline:<\/p>\n\n Warm water (70\u00b0F+) usually hasn’t reached SoCal yet, but it’s building offshore and along the Baja coast. Check the SST charts<\/a> weekly to track warm water intrusions pushing north. Long-range boats fishing Baja may already be on dorado.<\/p>\n\n The leading edge of 72\u201374\u00b0F water typically reaches the outer banks and offshore paddies by mid-July. This is when the first dorado counts start appearing on the fleet tracker<\/a> from overnight and 1.5-day boats. The fish are often offshore \u2014 60\u2013100 miles out \u2014 associated with warm water fingers visible on SST charts. Have your trolling spread<\/a> ready \u2014 cedar plugs<\/a> and feathers<\/a> behind the boat while you search for paddies<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n The warmest water of the year. If the SST charts show 74\u201380\u00b0F water within 30\u201360 miles of San Diego, dorado fishing should be excellent. This is when full-day and even 3\/4-day boats can reach them. The fleet tracker<\/a> will show boats concentrating on productive areas. A 20lb class spinning setup<\/a> with surface iron and poppers<\/a> is all you need \u2014 dorado are aggressive enough that lure selection is less important than finding the right water.<\/p>\n\n As the water begins to cool, dorado numbers thin but the remaining fish tend to be larger. Bull dorado that have been feeding all summer are at their heaviest. Watch the SST charts \u2014 as long as you can find pockets of 72\u00b0F+ water, dorado will be there. Step up to a medium-wire circle hook<\/a> in 3\/0\u20134\/0 for big bulls on live bait \u2014 see our hooks guide<\/a> for specifics.<\/p>\n\n Water temps drop below 70\u00b0F and dorado move south. But Baja’s Pacific coast, the East Cape, and the Cortez are still producing. If you’re planning a Baja trip, use the SST charts<\/a> to find the warm water down south.<\/p>\n\n Dorado hunting with satellite data is straightforward because they have such a clear temperature preference:<\/p>\n\n Dorado share their temperature range with several other species. Knowing the overlap helps you plan:<\/p>\n\nTemperature Ranges and What to Expect<\/h2>\n\n
Below 70\u00b0F \u2014 Unlikely<\/h3>\n
70\u201374\u00b0F \u2014 Early Arrivals<\/h3>\n
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74\u201378\u00b0F \u2014 Prime Zone \u2b50<\/h3>\n
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78\u201382\u00b0F \u2014 Full Tropical Mode<\/h3>\n
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Above 82\u00b0F<\/h3>\n
When Do Dorado Show Up in Southern California?<\/h2>\n\n
June: Scouting the Charts<\/h3>\n
July: First Fish Arrive<\/h3>\n
August\u2013September: Peak Season<\/h3>\n
October: Late Season Trophies<\/h3>\n
November\u2013May: Offseason (Locally)<\/h3>\n
How to Use SST and Chlorophyll Charts for Dorado<\/h2>\n\n
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Dorado vs. Other Warm-Water Species<\/h2>\n\n