King Tides 2026 and 2027: What It Means For Surf Fishing

When are the king tides for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027? What are king tides? Are king tides good for fishing? We’re going to break it all down and explain the what’s, the when’s, and all the benefits and detriments of king tides.

After doing my research, there is no distinct definition of what a king tide is. So, while most resources will show only a select few dates that allow for daylight observation of the king tides, this article will show a more complete king tide schedule.

Just about every month has at least one day with a negative tide of close to half a foot and a high tide in the high 6’s. So I’ll be showing days with any tide near a 7 ft high tide or a corresponding low tide of close to -1 ft.

Keep in mind that tidal phases build and fall day-by-day, so assume the days around the given dates below are similar. Check the exact tides on any other day here. See the remaining 2026 and full 2027 king tide schedule below.

What Are King Tides?

Before trying to understand what king tides are, you should understand how tides work and what affects them.

This video by “Crash Course” does a really good job of explaining tidal phases as well as king tides, so if you’d like to learn a bit more about the subject, I highly recommend watching that video.

Basically, king tides occur when the earth, the sun, and the moon are aligned. From my understanding, when the sun and the moon are aligned and closest to the earth, we get “king tides”.

The result is extreme high tides, and extreme low tides. This is because the gravitational pull is essentially “stretching” the earth. Seawater is then pulled in an upward manner causing higher tides in some areas and lower tides in others.

This is also why full and new moons bring the highest and lowest tides.

In the image below, imagine the sun and moon inline with the earth. This image portrays two high tides and two low tides during one rotation of the earth (or one day).

Since the moon and sun are inline in this example, the water is being pulled up and toward them causing high tides on opposite sides of the earth and low tides the same.

If the earth rotates, you’ll find yourself rotating through two sets of high tides and two sets of low tides. Anyways, the video does a much better job of explaining, so, I’d recommend watching it.

What to Expect with King Tides?

King tides will result in extreme high tides and extreme low tides so it’s important to be aware of what this might cause. Any time there’s more water movement than usual, the potential for churned up water and seaweed-covered shorelines increases. There’s a good chance the waters might become a little more weedy than usual, but hopefully not too much.

High Tides

High tides have a reputation and serious potential to bring in baitfish and therefore bring in bigger fish. If the seaweed stays at bay, this could very well turn on the bite. At the same time though, if you’ve read my article on how tides affect fishing, you’d have a better idea of all the pros and cons here.

One of the major cons with the extreme high tide is if the surf is up that day as well, conditions could be absolutely unfishable.

Low Tides

The king low tide can do the exact opposite of the king high tide. Where high and rising tides amplify high surf, low and falling tides can diminish surf height, thus resulting in more fishable conditions. So, there’s a lot that goes in to choosing a fishing spot.

Fishing to the King Tides

So, while the general theory of fishing the rising tide (as it might bring in baitfish) applies, fishing to the tidal height is usually a better bet in my opinion. By this, I mean you should fish spots according to optimal tidal heights per spot.

For example, I’ve got a couple of spots that have permanent structure. From past experience, I know some specific spots that hold fish at certain sets of tidal heights.

I would generally lean toward targeting surfperch on the higher tides and halibut on the lower tides.

Let’s say the optimal tidal height for my spot is between -1ft and 2ft. Well, given the extreme low tides ahead, I might want to go give that spot a try.

Why? Because the structure that I like out there will be within reach. If my spot had structure that might be perfectly submerged at a 5-6ft tidal height, I’d want to fish the incoming through the peak.

Additionally, sandy beaches don’t require certain tidal heights so if the rising and high tide allow for fishable conditions, great.

Take note of your spots and start to recognize any permanent structure. It plays a key role in surf fishing during the winter months.

A Chance to See the Unseen

Another opportunity that king tides bring is the chance to scope out a spot. You might really like a spot or really want to get familiar with a spot.

Arrive just before the extreme low tide and take note of any permanent structure that might be there. Maybe even take some photos so you have them for reference on a later date.

This is the main reason why king tides are so good for fishing. It’s not that the fish are more actively feeding, nor is it that you’re more likely to catch fish that day. T

he real reason king tides are good for fishing is because they give anglers a chance to see the unseen.

I did this during a recent set of king tides and found some structure I never knew was out there at a beach I’d fished a handful of times prior. King tides allow an angler to show up at tides of less than negative 2 feet at times!

Scouting Fishing Spots During King Tides

The image above was taken during a recent king tide at a beach in Southern California. Looking at the image, I would love to fish this spot when the tide comes up to cover this entire area. There’s lots of intermittent sand and rocks where halibut might feed when the water level is high enough.

These are the opportunities that king tides give us as anglers, and you’re best off taking advantage of them when they come.

I’ve even gone out during king tides with my main intention being to walk the beach and scan for eye-catching, juicy looking spots with no intention of fishing that day, but rather to make mental notes and come back later at higher tides.

So, while the extreme high tides can be a sight to see in and of themselves, these king tides bring about more opportunity for surf fishermen than you might think. Go try it out! At the very least, it’ll be a new and different-looking experience. Before you go out, make sure you’ve got all the gear and tackle you need, and don’t forget to subscribe below.