The beauty of the Golden City, where nature and civilization co-exist in ease, is something to be witnessed. Cradled by the prolific San Francisco Bay, with the Pacific Ocean but a short boat ride away, this city was built on its immense fishing opportunities from the get-go. These days, fishing in San Francisco is as popular as ever, and how could it not be?
The weather is gorgeous year-round, and let’s be honest, so are the fish. Anglers from all over the country may come for the sights, but they’ll stay for the fishing action. It doesn’t matter if you prefer pier fishing, surf casts, or going off with a charter – San Francisco offers all that and so much more.
Best Fish to Catch in San Francisco
San Franciscans love the variety of fish species they have at their disposal and they’re big on seafood. Not only are most of the fish super fun to catch, but they’re also super tasty, and that makes every day on the water doubly awesome.
Anything from fly fishing for Striped Bass to deep sea fishing for Tuna is on the menu. Is there that one special fish that everyone wants? Possibly. Do you have good chances of hooking a trophy? Definitely! Read on for our short overview of top catches in San Francisco.
It All Starts With Striped Bass
If ever there was “a fish of the people,” it must be Striped Bass! You can be a beginner, a pro, or on the water with your youngsters, and you’ll enjoy going after Stripers. Fishing for this species is open all year, but it’s important to keep their spawning runs in mind.
Head to the city in the summer and fall, when Stripers come back to the bay after their spawning season. Bass love brackish waters and wherever a river or a stream flows into the bay, they’ll be there too.
Drift fishing with live bait is a foolproof way to get the attention of these feisty fighters, especially if you use anchovies, shad, or shiner perch. Locals recommend keeping your bait close to the bottom and carefully choosing a sinker to match the currents. You can land Stripers from beaches and piers, but you’ll find the best bite if you cast your line from a boat.
Chinook Salmon – Everyone’s Favorite
Remember how we talked about SF’s favorite fish? Well, it’s no secret that Chinook, aka the “King” of all Salmon, is the most prized catch here. In fact, the whole Bay Area is known for its exquisite wild Chinook, which is open for fishing from May–October.
You can go after Salmon in the bay or head into the open ocean waters. The choice is yours. At the beginning of the season, it’s generally better to go further out and look for patches of “dirty water,” because that’s where the fish congregate and feed. In the heat of the summer, you don’t have to go further than the bay – the bite is superb, and you could easily land a trophy.
Trolling is the name of the game when it comes to Salmon fishing in San Francisco, though every angler has their own philosophy when it comes to picking and presenting the bait. Chinook rely on their sense of smell when they’re hunting, so using dead bait like herring and anchovy will certainly get their attention.
And when you get that King on the line, you’d better be ready for a fight. Don’t worry, the reward will be well worth the effort!
Halibut – the Flatty of Our Hearts
If we’re talking about the famous fish of San Francisco, we have to mention Halibut. They’re fun to reel in, they’re tasty, and they can be huge – all the signs of a great catch. You can target both California and Pacific Halibut in these waters, just remember that their seasonalities differ.
California Halibut (more closely related to Flounder than Halibut) is available for fishing year-round. Their Pacific relatives can be caught from May–November, but there are usually several closed periods within the season, so be sure to double-check the regulations before you hit the waves.
If you stay within the San Francisco Bay, you’ll be chasing California Halibut. These guys are generally smaller than Pacific Halis, but a lot of people claim they taste better. Also known as “chicken” Halibut, they can weigh anywhere from 10–50 pounds, and you can find them all over the bay. The peak season is usually from April–September when large Halis come closer to shore to spawn and hang out in warm waters.
To land a Pacific Halibut, your best bet is the ocean waters, where you can snatch some real monsters. We’re talking hundreds of pounds, bigger-than-an-average-human, doormat Halibut. If you think you’ve got what it takes, then get ready for a hunt of your life.
Lingcod and Rockfish – Two for the Price of One
Both Rockfish and Lingcod live in pretty much the same places, they’re not much to look at, and they make for fabulous table fare. That’s why anglers often target them as a package deal, because when you hook one, the other won’t be far behind. They also share their open season, and you’re allowed to catch them from March until the end of the year.
When it comes to bottom sea fishing in San Francisco, you’ll hardly find a more popular duo than Lingcod and Rockfish. Even though they’re not lookers, they do make for top-notch sparring partners. These fellas stick to the ocean floor and pulling them up from down there is a challenge because they’re relentless fighters.
The good news is that they’re gluttonous, so they’ll gobble down just about anything you throw at them. Squid, anchovies, and sardines seem to work the best and are perfect for enticing your prey. Beginner anglers should try their luck in the waters that are 100–150 feet deep, while seasoned fishermen can look for these peculiar bottom dwellers in up to 300 feet.
White Sturgeon – the One for the Bucket List
Fishing in San Francisco has many levels and if you’re ready to reach new angling heights, then Sturgeon is your fish. There’s no fish that’s more strange looking and more acrobatic than White Surgeon, and when you combine all that with the sheer power of their bite, you’ve got a worthy opponent.
These fish liked their look so much that they haven’t changed for many millennia, and just by looking at it, you know you’re dealing with a different kind of beast. Sturgeon can grow to be up to 12 feet long and weigh several hundred pounds. Having a monster like that on the line is not for the faint of heart. There are also plenty of smaller specimens in the bay if you want to start off easy.
Sturgeon fishing season is open year-round, with the peak time from November–March. They prefer colder waters, and during the winter, you can even catch them from some piers. Their diet changes depending on the season, but they’ll always go for nice squid, smelt, night crawlers, and sand shrimp.
Bear in mind that Sturgeon fishing is strictly regulated in California, and you’re allowed to keep only one per year. If you’re targeting Sturgeon in San Francisco Bay for the first time, help from an experienced local is all but necessary in order to get to the best spots.
How to Go Fishing in San Francisco
Just like there’s an abundance of fish to chase, there are plenty of ways to do it. When you come to Fog City, how and where you’ll cast your line depends solely on your preferences. Here are some of the most frequent and productive types of fishing to explore.
Surf Fishing in San Francisco
Going to the beach and spending a day in quiet contemplation with frequent fishing action is something a lot of locals live for. You can hit the shore any time of year, and there will be something to catch. That’s why surf fishing is such a big deal in San Francisco.
There are loads of species you could find at the end of your line, and the most common catch is Surf Perch. Fishermen often go out solely to land their share of this tasty fish, that can be cooked on the grill right there, on the beach.
The bay waters could also treat you to nice Halibut, Striped Bass, Leopard Sharks, and even Salmon and White Seabass. Surf fly fishing for Stripers is a blast in the summer months if you know where to go.
Another perk of surf fishing is that you don’t need a lot to have a great fishing day. Basic spinning gear, a variety of lures, a cooler for your catches (and some cold drinks), and some patience. Then, all you have to do is wait for the magic to happen.
Pier Fishing in San Francisco
If there’s one thing SF isn’t lacking, it’s piers. In fact, the city has so many piers, that it’s famous for it. Follow Embarcadero Street and you can take your pick from over a dozen piers at your disposal. Chances are, you’ll check out Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf first, but don’t forget about other options you’ve got in the neighborhood.
When you get there, you’ll see anglers lined up and down the piers, all in search of Halibut, Perch, and Striped Bass. Sharks are also out there, and you can even do some night-time crabbing for a fantastic seafood dinner.
Some of the top fishing spots to check out include Pacifica Pier and Pier 7. The best part – fishing is free and you don’t need a fishing license. And when you’ve had your fill of fishing for one day, head to Pier 39 for some light shopping and to visit the adorable sea lions.
Fishing With a Charter
Some anglers prefer hitting the water with professionals who know the local waters like the back of their hand – it’s a good way to ensure a productive trip. The good news is that when you go fishing in San Francisco, there are dozens of charters to choose from. That means that there’s something for every taste and appetite.
Private trips with a fishing guide are the most popular choice, especially among first-comers. Half day excursions will keep you in the bay, targeting Bass, Halibut, Salmon, and White Seabass. You could also book a spot on a party boat and make new friends while reeling in your catch.
Full day options are great for more experienced fishermen because you get to go beyond the Gate and chase bottom dwellers like Lingcod, Rockfish, as well as massive Chinook Salmon. During the summer, you can venture further offshore to come face to gills with Albacore Tuna, the ultimate catch of the area.
San Francisco Fishing Spots
Now that we know what fish we can find and how we can catch them, it’s time to talk about the best fishing spots in and around the city. There’s a slew of them to choose from, and where you go will depend on what you’d like to fish for and for how long.
- Fisherman’s Wharf. This is probably the most popular fishing spot in San Francisco, and you’ll hardly find better pier action anywhere else. Sharks, Striped Bass, Perch, and Flounder are all in the cards, and on a good day, you might even have a showdown with a Sturgeon.
- Berkeley Flats. If you’d like to step away from the city center and try out less localized fisheries, Berkeley Flats is the place for you. You’ll see a good share of boats on the water here, all in search of good-sized Halibut, Striped Bass, and White Seabass.
- Marin Islands. Come to this Natural Wildlife Refuge, and you get to combine excellent fishing with bird-watching. Rockfish reign supreme in these waters, but Striped Bass, Lingcod, and Halibut follow close behind. This is the perfect spot for a full day fishing trip.
- Candlestick Park. This is the fishing spot for all outdoor enthusiasts. The park is actually a huge recreational area with hiking trails and two fishing piers. The usual suspects you can catch here include Flounder, Perch, Striped Bass, and massive Sturgeon.
- The Farallon Islands. We can’t talk about fishing in San Francisco without mentioning the Farallones. If you’re in the mood for premier Lingcod, Rockfish, and Halibut action, you’ll have to travel 30 miles offshore to get to the islands. The bite is fantastic, and the only question is – are you brave enough to fish around the Devil’s Teeth Islands?
San Francisco Fishing Regulations
Whether you decide to go fishing on your own or with a charter, the one thing you need to think about is your fishing license. Any person that’s 16 and older should have a valid California fishing license with them at all times.
If you’re fishing from a public pier, you don’t need a license, but you do need to abide by the state fishing regulations. Anglers looking to hook and keep a Sturgeon need to buy a Sturgeon Report Card along with their fishing license.
Fishing in San Francisco – It Doesn’t Get Better Than This
If there ever was a place that perfectly combines a great city vacation with even better fishing times, it must be San Francisco. The City By The Bay is one of those places that you simply must have on your bucket list, and we promise you, its unique charm and fishing abundance will steal your heart forever.
I you’re interested to learn more about fishing in California, read our blog.
Have you ever fished San Francisco’s waters? Do you have tips and tricks to share? What’s your favorite spot? Share your impressions in the comments below.
