Overlooking the San Francisco Bay, Richmond, California offers not just rich history and culture but also an awesome fishing experience. This coastal city’s fishing roots run deep, with seasoned anglers and beginners alike making their way to its shores year after year. Fishing in Richmond isn’t something you’ll soon forget.
The game is as diverse as it is rewarding. Nestled along the northeastern shoreline of California’s Bay Area, the city offers more than just a cute landscape. It’s a world where freshwater meets salt and where estuaries become the battleground for fishermen of all ages and skills.
In this guide, we’ll embark on a journey through Richmond’s fishing tales. We’ll delve deep into the species that call these waters home and explore the top fishing spots that have become legends in their own right. We’ll also discuss the techniques that have been passed down through generations and navigate the local seasons. So, are you ready to dive in?
Best Fish to Catch in Richmond
Richmond’s access to the bay blesses it with a rich fishing menu. That’s not to mention the various freshwater ponds nearby. Let’s talk about the city’s most popular catches, in no particular order:
Halibut
Much like neighboring San Francisco, Richmond boasts a generous Halibut population. These Flatfish, with their diamond-shaped bodies and both eyes on one side, stand out not only for their unique anatomy but also for their taste and size. A typical catch in Richmond can range from 10 to 30 pounds, though seasoned anglers brag about catches over 40 pounds.
Halibut fishing in Richmond can be tricky. Their ability to camouflage against sandy or muddy bottoms makes them elusive prey. The best spots to hook these beauties include sandy bottoms near rocky outcroppings. Point Molate Beach and Marina Bay have long been local favorites. When it comes to techniques, drifting live bait like anchovies or shiner perch can be very effective. But if you’re going for artificial, paddle-tail swimbaits in natural shades can do wonders.
Given their popularity, it’s common to see anglers specifically targeting Halibut from April through September when they come closer to shore to feed and spawn. Remember, patience is a virtue, while understanding the tides is crucial.
Striped Bass
“Stripers” thrive in Richmond’s waters. They’re true rockstars of Richmond fishing, it’s as simple as that. Their striking silver bodies, punctuated with dark, horizontal stripes, make them easily recognizable. Native to the Atlantic, these resilient fish have carved a niche for themselves on the West Coast. On average, Striped Bass here range from 5 to 20 pounds, but legends speak of 40-pounders that have given even experienced anglers a run for their money.
The key to catching a Striper is understanding their behavior.They’re predatory fish – not just fighters but also thinkers. Locations where freshwater meets saltwater, like estuaries and tidal inflows, are ideal. Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline and the waters around Brooks Island are known to be especially productive.
Fishing for Striped Bass peaks twice a year: once during spring and then during fall, aligning with the fish’s migratory patterns. But summer isn’t off-limits. Night fishing during the warmer months, especially using live bait, can yield impressive results.
Salmon
With the bay leading to the vast Pacific, Richmond sees its fair share of Salmon runs. Chinook – or King Salmon, as they’re commonly known – are the most coveted of them all. They hold a special place in the hearts of Richmond anglers. A typical Chinook can weigh anywhere between 15–30 pounds, but there are tales of 50-pound catches that have turned lucky anglers into local legends practically overnight.
Richmond’s proximity to the larger San Francisco Bay offers good opportunities to intercept Salmon as they make their annual runs. Areas with deeper channels, especially those leading towards freshwater rivers, are your best bet.
The Salmon season in Richmond is usually dictated by their migratory patterns, with spring and early fall being prime times. However, always check local regulations, as Salmon fishing in Richmond can be closely regulated.
Dungeness Crab
While not a fish, Dungeness Crab are too delectable and too sought-after to not have their moment in the spotlight. Named after a town in Washington state, this crustacean has found a revered place in Richmond’s culinary and angling scene. Measuring up to 9 inches across, a mature Dungeness can weigh around 2 to 3 pounds. That’s a lot of meat!
Richmond’s piers and jetties are the go-to spots for crabbing. Dropping crab pots or snares baited with fish heads or chicken during incoming tides can lead to bountiful catches. While crabbing can be a year-round activity, the official season depends on mating and repopulation efforts.
Sturgeon
Dive deep into Richmond’s brackish waters, and you might come face to face with a living relic – Sturgeon. These ancient fish, which have remained unchanged for millions of years, are a serious challenge to catch. White Sturgeon caught here can range from 4–6 feet.
Given their size, Sturgeon are deep dwellers. The muddy bottoms of channels and deep holes, especially in areas like San Pablo Bay’s northern reaches, are their preferred habitats. Due to Sturgeon’s size and strength, heavy-duty gear and lots of patience are essential.
Tuna
Venture a bit offshore from Richmond, and you enter the realm of majestic Tuna. While several species pass through these waters, Albacore and Bluefin Tuna are the primary targets. These speedsters, known for their endurance and power, can grow large, with Bluefins sometimes weighing over 200 pounds and Albacores averaging between 20 and 40 pounds.
To catch Tuna, you’ll typically venture beyond the bay, accessing deeper offshore waters. Areas around the Farallon Islands, though a bit further, are the most productive. Tuna are typically present during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall.
How to Go Fishing in Richmond
Now that you know which species to target, it’s time to discuss how to catch them. Richmond’s versatile locations cater to a variety of fishing methods. Without getting too technical, let’s cover the most popular types of fishing in the local waters:
Richmond Pier Fishing
Richmond’s public piers, like Point Pinole and Ferry Point, offer productive spots to cast a line without leaving shore. No boat? No problem. It’s not just about the throw and wait. Pier fishing in Richmond is a craft that combines patience with technique. With multiple piers stretching into the deeper waters of the bay, anglers have the advantage of hunting for Halibut.
Anglers also employ the high-low rig on the piers, targeting Striped Bass using cut bait or artificial lures like swimbaits. Nighttime, under the glow of pier lights, turns magical, especially for those targeting Dungeness Crabs with crab nets or snares baited with squid or fish heads.
Richmond Shore Fishing
For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground rather than above it, shore fishing in Richmond is the best choice. You’ll want to understand the ebb and flow of tides and the habitats they create. Striped Bass, in particular, are known to chase bait fish into the surf, especially during high tide.
The Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline is a mosaic of sandy and rocky spots, making it perfect for a range of species. The key is to understand the waves. Casting beyond the breakers, especially during an incoming tide, can put your bait right where the fish are.
Richmond Charter Fishing
Booking a Richmond fishing charter allows you to venture where casual anglers can’t, targeting species that dwell farther from the shore. With a seasoned captain at the helm and top-notch equipment on board, the chances of landing a prized catch increase. Whether it’s trolling for Salmon using downriggers or bottom fishing for Lingcod and Rockfish, charters offer a specialized experience.
Popular charters often head towards spots like the San Pablo Bay or even venture towards the Farallon Islands, depending on the targeted species. Techniques vary. For Tuna, trolling with feathered jigs or cedar plugs becomes the go-to method. For Sturgeon, it’s about anchoring in deep channels and using heavy sinkers to keep bait like ghost shrimp or eel stationary at the bottom. All you need to do is trust your guide!
Richmond Deep Sea Fishing
The Richmond fishing scene has a lot to offer, despite being overlooked for its more populous neighbors. For those seeking the adrenaline rush that only the vastness of the open ocean can provide, Richmond deep sea fishing is the right choice.
Venturing beyond the bay, areas around the Farallon Islands or deeper underwater canyons become the best hunting grounds. Techniques such as trolling with large skirted lures or chunking are common when targeting Tuna or even Mako Sharks. Given the depths of water and the strength of targets, reels with high-line capacities and rods with a lot of backbone are essential.
Richmond Fishing Spots
Richmond is nestled among the waters of San Pablo Bay, with a network of piers, parks, and shorelines dotting it. If you’re wondering where to begin, you’re in for a treat.
- Point Molate Beach Park. Richmond’s hidden gem, this tranquil spot offers panoramic views of the bay and the San Rafael Bridge. Its sandy shores and rocky outcrops make it a haven for species like Striped Bass, Halibut, and Perch. And, as a bonus, the serene setting makes it perfect for a family picnic.
- Marina Bay Yacht Harbor. Located in Richmond’s southwestern corner, this marina is known for its calm waters and consistent Halibut action, especially during the summer. The docks and piers can be an excellent spot for crabbing as well. Additionally, the nearby Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
- Richmond Marina Bay Fishing Pier. This pier generously extends into the bay, offering anglers the chance to cast into deeper waters for Halibut, Sturgeon, and even the occasional Salmon during their seasonal runs. The pier is equipped with lights for night fishing, too.
- Shimada Friendship Park. Located at the end of Marina Bay Parkway, this park offers a peaceful fishing experience with views of the bay and San Francisco in the distance. The rocky shoreline here is excellent for targeting Striped Bass and Perch, especially during high tide. And, as the name suggests, it’s a testament to the friendship between Richmond and its sister city, Shimada, in Japan.
- Nicholl Knob. Primarily a hiking destination, Nicholl’s proximity to the water means anglers can enjoy both fishing and panoramic views. The base areas are suitable for shore fishing, with Striped Bass and Halibut being the most prominent catches.
- Point Pinole. This spot is in the northern part of Richmond, spreading over 2,315 acres. Anglers come here for a day of Striped Bass and Halibut fishing first, and a walk amidst eucalyptus and pine trees afterwards.
- San Pablo Reservoir. Just a short drive from Richmond lies an inland oasis, a freshwater angler’s dream come true. With 866 acres of fishing waters, it’s home to Trout, Catfish, and Largemouth Bass.
When to Go Fishing in Richmond
Richmond’s fishing calendar has something on offer year-round. But naturally, knowing the peaks of each fishing season can be your ticket to landing that dream catch.
The early spring months of March and April mark the arrival of Striped Bass in the San Pablo Bay. At the same time, freshwater enthusiasts should keep an eye on Trout stockings in San Pablo Reservoir.
As temperatures rise in May and June, Halibut take center stage, especially around Marina Bay and the Richmond Marina Bay Fishing Pier. By the time summer’s warmth fully embraces Richmond, the action at San Pablo Reservoir heats up as Catfish and Largemouth Bass become more active.
October and November see a shift towards Dungeness Crab, especially around rocky spots like Castro Rocks. As the year nears its end in fall, Sturgeon bite well near Point Pinole and Ferry Point, while winter is your chance to hook into Tuna in Richmond’s deeper waters.
Richmond Fishing Regulations
If you’re 16 or older, before you even bait your hook or cast your line in Richmond’s waters, you’ll need a valid California fishing license. This applies whether you’re going solo, with a group of friends, or taking advantage of a local charter’s expertise. Plus, you’ll need a special Sturgeon Report Card of you’re after one of these.
However, there’s an exception: the city’s public piers. But don’t confuse this with a free pass on regulations. All state-imposed fishing rules, from size limits to bag limits, are in full effect no matter where you cast your line.
Fishing in Richmond: San Fran’s Favorite Neighbor
Whether you’re exploring its historic piers, casting a line into the depths of San Pablo Bay, or reeling in a freshwater giant in a reservoir, fishing in Richmond is an experience in diversity. So the next time you think of setting out on an angling adventure, give this coastal city a visit!
Have you fished in Richmond’s waters before? Know a secret fishing spot you’re willing to share? Drop us a comment below and help your fellow anglers out!
