San Francisco Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters
San Francisco Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters
Best Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters in San Francisco
Best Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters in San Francisco
Top Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters in San Francisco
Top Chinook Salmon Fishing Charters in San Francisco
Chinook Salmon Fishing in San Francisco
Chinook Salmon Fishing in San Francisco
- Size 10-50 lbs
- Food Value Excellent
- Game Qualities Good
- Habitats Inshore, Lake, River, Nearshore
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Whether you’ve come to San Fran to climb the most crooked street in the world, take the famed tram ride to Fisherman's Wharf, or enjoy the splendid view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city will leave you speechless. And when it comes to the Salmon fishing San Francisco boasts, it’s safe to say that the experience is nothing short of memorable.
Nestled on the beautiful and fish-abundant San Francisco Bay, the Golden City is home to marvelous Salmon in the summer and autumn, as well as countless fishing tales.
Where to Fish
As late spring rolls in during in May, Chinook (King) Salmon follow close behind. As they make their way to the spawning grounds up north, Salmon spend some time in the bay and right outside of it, feeding and getting ready for the long road upstream.
Your catch will vary in size and can weigh anywhere from 8–45 pounds, but one thing all Kings have in common is their incredible fighting abilities. Whether you’re drift mooching or trolling, some amazing fishing fights are imminent.
Use herring or anchovies and cast your line around the “Salmon Highway” in the bay to hook something formidable. Several miles off Candlestick Point Pier also hides some excellent Salmon that you shouldn’t miss out on.
What to Expect
The Salmon fishing season in San Francisco lasts from May to October, and this is the time to go after your next trophy catch. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know where to go, there are plenty of experienced charter captains that make it their mission to take you to the fish.
One of the golden rules when going after Salmon is that you should spend as much time on the water as possible. So whether you’re looking for your next great catch or you want to fill your cooler with scrumptious fish fillets, booking a full day trip is a foolproof option to make it happen.
Many guides also offer longer expeditions (10+ hours), in case you really want to see everything the San Francisco Salmon fishery has to offer.
You can choose between shared and private trips, depending on whether you’re a solo angler or prefer to hit the water with your fishing buddies. Shared charters usually cost $175–$350 per person for a full day of fishing. Private trips are usually charged per group, and are in the $1,250–$1,450 price range.
What to Bring
Anyone who wants to experience superb Salmon fishing in San Francisco has needs to show up at the dock with a valid fishing license (available online). Pack some food and drinks, as well as rain gear and warm clothing in the autumn months, and your day of Salmon fishing fun and games can begin!
San Francisco Chinook Salmon Fishing Seasons
San Francisco Chinook Salmon Fishing Seasons
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Seasonality
Chinook Salmon fishing in San Francisco is highly variable throughout the year. High season is July to October. Closed season is January to April and November to December.
San Francisco
Based on 23,668 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
4.62
What anglers said about Chinook Salmon Fishing in San Francisco
What anglers said about Chinook Salmon Fishing in San Francisco
It's windy and cold out there in the pacific, so wear good windbreaker and warm clothes.
5.0
It's windy and cold out there in the pacific, so wear good windbreaker and warm clothes.
Syed M.
Palo Alto, CA
Bring layers. California doesn't always mean sunny and warm. But bring sunscreen too.
5.0
Bring layers. California doesn't always mean sunny and warm. But bring sunscreen too.
Dan B.
The Fall is the summer in San Francisco and the Bay is teeming with fish!!! You can't go wrong.
5.0
The Fall is the summer in San Francisco and the Bay is teeming with fish!!! You can't go wrong.
Michael F.
Emeryville, CA
If your unsure of your sea legs, take a motion sickness medication. Be prepared for Karl to take your sight of land. Have your camera ready for some sensational photos. Prepare for weather and a healthy appetite to consume your catch.
5.0
If your unsure of your sea legs, take a motion sickness medication. Be prepared for Karl to take your sight of land. Have your camera ready for some sensational photos. Prepare for weather and a healthy appetite to consume your catch.
FishingBooker Member
Maddington, Western Australia
Bring a jacket because it gets pretty windy. Bring some snacks if you plan on doing the full day.
5.0
Bring a jacket because it gets pretty windy. Bring some snacks if you plan on doing the full day.
Chase B.
Fernley, NV
Layer up for the weather. It was chili out on the ocean. There were a couple of extra jackets on the boat (and the captain offered my wife a blanket and pillow when she was falling asleep in the cabin) but it's always nice to have your own stuff. Sunblock!!!
5.0
Layer up for the weather. It was chili out on the ocean. There were a couple of extra jackets on the boat (and the captain offered my wife a blanket and pillow when she was falling asleep in the cabin) but it's always nice to have your own stuff. Sunblock!!!
Wallace C.
Auburn, CA
Book a trip on the Warrior Poet. Capt. Dave King will do his best to assure that you have a good time.
He's very knowledgeable and will get you on the fish quickly
5.0
Book a trip on the Warrior Poet. Capt. Dave King will do his best to assure that you have a good time.
He's very knowledgeable and will get you on the fish quickly
Baldwin L.
San Francisco, California
Salmon fishing needs a long ride toward the ocean, so not very pleasurable for people susceptible to sea sickness. Prepare well before the trip, probably by limiting your meal before the trip and take some pills to combat the motion sickness. Wear thick clothes as well because it could be quite windy even in a sunny afternoon.
5.0
Salmon fishing needs a long ride toward the ocean, so not very pleasurable for people susceptible to sea sickness. Prepare well before the trip, probably by limiting your meal before the trip and take some pills to combat the motion sickness. Wear thick clothes as well because it could be quite windy even in a sunny afternoon.
Sheng G.
Palo Alto, CA
Fish with an experienced captain, like Craig Hanson. He knows the water, knows where the fish are likely to be, and has the correct tackle and bait.
5.0
Fish with an experienced captain, like Craig Hanson. He knows the water, knows where the fish are likely to be, and has the correct tackle and bait.
Christopher T.
Sunbury-on-Thames, ENG
When leaving, be prepared for traffic out of there..it could take a while..worth the drive over of course..patience..
5.0
When leaving, be prepared for traffic out of there..it could take a while..worth the drive over of course..patience..
Larry B.
Vallejo, CA
Morning tends to be best because of the tides, and the weather is sometimes better then, too. More fish are available starting around May.
5.0
Morning tends to be best because of the tides, and the weather is sometimes better then, too. More fish are available starting around May.
Jacqueline R.
Benicia, CA
Don't expect too much except an enjoyable day with a great Capt and spectacular views and weather. Fish were not as cooperative but Dave did his best and we caught fish.
5.0
Don't expect too much except an enjoyable day with a great Capt and spectacular views and weather. Fish were not as cooperative but Dave did his best and we caught fish.
Lynn B.
San Francisco, California
Make sure you have warm clothes,weather can be unpredictable.The views are unbelievable.
5.0
Make sure you have warm clothes,weather can be unpredictable.The views are unbelievable.
Charles L. H.
Merced, California
Avoid the party boats at Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf. Look for the 6-pack boats like Warrior poet, Flash Sportfishing, Argo Sportfishing and you will have much better experience.
5.0
Avoid the party boats at Pier 45 at Fisherman's Wharf. Look for the 6-pack boats like Warrior poet, Flash Sportfishing, Argo Sportfishing and you will have much better experience.
Stevan K.
San Francisco, California
Talk to your Captain, if he is good taking his advise will make it a great trip.
5.0
Talk to your Captain, if he is good taking his advise will make it a great trip.
Kameron P.
Carmichael, California